Some Legal Problems With Exotic Pets

MIKE SELVON asked:


Being a pet owner is a wonderful opportunity to find unrequited love. There is just something about owning a pet that can bring out the best, or worst, in people. An animal is a huge responsibility and it is up to the pet owner to ensure that their animal is receiving quality medical care, food, water and attention. When these situations are not being met then animal cruelty is the result.

It is a sad state of affairs when animals are not receiving the help and care that they so desperately need. There are many animals that need love and attention that are simply not receiving it.

It is our job as the owners to see to it that animals are not abused and left neglected or roaming around on the streets as stray animals. This article will cover the basics of animal cruelty and hopefully by the end you will be doing your part to stop this travesty.

What are some of the laws that govern animal cruelty?

There are many laws that govern people who own animals as pets or livestock. The law ensures that people must take responsibility for owning an animal. The animal should receive proper nutrition, water, and medical care when necessary.

Should these laws be broken then the proper animal protection agencies of that area can step in and levy fines, arrest and take the animals away from the owners. There have been cases where offenders have spent prison time and faced stiff penalties and national censure such as in the cases involving dog fighting.

Is having too many animals considered animal cruelty?

There is such a thing as having too many animals. It can come in the form of hoarders or breeders. It all depends on whether or not the animals are being cared for properly. Hoarders do not realize that they are harming their pets.

They mistakenly believe that they are the only ones capable of caring for their animals. Having too many animals in many cities is against the law because having too many may limit the ability to care for the animals in the proper way.

Breeders will often house several animals so that they can make money on the puppies. The animals are kept in cages that often damage the soles of their feet in such a way as it makes it impossible for them to walk properly.

They are often not cared for nor provided with the proper medical attention. The goal of some breeders, not every breeder, is just to make money. There are some breeders who actually love and care for their animals properly.

How do animal cruelty laws affect breeders?

In the case of bad breeders the proper animal protection agencies will come in and seize all of the animals. They fine the breeder for having a) too many animals to be able to care for properly and b) not taking proper care of the animals.

Some cities limit the amount of pets that any one owner can possess in a household. This applies to breeders as well. The breeder can be fined and face possible prison sentences if they break these laws.

In the case of bad breeders, what happens to the animals?

In the case of bad breeders who are improperly caring for their animals the animal welfare unit will seize all of the animals. The animals are then placed in foster homes, put up for adoption or will be euthanized if they are in too bad of shape. It is a sad condition that any animal should have to be put down just because someone did not care for the animal properly.



Benjamin

Christine Layug asked:


As pet owners, we have the responsibility in taking care of our pets. As responsible owners, we must protect our pets from any harm if possible. If they get sick, we have the responsibility to take them to a veterinary clinic. But sadly, not all of us are as responsible enough to take care of their pets.

There are still some cases of animal abuse, mistreatment and abandonment happening around us, which is why animal charities has been founded to protect animals from any harm from humans, especially in America.

There are a lot of animal charities of America, but among the best animal charities of America are the ASPCA, ALDF, API, Anti-Cruelty Society and the HSUS.

The ASPCA or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a part of the best animal charities of America which dedicated to preventing the abuse of animals. It was founded by Henry Bergh on April 10, 1866, in New York City. It is the oldest animal rights/welfare organization in the United States. Their mission is “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.”

The ALDF or the Animal Legal Defense Fund is one of the best animal charities of America which is focused mainly on protecting and advancing the interests of animals through the legal system. Founded in 1979 by attorney Joyce Tischler, it now has over 100,000 members and supporters, with offices in San Francisco, Omaha, Nebraska, and Portland, Oregon.

The API or the Animal Protection Institute, one of the best animal charities of America, which supports the protection of animals from cruelty and exploitation. API’s slogan is “Saving Animals Is Our Reason for Being”.

The Anti-Cruelty Society is also one of the best animal charities of America which deals with the prevention of cruelty to animals and to advance humane education.

The HSUS or the Humane Society of the United States which are the largest animal charities of America that provides many forms of assistance to local animal shelters, operates a number of direct animal care programs, and is a leader in promoting best practices for local animal shelters throughout the country. So whenever you notice any abuse or abandoned pets around your neighborhood, just report this on the nearest animal charities around.



Gabriel

Joshua Simms asked:


Laws not only apply to human beings, there are also laws binding to animals. We have the animal welfare law as represented by PAWS and PETA. There’s also the law regarding exotic pets.

However, there is a variety from city-to-city. A law in one city may not apply to another state. If you own an exotic pet, check first with your nearest locality about the restrictions in owning them.

There are restrictions in exotic pet laws because the animal must be protected even more when they are separated from their natural habitat. Also, there is a possibility that the owner who adopts the exotic creature may not be able to provide the right home, diet and care to the owner.

Another reason is that since these animals can be sold to the state’s zoo - capturing and smuggling of exotic creatures are rampant in an area where there is an exotic creature. It’s also better to think of your neighbors. There’s no knowing what could happen if you have a wild animal in your backyard. What if it escapes? If it does, it could create great alarm to the public.

For example, look at these previous studies: - In Arizona, there is a dealer who was able to sell tigers from a minimum $900 to a maximum $7000. The price depends on the color of the tiger, as well as the gender. A young chimp has the going rate of $50,000.

- The most frequently kept wild creature in the US is the tiger. About 10% of 5,000 to 7,000 tigers are kepts in tiger sanctuaries and zoos. Some of them live in traveling shows with the troupe, circuses and big cat rescues for entertainment. Some people even tame them and make them their pets so they stay in their owners’ backyard.

- Tigers actually kill people and nine people have died in the last nine years. Every year, studies show that almost a 100,000 people are in danger of contacting the salmonella infection which comes from reptiles. The US Food and Drug Administration didn’t allow the sales and import of turtles smaller than 4 inches.

Studies also show that the businesses of wild and exotic animals that are eventually tamed are estimated to be worth $15 billion each year. Wild animal trade is worth billions of dollars. One fourth of wild animal trade is illegal. This is the poaching of elephants and tigers. It’s disturbing to find out that the second moneymaker on the black market, a close second after trading drugs and weapons, is the illegal trade of exotic animals.

That is why the legislatures not only considers safety of human beings, they also find the time to create laws to protect exotic animals. As mentioned earlier, animals, be it the tamed or the wild, deserve to have rights, just like us humans.



Gianna

Tiffany E. Sutton asked:


So often, people will make fun of or want to challenge people on their beliefs because they are different. Whether someone is of another race, whether they are gay, or they don’t eat meat…They are ALL a minority in one way or another…In that society does not cater to them and their lifestyle. People that CARE are of the minority. Most of society simply does NOT care, they are so desensitized. The next time you want to call someone weak or outrageous because they don’t eat meat or because they work tirelessly to help animals, I want to give you something to think about… It takes a very strong person to get up everyday and deal with what we have to deal with and see what we have to see.

We turn on our tv or walk out the front door and get offended. The world does not cater to our feelings in the least. So, we have to look past their ignorance and proceed forward for the sake of the animals. If we don’t, who will? Those of us not eating meat are the ones helping the environment when you won’t.

We see dogs and cats that have been abused and neglected and have to try to help these animals, all while balancing our own lives and families. Many of us wear three hats everyday…One for our own personal lives, one for work purposes and the other for what we do for animals. Often times, we have to wear all three of these hats at the same time.

When you don’t spay and neuter your pets, we are the ones trying to find homes for the litters that you dumped off on someone’s doorstep. When you kick the crap out of your dog, we are the ones that have to try to get that poor animal to trust humans again. While you are sitting on your butt watching the football game, we are on the side of a freeway in 30 degree weather trying to rescue a terrified kitten. When you are gulping down your steak without even taking the time to breathe, each of us are saving the lives of 100+ animals per year by living cruelty-free. We do this because our beliefs and our morals won’t allow for us to live any other way. This is OUR religion. Just like you have your religion. While you are looking at what is on your plate, we know the horror and the reality of HOW it got there. We know that whoever they were, they had a family and went kicking and screaming into the slaughterhouse, where they died a painful death in a pool of their own blood. We have the ability to realize that our actions NOW will impact everything in the future…Even when most of society doesn’t have sense enough to realize this for themselves.

It takes a VERY strong person to psych themselves up enough to get up each morning and face the day, when they know they are going to see more abuse and neglect and that the whole world is undermining damn near everything they work so hard for…Then, in the midst of all that, they have to try to work, smile, cook dinner, and function just like everyone else. You want to talk about strength? So, before you want to categorize someone as weak for not eating meat or for caring, it’s highly likely that that person is one of the strongest and most dedicated people you’ll ever have the privilege of meeting. Unless you are part of the animal welfare community, you have no clue just how MUCH strength it takes to keep going, to keep trying and keep being kind towards other people, even when they show you nothing but ignorance.

We are ALL a part of some kind of minority in one way or another. No matter who you are and no matter how much good you are doing, there will always be someone who will want to challenge or criticize it. I don’t believe any of us are perfect citizens. But, I know that those of us who work so hard for the sake of animals deserve some respect.

When you are judging people who are trying to do some good in this world, you are actually showing you are the weakest one of all. While you may not love animals or don’t see anything wrong with eating them, I do. And, I won’t back down from that. You may not agree with me, but I my hope is that you will at least appreciate my efforts and show me the respect that I show you. Show the animals of this world some kindness and respect. In the great big scheme of things, that is not a lot to ask. -TE Sutton



Carmita

Amit Mehta asked:


Animal abuse or animal cruelty refers to ill treatment or substandard care that result in needless harm, distress, or suffering. Standards of animal abuse laws, implementation, and tolerance vary across the US. So conditions that constitute abuse are decided on a case-to-case basis.

For example, at least five issues have caused divided opinions among the American public.

1. Fur Farming

2. Factory Farming

3. Animal testing of cosmetic products

4. Medical research using animal subjects

5. Using animals (especially wild animals) in a rodeo or circus

Practices that are considered cruel in other countries, which are tolerated in the US, include tail docking, ear cropping, and the Geier Hitch (using a rope through a nose ring to herd livestock).

Welfare Vs. Rights

Perhaps one reason for the divided opinion of the American public over issues of what constitutes cruelty is the fact that two active animal advocacy movements have responded differently to the question.

Animal welfare advocates say that using animals for human gain may sometimes be justified. But they aim to work at both improving treatment and ending unwarranted suffering.

On the other hand, animal rights advocates believe that an animal has rights just like a human being. That is, each animal has a right NOT to be used for human gain. They work at stopping humans from handling animals like commodities.

Psychological Implications

As mentioned, animal abuse has far-reaching implications on the state of mind of the abuser. The FBI, for one, states that a history of animal abuse is a recurring trait in profiles of murderers and serial rapists.

Furthermore, studies have shown that children who are animal abusers are often victims of abuse themselves or have, at least, seen abuse committed against a member of their family.

The US Humane Society released findings from two studies to this effect: Around a third of families experiencing domestic violence had one child at least who’d hurt/killed a pet.

How Cruelty Is Dealt With in the US

Anyone involved in animal care and training in the US should check out the cornerstone legislation, Cruelty to Animals Act. The law focuses on minimum (rather than optimum) care requirements, such as:

1. Food, water, and shelter

2. Medical care

3. Outlawing torture or inhumane killing

Animal advocacy groups and pet lovers decry the law’s ineffectiveness or silence on practices at circuses and rodeos and the treatment of animals considered pests. Moreover, that enforcement across the US is lamentably inconsistent.

But some states take animal abuse more seriously than others. In New York, for instance, humane society representatives are appointed by the state to enforce laws against animal cruelty. Another state with a similar policy is Massachusetts.

The US is also home to two of the most active animal advocacy groups in the world:

- The Humane Society of the United States

- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

As penalties for animal abuse are minor, the best thing animal lovers can hope for is that once cases of cruelty are exposed the abuse will end.



Michelle

Sharon Kay asked:


Several large animal welfare organizations are working with animal shelters

and rescues around the country to build a solid base upon which other

shelters and rescues can work toward creating a “no-kill” nation.

Maddie’s Fund has developed a plan and is providing funding to coalitions of

shelters and rescues to assist them in joining the “no-kill” movement.

Animal control agencies, traditional shelters, and adoption guarantee

organizations are all encouraged by Maddie’s Fund to combine talents and

resources to end the killing of healthy and treatable dogs and cats within the next 10 years.

Over the years there have been many definitions of “no-kill” shelters.

Animal welfare organizations around the country are now moving closer to

agreement on a universal definition.

“No-kill” does not mean animals are never euthanized by the shelter. If an

animal is determined untreatable or non-rehabilitatable after a battery of

tests and often a committee decision, the animal will be humanely euthanized

to end its suffering. These animals are considered to be unadoptable due to

serious chronic health problems or signs of behavioral or temperamental

defects that would be considered a safety risk.

Most animals will be considered adoptable and will be placed into the

adoption guaranteed category. Adoption guaranteed animals may leave the

shelter to go to their forever home, move into a foster home for further

socialization, transfer to a breed rescue, or be adopted as a service dog

for law enforcement, handicap assistance, or therapy work.

Most “no-kill” shelters are nonprofit organizations that are not associated

with any government agency. These shelters operate on donations, fund

raising, and grant funding. Adoption fees often cover the expenses of the

daily care of the animals in the shelter. “No-kill” shelters often rely on

the help of volunteers who are much more likely to assist a shelter where

the animals are much more likely to be adopted and not euthanized.

Aside from finding homes for healthy, adoptable animals, “no-kill” shelters

work diligently to reduce the number of homeless animals. This is done by

reducing the number of stray animals in a community by strongly encouraging

pet owners to have their animals spayed or neutered. Financial assistance

is often offered to elderly and low income citizens. All animals that leave

a “no-kill” shelter are spayed or neutered.

Education and assistance are also provided to pet owners that have pets with

behavioral problems. In most cases the problem can be resolved and the

animal kept in the home.

With more specified plans and a shared goal, an adoption guarantee nation

may become a reality within the next 10 years. This effort will require the

assistance of the general public by becoming more responsible pet owners.

The key to reaching a manageable number of homeless animals is having all

companion dogs and cats spayed or neutered.



Jordan

Markella M. asked:


Attention to all desperate men out there. Are you having trouble attracting women in your sexual life? Then go buy a cat! Cats are known to be extremely smart animals. They are known to drive all the negative energy away, they are very clean, sensitive, independent and of course they can help you impress most women.

Recent surveys proved that men who love animals, especially cats and men who own a cat have more chances on getting a date. A leading United Kingdom animal welfare society surveyed thousands of women and guess what! An astonishing 90% of them said that men who love and own a cat are more sensitive and more nice than the men who don’t have cats.

Maybe these women thought that if a man cares about his kitties then chances are that he will care for a woman and for children. Women see cats as children or babies while men see cats as friends. Women clearly stated they could be easily attracted to such a sensitive and caring man. That is a good reason why you should go out and get a cat. They are real female magnets!

Just don’t forget that in order to get a cat you must be a pet lover and really know how to treat the animal right. If you don’t like animals then you’d better not try this. For example a lot of people are allergic to cats. Others just can’t train their cats. Don’t just get a cat if you are unsure how to train her.

But if you are a pet lover and desperate about attracting women then use your cat. Train your cat so that he/she behaves well. Then invite a woman to your place for dinner or a coffee. Clean your apartment or house, cook some dinner if possible. Put your dating skills in action too. Any woman would be impressed.



Zach

Frankie asked:


If you are opposed to BSL, siezure and destruction of pets including, but certainly not limited to Akita’s, GSD’s, Ridgebacks and Staffordshire Bull Terriers -

Please email these 3 addresses:
cllr_kevin.humphreys@dublincity.ie
minister@environ.ie
johngormley@eircom.net

and voice your disgust on the situation of siezure and destruction of pets in Dublin Council estates, and ridiculous restrictions of 11 breeds of dog throughout the country.
Americans, Britains, whatever you are, please oppose this!

Also you can include something about the TERRIBLE state of animal welfare here. The small County of Wexford kills more dogs each year than the city of London, Scotland and Wales combined! Yes, a small place kills more dogs than a city and 2 whole countries combined!
The number of cats killed is unrecordable.

If You oppose, please email them. And to make this a question - what do you think of this?

Are you opposed?

Thanks.
Will we end up muzzling everything like the oppressed slave in this photo? -

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part1/images/1iron0147b.jpg

Harley

meglin ! asked:


I love animals. Since I was little, I’ve made the decision to dedicate my life to them and improving their lives. Since volunteering at a local animal shelter, I’m completely disgusted by the things some people do to their animals. And because I live by the philosophy of ‘If you don’t like something, change it’: I have started asking myself: How can I change this madness?

One idea was working as an animal rights or an animal welfare lawyer. I know they exist. There are about 20 different fields they cover from bite victims, cruelty, animal custody issues, and so much more. I feel that I’d be able to be the voice for the animals and give them what they deserve.

My question is: Realistically, how good of a dream is this? What is it like being a lawyer? Is it boring? Will animal welfare lawyers make as much as regular lawyers?

I want to do something I enjoy while making a difference in the world. And, of course, I want to be successful woman and make a good living.

How can I prepare for this career while still in high school? What are some other careers if this one doesn’t seem good? What are your opinions? What can you tell me about the career?

If it makes a difference… I’m a 15 year old sophomore in Arizona, have a 4.1 GPA, volunteer at the United State’s 2nd largest animal shelter every Saturday as an adoptions counselor, and have been interested in law for a while. I just always consider it to be boring and I never thought that the fields would interest me… until I found that animal welfare law existed.

Thank you.

Walter