Many wild creatures are kept as pets. Sometimes, the intentions of the owners of these pets are very noble; they may have rescued an injured, orphaned animal from the wild, or the animal lover may have bought the wild animal off a trader or hunter, because it was being kept under deplorable conditions and was perceived to be suffering.
However, even under these seemingly dire circumstances where the poor wild creature is ‘rescued’ from its immediate torture, the well-wishing Samaritan may be sentencing his new ‘pet’ to certain death.
The natural environment optimally provides all that the wild animal needs to live comfortably and without undue stress. Despite our good intentions, we lack sufficient knowledge in the nutrition and behaviour of these creatures to adequately cater for them in captivity. As a result, many wild pets suffer from injuries due to improper handling/transportation/ restraint, nutritional deficiencies, diverse illness and other stresses caused by cramped spaces, proximity to humans/ domestic animals, strange noises, unfamiliar surroundings, insufficient or excess light/darkness, etc.
Birds especially tend to become droopy and dull, while other species may become depressed, stop eating and eventually die. Diarrhoeas, pneumonias, skin diseases and parasite infestations are very common. Some animals become so agitated that they may injure themselves by thrashing about and continually trying to escape, while others develop sinister habits such as self-mutilation.
When we keep wild animals as pets, we also rob them of some of their natural instincts that are essential for their survival in nature, and if, at some time, these animals have to be returned to the wild (which happens quite often when the nice cuddly pet becomes large and sometimes aggressive), its chances of survival back in the wild are poor, as it has become so dependent on human care it can no longer fend for itself. In some cases, the poor animal, having lived with humans for a while, becomes defenceless or incapable of foraging for food by itself.
On many occasions, humans who have acquired wild animals tend to mutilate the animal to stop it from escaping or to lessen its danger to people and property. Typical examples of such human intervention are:
* The clipping of birds’ wings to
prevent escape.
* Removal of cats’ claws to prevent damage to household furnishings.
* Removal of snakes’ fangs, so that they cannot inject poisons into human caregivers.
We also contribute to the disruption of nature’s delicate balance when we remove animals/plants from their natural habitat, because each member has a part to play within the ecosystem.
I should also mention in this discussion that wild pets could also put us at risk, as they are known carriers of some diseases that can be transmitted to man.
Turtles, parrots and monkeys, some of the most popular ‘wild’ pets, could pose a serious threat to human health, especially children.
Serious physical injury is also a very real possibility, as a wild animal’s behaviour in captivity is sometimes unpredictable, and an animal may suddenly attack humans or react defensively in an aggressive manner without warning, if it perceives a threat (wild cats, monkeys, snakes). Some of the incidents can have fatal results!
I hope by now we are all convinced that it is not such a good idea to keep wild animals as pets.
If such an animal should happen to come into your possession, contact the Zoo, the EPA, Iwokrama or some other persons or agency with the technical or professional know-how in the handling of these creatures. Should you find an animal (wild or otherwise) being maltreated or suffering, contact the GSPCA.
Wild animals were born to roam free, so the next time you are tempted to have a wild animal as a pet, stop and think again.
All of the above reflect my personal opinion. There might be other persons (vets included) who may argue that it is a good practice to keep wild animals as companion animals.
Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals. Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you do not wish your pet to have puppies or kittens, you may exploit the GSPCA’s free spay and neutering programme. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.
