Teachers' PackExotic petsSome animals appear in the ‘Unwanted and unloved’ columns of local newspapers time and again and consequently deserve to be left off the children’s pet list entirely. Here are a few examples. 
Red-eared terrapins are easy to obtain (some have even been given away as fairground prizes), but are quite difficult to care for. Though enchanting when small, red-eared terrapins require specialised care (heating, light, etc.) and may grow to the size of a dinner plate. As they grow, their tiny aquarium soon becomes too small and must be replaced by a larger, more expensive tank. Larger terrapins can be messy feeders and produce vast quantities of waste. Their water needs regular cleaning and the terrapins may also carry diseases such as salmonella. As they grow, unwanted terrapins are passed on from one loveless home to the next, many suffering and dying in the process. Thousands more are thoughtlessly released into ponds and rivers where they die from the cold or, in warmer areas, survive and eat the local wildlife! For most people, red-eared terrapins become too big, too expensive, too dirty, too dull and simply too much to keep as pets. 
Reptiles generally, and snakes in particular, hold a fascination for boys wanting to gain notoriety among their friends. However, reptiles are fairly inactive creatures and children quickly tire of them. In addition, there are numerous examples of people buying small snakes that turn into giant pythons, totally unsuitable for the average household. The lives of these unwanted pets can be short and unpleasant. Birds too can lead bleak lives if they are confined in a small area where they are unable to fly. Some exotic birds are wild-caught and die during capture or in transit. In general terms, any wild-caught animal should be rejected as a pet. Trade in wild species has had a particularly damaging effect on tropical fish which die in their tens of thousands during capture, transport and, finally, in people’s homes. There are many attractive locally bred fish which people could have as pets without harming wild fish populations or causing unnecessary suffering. Tortoises have been over-collected, thus threatening the survival of the whole species. Many wild-caught animals suffer and die as a result of capture, storage, transit or lack of appropriate care in the home. Always ask pet shop keepers where they get their animals from. Only buy when you are certain the animals have been bred in captivity - not caught in the wild - and ask to view a document that will prove this. Print this page (Images are low resolution) Download the PDF file of this page (best for print quality and classroom use) |