Graphic design by Amanda
1. Transmit certain diseases to humans
Exotic pets can could transmit zoonotic diseases to humans. Zoonotic diseases are infections spread between animals and humans and they are caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites. Exotic reptiles such as bearded dragons and leopard geckos are common carriers of the Salmonella bacteria and there is no sure way to tell whether these animals are carriers of zoonotic diseases. If the individual is not careful with their hygiene after handling them, they may experience severe diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pains and even death.
2. Adverse Health effects on the exotic animals
The welfare of exotic pets in captivity is a concern for the authorities and animal rights groups. The transportation of exotic pets involves smuggling these animals in inhumane ways. They are placed in poor and stressful environments such as small plastic tubes, and drugged to ensure that they’re able to pass the checkpoint quietly. Most of them do not make it past the long and humid journey. According to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA), exotic pets are likely to be subjected to unsuitable living conditions and poor diet. Also, due to their owners’ lack of knowledge of proper care for exotic animals, this results in their pets dying or becoming ill. The lack of knowledgeable veterinary care for specific exotic species is another concern here. Since most local veterinarians only deal with domesticated animals or farm animals, many do not have the experience required to deal with health issues that exotic pets may develop.
Furthermore, some exotic pet owners may abandon their animals if they are not able to solve the health issues of the animal or become disinterested in taking care of them. Here is an example of a hedgehog abandoned in Singapore.
3. Adverse Impact on the environment
When exotic pets are released into the wild, this disrupts the ecosystem and affects Singapore’s biodiversity. There is a possibility of the animals becoming an invasive species, as a result this may cause competition among predators and possible extinction of preys which are native of Singapore. Animal poaching also arises due to the demand of exotic pet trade which may endanger wildlife species.
4. Public nuisance and public safety risk
Exotic pets may pose as public nuisance and disrupt our neighbours when they roam outside. Besides that, owning these animals may also put the individual and community around them at risk. If the exotic pets are isolated and spend the majority of their time in small enclosures unable to roam and express their natural behaviors freely, these animals may as well be time bombs waiting to explode. Across the world, many incidents have been reported where exotic pets have escaped from their enclosures and attacked humans and other animals. Children and adults have been mauled by tigers, bitten by monkeys, and suffocated by snakes.
5. Parasitic and dominionistic relationship
Owning an exotic animal is almost a rite of passage for the rich and the famous, since these animals don’t come for cheap. On social media sites, exotic animals can be seen flaunted next to branded goods – they are simply mere accessories to the rich who can afford them. The point of flaunting these animals may be due to the prestige factor. People seen with tigers on leashes or giant snakes wrapped around their necks are no doubt thinking about themselves far more than the animals. These animals display an alluring factor of untamability and wildness. Since pet owners may attribute their pet characteristics to themselves, this motivates them to to be seen as different and unique.