I am interested in what our community actually thinks on this topic and this article?

http://www.hsus.org/legislation_laws/wayne_pacelle_the_animal_advocate/the_us_should_tighten_its_borders_to_imported_exotic_animals.html

I do agree with it..Of course, I am hypocritical since I own gliders, but if they weren't readily available, I wouldn't have sought them out just "to have them". That isn't an excuse, I was just simply uneducated. Knowing what I know now, hearing about all the rescue and shelter stories, I do wish more people would look their first for a pet regardless of its popularity or unpopularity. You can get a cuddly lap cat/dog that will love you and adore you way more than your suggies ever will and they aren't even as high maintenance! I'm personally not going to ever purchase another exotic unless it's because one really needs a home and is being rehomed.

As far as the disease issue, I absolutely believe we should be cracking down on any living thing that comes on our soil as a foreign species. I think all the other countries should do the same too-ESPECIALLY with species that are known to carry viruses. My fear is that the black market would become much more active making those exotics that much more desirable to some and in return, making people that smuggle them in a lot of money. Another vicious circle.

gahhh so another disease in the US. awesome.
i definitely agree to more harsh laws on importing
exotic animals. shouldn't keep a closer eye.

Wow! I always wondered what the source was for HIV-AIDS. The first person to get had to GET it from somewhere. Everytime I would ask someone that question they would just look at me like "duh from having sex." Anyways I completely agree with you Kazko. I think they should completely stop imports and exports of animals unless it's to keep the animal from becoming endangered. But allow the animals already here to stay. Not to sound cold hearted or anything but these deseases, natural disasters etc. helps keep the human population down. Otherwise imagine our world if hardly anyone died except from old age. We would be so over populated. I couldn't even imagine. I think we are overpopulated as it is. I really mean no harm by what i say but it is true and things happen I suppose for a reason.

Great article, Kazko. I am also for halting the importation of exotic animals. Look at our beloved sugar gliders. They werent meant to live in America. Our climate isnt conducive to their needs. In most areas, they could not survive without our care. And because of this, they are destined to live their lives in cages.

I own two species of exotics - a parrot and sugar gliders. And let me tell you, they are both special needs. They need special vet care and special foods - special housing, etc, which means more money out of my pocket. I love them all and would never give them up unless for some very drastic reason I could no longer properly care for them. But would I encourage anyone to get a parrot or sugar gliders??? That answer is NO.

Importing exotics is for the almighty dollar. The people who illegally import animals and reptiles are not thinking of the animal or the consequences of what they are doing. It all boils down to money...

I guess I am the odd man (woman) out. I would love to see the USA import exotics.....more...with restrictions.

All animals should be quarantined (sp) when brought into to states to be sure they are not infected. Certain animals should only be allowed to go to Zoos or Santuaries...such as lions, tigers, ect.....there is NO reason for private ownership. To many times people have had these animals and they have gotten loose.

To import and exotic people should have to pass a "test" showing they know about the animal, it's care and needs. When a person gets an exotic they should get a certificate with an ID for the animal..the animal should get a tag with that number. A yearly visit to a vet should be required and the tag renewed each year....failure to do so the Fish & Game or SPCA should come and take the animal away. If the animal dies it should be brought to it's vet and the vet should certifiy it's death.

Endangered animals should be allowed to at least be brought to zoo's or santuaries....ones that do breeding..in hopes of bringing their numbers up....I just heard on the news that the polar bear has been placed on the endangered list...thanks to global warming..the ice caps/glaciers are melting. The orangatang and other primates are losing their homes due to the rainforests and land being cleared for "developement".

It will be a sad world when many of the animals are no longer here....
Are animals happier in the wild????? I am not sure they are...in captivity if proper care is given they have shelter, warmth, food, medical care and people that love them and give them attention...they are not being attacked and eaten or injured by their enemies...(unless they get a careless human).

Well time to get off the soap box...KAZ you asked

I don't think we need more laws.We need to enforce the ones we already have!!

I would like to know which USDA spokesman said:

"We don't regulate importation of fish, reptiles, lions, tigers, bears, foxes, monkeys, endangered species, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, chinchillas, squirrels, mongooses, chipmunks, ferrets, and other rodents."

To even have a monkey,tiger,lion,bear,endangered species in the US you have to have Federal and State licenses. So the USDA/State are the ones dropping the ball and giving licenses to these people who are getting these animals out of thin air, or just ignoring them until someone dies.

I'd also like to know why the HSUS groups mongooses and ferrets with "other rodents", i think they forgot gliders.

Anyone else watch "animal cops?

If you do watch, you will see the problem!! I assume that they are only showing the most dramatic animal cases. And for some reason they give these (*##%$%) people multiple warnings before they do ANYTHING!!! If they just did their job the first time, they wouldn't have to keep going back.If you are violating the law you should get a ticket,fine, confiscation or jail, what ever the law reads. NOT a warning! The law is already there. We don't need more.

All these bad people are ruining it for me and other responsible animal owners/lovers/future owners.

The USDA should stick with "cows,chickens and crops".

The humane society should stick with "domestic animals", i think we still have a problem with that!

And the DOW and Fish&Game (Federal DOW) should handle "hunting" issues.

That leaves alot of other animals. I think we need another category.

Catman, couldn't have been said better! :)

i watch animal cops!

lions, tigers, bears, foxes,squirrels,chipmunks,Can be pets?

Catman no one could have said it better. I love the animal cop shows...Houston doesn't seem to take any *....pardon me..NY depends and sadly Florida is the pits.....I love the judge in Houston..He most always sides with the cops and fines the owners and takes the animals and when the person walks out there are the cops to arrest them for cruety....DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS!!

No private person should own lions, tigers and the like..they are not house cats..In Miami we have a world class CAGELESS zoo...one of the best in the USA....

Small not dangerous animals I think live longer in captivity if taken proper care of....they have never comunicated with me but I think they would be happy..freedom means hunting for food and shelter and having to worry about getting attacked and eaten....as well as the cold, heat and rain...but the key word is taken care of properly.

Catman anyone reading your posts know you are passionate about animals...thank God for people like you...by the way loved the new picture of your wife and son...he sure is growing like a weed.....Take care