[Necessity of Laws Regulating Exotic Animals in Erath county]
A PROJECT/ RESEARCH PROPOSAL BY: Sheridan Mulkey, Maranda McGonigle, Fabricio Berlanga, and Sarah McCann 1333 W Washington Stephenville, TX 76402 /
Sheridan Mulkey, Maranda McGonigle,
Fabricio Berlanga and Sarah McCann
Research Team
1333 W Washington
Stephenville, TX 76402
December 13, 2012
Judge Tab Thompson
County Judge
Erath County Courthouse
100 W Washington
Stephenville, TX 76401
Dear Judge Thompson:
We would like to begin by thanking you for your time. We are a research team from Tarleton State University that have developed a special interest in the exotic animal pet trade and the lack of laws regulating the sale, trade and ownership of exotic animals in Erath County.
An exotic animal is any animal, mostly non-native species, which has not been domesticated through many generations of selective breeding that enhances desirable traits such as docility, mild temperament, and trainability.Exotic animals require the maintaining of specific habitats and diets. They are dangerous, unpredictable animals that are likely to host diseases humans are not immune to. Possession of exotics can cause the animals to be un-releasable, and when released exotic animals can have an extremely negative effect on the environment and ecosystem. There are currently no laws in Erath County that regulate the sale, trade and ownership of exotic animals. This has allowed for the sale of exotics to the public from local pet stores.
We have attached a proposal that further introduces the issues of exotic animal possession. The proposal is intended to encourage the implementation of public education programs and new laws to regulate the possession, sale and trade of exotic animals in Erath County.
Once again we would like to thank you for your time, and we appreciate your consideration of our proposal. If you have any questionswe can be contacted through email at or by phone at 940-577-5351.
Sincerely,
Sheridan Mulkey, Maranda McGonigle,
Fabricio Berlanga and Sarah McCann
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive summary...... 1
Background
- What are exotic animals?...... 1
- Why is owning exotics an issue?...... 1
- What is the current impact on Erath County?...... 4
- What laws are already in place?...... 4
Objectives
- What changes need to be made?...... 5
Benefits
- How will these changes better the issue?...... 5
Deliverbles
- How will these changes be implemented?...... 6
Works Cited ...... 7
Appendix
- Figure 1A:Iguana...... 8
Executive Summary:
The purpose of this proposal is to introduce the issue of exotic animal possession. This proposal is intended to encourage the implementation of public education programs and new laws to regulate the possession, sale and trade of exotic animals in Erath County. This proposal will define exotic animals, provide an explanation to why exotic ownership is an issue, discuss the current laws regulating exotic possession, and provide objectives to resolve this issue in Erath County.
Background:
What are exotic animals?
In order to define exotic animals we must first define domestic animals. Domestic animals, as defined by the Merriam Websterdictionary, are “any of various animals (as the horse or sheep) domesticated so as to live and breed in a tame condition” (Merriam-Webster).The domesticated dog is a prime example of domestication. It has been theorized by scientists that the dogs we know today are descended from the gray wolf. The wolves that were less likely to fear humans were taken as pups and raised as companions. By choosing wolves that were best for companionship to breed, humans eventually bred out undesirable traits and enhanced desirable ones (McGrath).Casey Harris of Exotic Animal University describes an exotic animal as any animal that has not been domesticated through many generations of selective breeding that enhances desirable traits such as docility, mild temperament, and trainability. Exotic animals can include many different species such as mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds, and are usually considered non-native species(David).
Why is owning exotics an issue?
The pet trade is a very lucrative business in the United States, and it has become very common to own at least one domestic animal. Thirty-nine percent of U.S. households own at least one dog, and thirty-three percent own at least one cat. According to the Humane Society of the United States the number of registered owned pets (cats & dogs) is a combine total of 165 million. The pet trade is a multi-billion dollar business, this statistic does not account for the illegal importations of exotic animals. The exotic pet trade and illegal smuggling of animals is second only to drug and weapons trafficking in the black market (Becker). The United States has few laws and regulations in place to stop interstate trading of exotics and illegal importation from other countries, but the potential payout continues to make exotic pet smuggling a problem.
There are several reasons exotics are not recommended as pets. The first reason is the demanding upkeep for the owner. Many reptiles, amphibians, and birds require strict diets and living conditions. Many pet stores do not carry the required feed that provides the needed nutrition; so many exotic pet owners must order the proper food online. This can be an inconvenience and extremely pricey for the owner, so in many cases the owner will give generic feed thus resulting in malnutrition problems. The second issue that comes with owning an exotic animal is providing a proper living area for them (Animal Planet). The destiny for most of exotic animals is a small cage or small living area. For example many reptiles, amphibians, and birds require tropical settings that the average owner does not provide for the animal (PETA, Animal Planet). Ignorance on part of the owner results in death or torture for the animal. Some animals will self-mutilate themselves as a result of the poor living conditions and malnutrition. When health issues do arise with an exotic pet there are very few veterinarians that will care for them. The veterinarians that will care for exotics tend to have very little experience, and will charge more for the risk involved in caring for exotics (Harris). The high cost and living demands in providing suitable living conditions for any exotic animal is something the average pet owner can’t afford.
Exotic animals by nature are dangerous, unpredictable animals. Their behavior may change with seasons, life cycles and ways we don’t understand. Pet primates, big cats and reptiles have attacked and seriously injured their owners, unsuspecting neighbors and bystanders (Newman). Exotic animals are also more likely to host a variety of diseases that humans are not immune to (Harris). They can carry diseases that are dangerous to people, such as rabies, herpes B virus, and Salmonella. The herpes B virus commonly found among macaque monkeys can be fatal to humans. Tens of thousands of people get Salmonella infections each year from reptiles or amphibians (Humane Society).
Exotics can live a really long time, which can be an issue when the original owner is no longer capable of caring for that animal and the possession is transferred to a person who has less knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm for that animal. The average life span of a military macaw living in captivity is sixty to eighty years. An aldrabra tortoise living in captivity can live up to 200 years of age and can grow as large as 800 pounds (National Zoo). Exotics sold in pets stores are often juveniles, or babies, that are small, dependent and appealing to the public (Harris). For example iguanas are a common exotic that is found in almost every pet store, including ones in Erath County. As juveniles, iguanas are around four inches and less than a pound. Iguanas are one of the most popular reptile pets. They are extremely hard to care for and most die within one year from improper care. A mature iguana can reach six feet, weigh about twenty pounds, and they tend to become very aggressive. A well cared for iguana can live for 30 years. Most pet owners are unaware of the potential growth and changes the animal will go through with maturity (National Zoo).See figure 1A in the appendix for a visual of an iguana that did not receive proper care.
When exotic pet owners are no longer willing to care for an exotic there are very few options that are provided to relocate the animal. There are very few rescue organizations that except exotics and many are species specific. Animal shelters do not accept, and are not equipped to care for exotics (Harris). Often pet owners will release the animal, the animals released back to the wild are completely dependent on humans and do not have necessary skills to survive in the wild (Mcleod). Many owners believe that they will be better off and find a way to manage out in the wild but in reality many die within the week of being released. The other scenario for the animals that do survive and thrive in our ecosystem though is an even worse result (Aldhous). The animals that survive become dominant hunters in the ecosystem and poses serious threats to the native animals affecting the balance of the current ecosystem. These predators will also cause casualties among neighborhood pets as they encroach into suburban areas (Aldhous).
What is the current impact on Erath County?
With the relatively rural living in Erath County exotics are still found in homes and pet stores. For example, in Stephenville there are several places to find exotics. There is a pet store in Stephenville called Js Pet Shop that has several exotic animals including iguanas, hedgehogs, and different species of reptiles. Exotics can also be found at the local flea market. For example, every other weekend there will be a gentleman set up selling sugar gliders. There are also online classifieds that you can order exotic animals from and have delivered, such as craigslist and hoobly.com. These are a few prime examples of the easy access the public has to exotic animals.
What laws are already in place?
Other than animal species that are considered to be endangered, dangerous, migratory birds, or birds of prey there are little to no restrictions on the possession or trade of exotic animals. This is because there are no nationally instated regulations regarding such activities. It is up to the state to implement such rules. If none exist it is then the decision of the county or city to employ specific parameters or laws regarding the ownership of exotic animals in that area. For example, there is a law that bans the ownership of hedgehogs in Plano, Texas.
Permits are required for the rehabilitation, educational display of birds, or scientific collecting of migratory bird species. To obtain these permits one must go through an application process both on the state (Texas Parks & Wildlife) and federal (U.S. Fish & Game through the Migratory Bird Office) level and may be required to submit multiple letters of recommendation, be susceptible to investigation into proper facilities, proof of at least five year experience with these birds, and is required to take and pass a multiple choice examination that encompasses such diverse topics as training techniques, diseases and natural history(“Migratory Bird Permits”, US Fish & Wildlife).
Nongame Animalsrequire a Scientific, Educational, or Zoological permit depending on what the animals are intended for. To receive a permit one must submit an application packet, along with two letters of recommendation from people in the same field, and a written explanation of how these animals will be better off in the intended situation (“Permits”, US Fish & Wildlife). None of these permits, however, allow for the sale or trade of any of the permitted animals. The permits last duration of three years but require a yearly “checkup” or report of the wellbeing of the animals.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife, the possession of a native game animal, such as turtles, squirrels, frogs, or rabbits, one must have a hunting license. Hunting licenses can be acquired through the 28 field offices, around 60 state parks and at over 1,600 retailers across Texas, plus hunting licenses can also be purchased online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
Objectives:
What changes need to be made?
The objectives of this proposal are to create public education programs and to improve or implement exotic animal law in Erath County. The first objective is to provide the general public of Erath County new education programs that raise awareness about the dangers and risks of exotic animal ownership. The second objective is to improve or implement rules and regulations on exotic sale, trade and ownership.
Benefits:
How will these changes better the issue?
There are many benefits to be reaped by the Erath County government, the general populationof the county and by exotic animals. The implementation of new exotic animal regulations and public education programs will create a safer environment for the county population. The safer environment will include a lesser chance of diseases such as salmonella, the spread of nonnative species, and less use of the black market or illegal pet trade. The general population of Erath County will also gain a new knowledge of the risk, danger, and issues of exotic pet ownership after participation in the new education programs. Exotic animals will be provided safety, and a better chance of staying in their natural environment.
Deliverables:
How will these changes be implemented?
In order for any changes to occur action must be taken by the Erath County government. The first action taken should be the implementation of public education programs in order to raise awareness about the issue of exotic pet ownership. The next action should be to begin legislation to bring new laws to regulate exotic pet sale, trade and ownership in Erath County to the vote of the public.
Works Cited
Aldhous, P. (2007). Legal immigrants posing risks to native species. New Scientist, 195(2615), 8-9
"Aldabra Tortoise Fact Sheet - National Zoo| FONZ." Aldabra Tortoise Fact Sheet - National Zoo| FONZ. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2012.
Animal Planet. (2012). Inside the Exotic Pet Trade. Fatal Attractions.
Becker, Dr. K. The Scourge of the Exotic Pet Trade. Healthy Pets with Dr. Karen Becker.
David, Ruth. "Popular Exotic Pets."Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 5 Oct. 2006. Web. 20 Nov. 2012. <
"Domestic Animal About Our Definitions: All Forms of a Word (noun, Verb, Etc.) Are Now Displayed on One Page." Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2012.
"Green Iguana Fact Sheet - National Zoo| FONZ." Green Iguana Fact Sheet - National Zoo| FONZ. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2012.
Humane Society of the United States. (2011). U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics. American Pet Products Association 2011-2012 National Pet Owners Survey,
Harris, Casey. Personal interview. 15 November 2012.
"Live Reptile Trade: The Humane Society of the United States." RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2012.
McGrath, Jane. "How Animal Domestication Works."HowStuffWorks. Discovery, n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. <
McLeod, L. (2012). Exotic Pets Returned to the Wild.
"Migratory Birds Permits." U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Home. N.p., 11 May 2012. Web. 6 Dec. 2012. <
"News Release." Texas Parks and Wildlife. Steve Lightfoot, 8 Aug. 2012. Web. 1 Dec. 2012. <
Newman, Andy. "Pet Chimpanzee Attacks Woman in Connecticut."The New York Times. The New York Times, 17 Feb. 2009. Web. 20 Nov. 2012. <
"Permits." U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Home. N.p., 23 May 2012. Web. 1 Dec. 2012. <
PETA.Inside the Exotic Animal Trade.
"Texas Parks & Wildlife Department." Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2012.
Appendix
Figure 1A: Iguana
This iguana was donated to Casey Harris at Exotic Animal University. This iguana was four inches long when purchased as a classroom pet. The animal grew very quickly and the school staff and children soon feared it. They did not know what to do with the iguana so they put it in a small cage in the back of an unused classroom, with no UV lighting and provided a poor diet.
1