|Many questions surround the issue of keeping dangerous wild animals as pets. CWAPC answers your most commonly asked questions below, and in doing so, helps explain why this practice is both dangerous for people and inhumane for animals; and why much stronger laws are needed to solve the problem.
Wild animals are those species that have not been domesticated and genetically shaped by humans for their products (food, fibers, etc) or services (guarding, companionship). Species native to the United States are commonly termed wildlife or wild animals: cougars, raccoons, bears, wolves, etc. Any non-native species is considered exotic: lions, tigers, primates, pythons, macaws, etc.
In terms of the trade in exotic and wild animals for pets, the species of greatest concern are: lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, cougars, wolves, bears, reptiles, non-human primates, and some birds; all of which are considered dangerous animals and belong in their natural habitat and not in the hands of private individuals. These animals are wild, potentially dangerous and do not make appropriate pets. [top]
Why are wild animals, when kept as pets, a public health and safety concern?
What does the future hold for a wild animal held in private ownership?
Should individuals keep wild or exotic animals as pets?
Is it difficult to get a permit to own an exotic animal?
Does the federal Animal Welfare Act protect wild animals?
Purpose: This bill called the Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act HR 1998 and S 1381 is the most important piece of legislation to ever be introduced to protect lions, tigers and other exotic wild cats from being kept as pets and in miserable roadside zoos. Ask your member of Congress to Co-Sponsor this bill now!
Which organizations have made statements that wild animals should not be kept as pets?