Some people are attracted to the novelty of owning an exotic pet. Instead of having a domesticated dog, cat, or hamster, they opt for a wolf, monkey, large reptile, or big cat. These animals are no doubt sought after for their beauty, charisma, and power, but whether they should be kept as pets is debatable. While they may seem docile, untamed pets can easily switch from calm to violent in a split second, injuring their owners or innocent people.
Exotic Pet Behavior
Exotic pets are not domesticated animals, so they are not ideal to keep around humans. Dogs, cats, livestock, and other domesticated animals have been selected for their docile behavior and affection towards humans over thousands of years. Genetically, they are hard-wired to be more gentle, calm, and obedient than their wild counterparts. Trust between humans and domesticated species has developed over a long span of history and cannot be replicated in just one lifetime. While many owners may think that they can "tame" their exotic pets, this is simply not possible. Wild animals will act on instinct if they feel scared or threatened, regardless of whether any threat actually exists.
Injury Risks
Exotic pets can cause significant injury to their owners and others. Some animals will lash out if a stranger looks them in the eye or make a sudden motion, even if the person did not intend to threaten the animal. If an exotic pet escapes, many people make the mistake of trying to run. When a predator sees a person run, it will act on instinct and chase them down, knocking them to the ground and possibly mauling them. Exotic pets are known to bite and scratch without warning. The safest option is for exotic pet owners is to keep their pets separated from humans as much as possible.
The Threat of Illness
In addition to the behavior dangers of owning an exotic pet, there is also a risk of contracting disease from them. For example, monkeys are known to carry the herpes virus, and because we are genetically similar, humans can contract herpes directly from monkeys. Reptiles and amphibians frequently harbor salmonella, which could be transferred to a person and cause an infection. A salmonella infection can result in severe illness, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, stomach cramps, and headache. Young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems may even die from a salmonella infection.
While owning an exotic pet is not illegal in most cases, they do pose a risk to people and the owner can be held liable for any injuries or illness that result from the animal. If you are not a cautious owner, you could find yourself facing lawsuits, serious fines, and even criminal charges for any harm that your exotic animal causes. Anyone who is harmed by an exotic pet may be able to hold the owner legally accountable and may be entitled to compensation for injuries and damages.
For More Information
To learn more about exotic pet accidents and owner liability, please visit the website of experienced Austin personal injury lawyer Vic Feazell, P.C. today.
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