75% of exotic pets survive less than one year
Welfare campaigners and academics have revealed that at least three-quarters of exotic animals in the UK die within a year of purchase. It is believed that many of these creatures – some of which could expect to live for up to 120 years in the wild - die from captivity stress-related causes.
Activist Elaine Toland and biologists Philip Arena and Clifford Warwick recorded their findings in The Biologist magazine. They used import and domestic breeding figures to estimate at least 75% of exotic pets die within one year in captivity.
Director of the Animal Protection Agency, Ms Toland, says the figure is "truly tragic" and claims a ban on the exotics pet trade is long overdue. She comments: “The trade in wild-caught and captive-bred lizards, snakes, tortoises and turtles is wasteful, destructive and inhumane, and even the most conscientious and well-intentioned keepers cannot realistically provide for all these animals’ biological needs.”
Ms Toland believes vets should be speaking out about the topic and be more outspoken on what is happening to these animals. She said: “Now we have this academic information it's all the more reason for vets to start speaking out."
Supporting calls for a ban Mr Warwick added: “Both formal regulation and enforcement, along with years of efforts at educating people about the major problems inherent to wildlife trading, have fundamentally and grossly failed to control what has been a persistent and exacerbating environmental, animal welfare and human health mess.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
