Wild animals are not pets
Wild animals should not be made to live like pets in conditions not suited to their species
Sadly, exotic wild animals are not only kept in zoos and animal parks but also in people's living rooms and in private enclosures. From the perspective of animal welfare, wild animals and even many popular 'pets' are completely unsuited for private keeping. In contrast to domesticated species like dogs and cats, wild animals have not adapted to life in human care even over hundreds of years.
Many species have specific needs that a private household will never be able to fulfil. International trade with animals captured in the wild is a further major issue. For this reason, FOUR PAWS says a clear 'no' to the keeping of wild animals like macaws, iguanas or exotic small mammals like chinchillas.
FOUR PAWS DEMANDS
- A ban on selling wild animals at fairs and exhibitions.
- Regulations for the private keeping of wild animals and the compilation of a 'positive list' focusing on:
- Criteria regarding animal protection and appropriate conditions for keeping wild animals
- Criteria for potential dangers to both people and animals
- Criteria with regard to risk factors in the areas of nature protection and the protection of species - The introduction of a compulsory certificate of competence.
- Compulsory registration for private keepers.
- An EU ban on the import of animals captured in the wild.
