News Blog Wild animals euthanised by owners in homes across Scotland (29-10-25) In homes across Scotland, wild animals are being kept as pets, and in some cases, their lives are ending in ways that are deeply troubling. A new study has uncovered that disturbingly some exotic pet owners are euthanising their animals themselves. The research, conducted by Professor Samantha Hurn of the University of Exeter and commissioned by OneKind, explored the motivations and behaviours of individuals who keep wild animals as pets and associated welfare issues including monitoring social media posts by “exotic pet” owners over a six-month period. The research, highlighted in our Don't Pet Me: The Scale, Scope and Motivations for Keeping Wild Animals as 'Pets' in Scotland report, revealed that while home euthanasia isn’t widespread, it occurs frequently enough to raise serious concerns. Among the species affected were snakes, crested geckos, gerbils and quail, which were horrifyingly decapitated using household tools like kitchen scissors. Other methods mentioned included blunt force trauma, cervical dislocation, freezing, and the use of substances like clove oil to kill aquatic animals such as fish and axolotls. A lack of qualified vets to treat wild animals kept as “exotic pets” may lead owners to euthanise animals themselves, with online misinformation between “exotic pet” owners further compounding the issue. OneKind’s CEO, Jason Rose, expressed significant concern over the findings: “We were horrified to learn that some owners are actually euthanising the animals in their care themselves. Euthanasia should only be carried out by trained professionals to ensure it is done in a legal, humane and respectful manner that minimises suffering”. The study also documented a range of welfare issues, including: Animals refusing to eat Self-mutilation and aggression within enclosures Stress-induced repetitive behaviours Nocturnal animals being disturbed during daylight hours for handling It is clear that these animals belong in the wild, not within people’s homes in Scotland. Experts speak out: wild animals’ needs highly unlikely to be met in a domestic environment Every veterinary professional and rescue worker interviewed in the study opposed the keeping of certain wild animals as pets. Species like primates, parrots, larger fish, foxes, and African pygmy hedgehogs were highlighted as particularly unsuitable for domestic environments. Dr Mark Jones, Head of Policy at Born Free, weighed in: “Humane euthanasia is a serious medical procedure that should never be taken lightly, and should only be considered when it is in the interests of the welfare of the animal concerned. It should only carried out by those with professional training, proper equipment and an understanding of the animal’s physiology to ensure it is pain free and dignified. The methods used by unqualified individuals will inevitably result in prolonged suffering rather than relief, and may well be carried out for the wrong reasons. "Exotic animals have complex needs which can rarely if ever be fully met in a domestic environment, and people should think twice before attempting to procure one”. A call for change: the “Don’t Pet Me” coalition OneKind has joined forces with Born Free and the Scottish SPCA to form the Don’t Pet Me coalition. Together, we're urging the Scottish Government to introduce a permitted list that includes only species that are suitable to keep as pets because their needs can be met in a typical home environment, and measures that would help ensure a list is effective, such as public education efforts and higher minimum care standards. Take action Our Don’t Pet Me petition to the Scottish Government has garnered over 11,000 signatures, with the public keen to see the Government take action to put an end to the suffering of wild animals in homes. The research is clear – wild animals kept as ‘exotic pets’ are suffering. These wild creatures deserve to thrive in their natural habitats and not be confined to people’s homes. Sign the Don't Pet Me petition Join OneKind today Manage Cookie Preferences