Enhanced guidelines urged for exotic pets

Published: Jan. 17, 2010 at 2:46 PM

ARLINGTON, Texas, Jan. 17 (UPI) — Officials say more stringent guidelines for exotic animal care are needed to prevent pet seizures such as the one that took place in Arlington, Texas.

The Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram said Saturday the pet sellers are reacting to the seizure of more than 27,000 animals during a raid by Arlington authorities of U.S. Global Exotics.

Among the animals seized in last month’s law enforcement raid were various amphibians, mammals and reptiles.

Pet Industry Joint Council Chief Executive Officer Marshall Meyers said the December raid as part of an animal cruelty investigation could negatively impact the exotic pet industry.

“People are concerned about anything that occurs that can cast dispersion on the industry,” Meyers said.

Daphna Nachminovitch, vice president of cruelty investigation for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, told the Star-Telegram the Global Exotics case highlighted the need for new care guidelines.

“Just because something is accepted by an industry doesn’t mean it is legal, and it certainly doesn’t mean it’s humane,” she said.

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/01/17/Enhanced-guidelines-urged-for-exotic-pets/UPI-24861263757590/

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