How to Stop This Practice
The only way to stop the proliferation of captive wild animals is to stop the breeding, bartering, sale, and possession of captive wild animals as "pets" and to educate the public to understand that wild animals belong in the wild, not in our homes.
The sale and possession of wild and exotic animals is regulated by a patchwork of federal, state, and local laws that generally vary by community and by animal. These laws are not consistent with each other. We need to set into place uniform laws that will provide these animals with the protections they deserve. We must educate the public and pursue legislation on all levels to ensure stronger protections.
Legislation has a powerful effect on the various industries and we are making headway. These issues appear in the newspapers practically every week and the public is beginning to realize the inherent cruelty in all of these practices.
Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute actively writes and introduces legislation in states that do not currently have any prohibitions on the private possession of captive wild animals as "pets." Born Free USA united with API also works with local municipalities on passing ordinances in these areas. Born Free USA united with API has available model legislation and ordinances.
Through a national effort of passing legislation to prohibit the possession and a concerted public education campaign, we can stop the surplus trade and one day have wild animals where they belong ... in the wild!
Related Links:
- Organizing a Campaign to Help Captive Wildlife
- Laws Relating to Exotic Animal Auctions
- Summary of State Laws Relating to Breeding Wild and/or Exotic Animals
- Summary of State Laws Relating to Exhibiting Exotic Animals
- Laws of the Separate States Relating to Private Possession of Exotic Animals
