IMPORT/EXPORT OF EXOTIC ANIMALS

Every year, thousands of exotic and wild animals are sold to people and to pet stores. Such animals include snakes, lizards, monkeys, hedgehogs, and tortoises. Unfortunately, this list is far from exhaustive. The import of exotic animals for exhibit, entertainment, or for personal collections often leads to immense suffering for the animals because most individuals simply don't have the resources or the knowledge to properly meet their physical, social or enrichment needs. Florida, in particular, is known for its trade in wild and exotic animals because of its tropical climate and proximity to the Carribean. Consider these facts about Florida and the Exotic Animal Trade: . In the state of Florida, there are over 8000 people with permits to own wild animals. Of that number, 408 are permitted to own tigers, gorillas, and other dangerous animals, but only 21 are accredited zoos and only two are accredited sanctuaries. . Florida issues more than 4000 exotic ownership permits each year and has to employ 27 inspectors at a cost to tax payers of $1.5 million dollars per year, just to allow people to keep, breed and sell exotic "pets". . Since the year 2000, there have been 70 incidents in Florida in which dangerous captive exotic animals have escaped from their cages and/or attacked a human being. Nearly half of these incidents resulted in serious human injuries. . Florida is now home to more tiger breeders than anywhere else in the country. There was a reported 50% increase in the number of captive tigers in this state in the last year alone. .Florida has become the "perfect" dumping ground for exotic pet owners whose animals have become too difficult to manage. As a result, Florida now teems with invasive, non-native species such as African monitor lizards, Burmese pythons, green iguanas and even vervet monkeys. What you can do: Never purchase wild or exotic animals. When you read about the sale of these animals in local papers, report the them to your local licensing or regulatory agency. Urge your local State Representatives and Senators to ban the private possession of exotic animals Other related web sites: http://funandsun.com/1tocf/wildlife/exotics.htm http://www.bigcatrescue.org/animal_abuse.htm http://www.sptimes.com/2003/09/28/Tampabay/Scrutiny_of_exotic_fa.shtml