News Blog Don’t ‘Pet’ Me: ending the suffering of ‘exotic’ pets 01-05-25 We have joined forces with Born Free and the Scottish SPCA to call on the Scottish Government to put an end to the suffering of wild animals in domestic homes. The ‘Don’t ‘Pet’ Me campaign aims to introduce a list of permitted species that can have their needs met in captivity. Why a permitted list? Did you know that unless an animal is considered a ‘dangerous’ animal, there are no restrictions on what animals can be kept as pets? As a result, animals that belong in the wild are regularly kept in home environments. These animals often live in inadequate housing, such as small cages, lack proper enrichment, don't have their social needs met, and are fed poor diets. A permitted list would ensure that wild animals, such as marmosets, pygmy hedgehogs and African grey parrots, are no longer forced due to endure a life in captivity. Sign the petition The problem with keeping wild animals as pets Wild animals kept as pets suffer during each stage of the trade process: capture from the wild or breeding, transport, and finally, captivity in a household. Capture The cruel methods used to capture wild animals disturb the social behaviour of animal populations and often result in injury or death to both target and non-target species. Many wild animals die during or after capture due to a condition called capture myopathy, caused by severe stress. Wild-caught animals also often demonstrate signs of trauma such as self-harming, fear-based aggression, and stereotypic behaviours. Captive breeding Wild animals kept as pets will likely suffer during each stage of trade process: capture from the wild or breeding, transport, and finally, captivity in a household. For example, many breeders keep snakes in plastic boxes so small that the snakes cannot extend to the full length of their body. Unethical breeding practices focus on specific genetic traits for appearance, leading to health problems such as neurological defects. Transport The trade in wild animals for pets is international, with animals regularly crossing borders. This seems to frequently be carried out with little or no attempt to safeguard welfare. Some animals are transported in unsuitable containers with no bedding or ventilation, and can die as a result. Life in captivity Wild animals have diverse and specific needs that are often difficult or impossible to meet in a home setting. Many pet owners are impulsive and irresponsible, acquiring animals without proper research or understanding of their needs. Animals are often kept in inadequate conditions, such as small enclosures or plastic boxes, with insufficient UV light, heat gradients, ventilation, or aquatic filters. Wild animals also often have complex dietary needs that are not fully understood nor met in home environments, leading to preventable health issues such as metabolic bone disease, self-mutilation, obesity, and malnutrition. Lack of veterinary care There is a shortage of experienced vets willing to treat wild animals kept as ‘exotic pets,’ leading to improper care. In some troubling cases, owners have even resorted to euthanising the animals themselves. Escapes, injuries, and predation Our research revealed many instances of traditional pets preying on other animals due to flimsy enclosure lids and human error. Escapes and accidents, such as animals being dropped or doors closing on limbs, were also common. Sleep disruption Many nocturnal species kept as pets experience regular sleep disruption. Owners often interact with their nocturnal animals during the day, disrupting their natural sleep patterns. Frequent rehoming Many wild animals kept as pets are frequently rehomed, causing stress and harm, especially to long-lived species. Parrots, already deprived in captivity, often suffer grief and other issues from changing hands multiple times. Don’t Pet Me: The Scale, Scope and Motivations for Keeping Wild Animals as Pets in Scotland We have conducted research into the motivations, behaviours, and experiences of people who keep wild animals at home, online sales of ‘exotic pets,’ and investigated 13 pet shops in Scotland. You can read about our findings in our report. Read the report Scots Support Tighter Rules Polling commissioned by Don’t Pet Me coalition member, Born Free, in 2022 revealed that 84% of Scots thought the next UK Government should tighten the rules on trade in and keeping of exotic pets. A British Veterinary Association (BVA) poll also showed that 81% of vets thought that welfare needs of exotic pets are not being met. Sign the Petition It is time to join the plethora of other countries, such as the Netherlands and Belgium, and put an end to the suffering of wild animals in domestic homes. Manage Cookie Preferences