Ohio - Regulate the Ownership of All Exotic Pets
- by: Judith B.
- recipient: John R. Kasich, Governor of Ohio
Large and dangerous exotic pets might hit the headlines, but the smaller ones suffer as well. The trade in exotic reptiles, fish, amphibians and small mammals often involves great cruelty and causes all sorts of conservation problems.
Although, law enforcers now have a little more power to regulate the ownership of large and dangerous wild animals, Ohio still has very lax restrictions on most exotic pets.
Mammals, fish, reptiles and birds are caught and smuggled for the exotic pet trade, causing immense suffering to the animals. Many of them are endangered, with the pet trade being a major cause. States with minimal regulations encourage the cruelty.
People often have no idea how to look after their new reptile, amphibian or even fish and release it, resulting in Ohio's waterways being under threat from a whole range of invasive species.
Ohio's laws on exotic pet ownership need sorting out. Tell the governor to ensure that the breeders, importers and would-be owners of all exotic pets are licensed and inspected.
The unregulated ownership of all bar a very small number of exotic animals causes conservation, animal welfare and human safety problems.
Released or escaped fish, reptiles and amphibians often become invasive species, destructive to aquaculture and native wildlife. The animal welfare issues of the exotic pet trade are serious, with the capture and treatment of the animals often causing immense suffering. The capture of threatened species threatens their survival.
Even species that do not qualify as "large and dangerous", such as lizards and small turtles, often carry potentially life-threatening diseases and are not suitable pets for small children.
In view of the animal welfare, conservation and health issues, Ohio needs to ensure that nobody acquires exotic pets unless they have the facilities and knowledge to look after them. Dedicated hobbyists caring for animals they have expertise in is one thing. Families acquiring exotic animals without any understanding of their care is another. Licensing and inspection of premises is essential. We ask that you take steps to introduce comprehensive legislation on the ownership, import and sale of all exotic animals.
Thank you for your consideration.
