Cats and Dogs Aren’t the Only Pets Getting Kicked to the Curb
ABC 4 reports in the article “Exotic Pets Losing Homes due to bad Economy,” that owners of exotic pets can no longer care for them because of financial problems. Iguanas, boa constrictors as well as other reptiles and amphibians are being abandoned by their owners at a frightening rate. And this neglect certainly has consequences on communities: A woman found an abandoned pet snake in her backyard.
Reptile Rescue owner James Dix advises exotic pet owners not to take the easy way out, but instead, to examine all their options. “Don’t turn it loose. We don’t want it freezing to death.”
As we can see in the interview with Guja, pet owners do sometimes take the easy way out. They throw their pets away for a number of reasons. The article points out reasons of money troubles, while Guja’s story illustrates problems with living arrangements.
Whatever the reason, throwing away pets isn’t the answer. As discussed in the article, exotic pet owners can be prosecuted for such abandonment.
This is interesting, I actually did some research as the pet industry last semester. The situation seems to have almost done a 180 in just a short time.
Now this is crazy! I didn’t even think about the exotic pets that get thrown out. I can’t imagine finding someone’s pet snake in my backyard. I’d actually be pretty pissed. It’s so irresponsible. I’m glad you are shining light on this topic. It’s also unfortunate for the exotic pets because they require more specific care. Also, someone is probably more likely to take in a dog or cat, versus an iguana or pet snake. Nice post.