• About BCR
  • News
  • News @ BCR
  • Rescues
  • Issues
  • Cat Laws
Saturday, May 21, 2022
  • Login
  • Register
Big Cat Rescue
  • Get Involved
  • Cub Facts
  • The Sanctuary Cats
  • FAQs
  • Contact Us
  • Shop
  • Videos
  • Donate
No Result
View All Result
Big Cat Rescue
  • Get Involved
  • Cub Facts
  • The Sanctuary Cats
  • FAQs
  • Contact Us
  • Shop
  • Videos
  • Donate
No Result
View All Result
Big Cat Rescue
No Result
View All Result
Home News World

Pa. lynx theft places spotlight on exotic animal trade

Carole by BCR
May 14, 2007
in News World
0 0
0
0
SHARES
102
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare via Email

BY BOB KALINOWSKI, STAFF WRITER
05/13/2007

Following the bizarre theft of a Canadian lynx from an exotic animal breeder recently, many eyebrows were raised at the revelation that such wild animals can be purchased in the region.

This might add to the surprise: The bobcat-like feline is actually low on the food chain compared to other wild animals that can be sold in Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

State residents may share their homes with lions, tigers, bears, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars, hyenas and wolves.

But before a person can acquire one legally, the prospective owner has to jump through many hoops in order to get a permit. Exotic animal ownership, therefore, is quite rare, although a local veterinarian says at least two people in the area have cougars as pets.

State law requires a wild animal buyer to have two years of hands-on experience caring for the designated species at an approved facility, usually a zoo. Other hurdles include verifying a municipality won’t object, fulfilling caging requirements and proving the animal will be properly sheltered, fed, cared for and protected.

“Those are some precautionary measures we put into legislation so we could limit, or avoid, some of the purchases on a whim,” said Jerry Feaser, a spokesman for the state Game Commission.

Ronald Derr, who owns the Columbia County business from which the Canadian lynx was stolen last month, said he hasn’t sold a lynx in Pennsylvania in years because so few people can obtain a permit. Nearly all his sales are to people from out of state.

Derr’s “Exotic Critters,” which also sells skunks, minks, bobcats, and raccoons, is actually the only business in the state licensed to sell Canadian lynx, Game Commission officials say.

According to Derr’s Web site, Canadian Lynx kittens cost $1,500; an albino skunk can be had for $350. He won’t sell to anyone who doesn’t have a permit.

People are willing to pay large sums and go through the certification process because they like the novelty of having a rare animal, said Dr. Inayat Kathio, of the Pittston Animal Hospital. But buying an exotic pet on a whim can be dangerous, he said.

“People sometimes want to have these animals — they feel they are powerful. Sometimes ego. Sometimes novelty. Everybody wants to show off,” he said. “Once the novelty wears off, these animals often get abused. There’s a lot of work to take care of them.”

In the past few years, Kathio said he has only seen four animals the Game Commissioner lists as “exotic.”

He’s performed laser declawing on two cougars for two area residents, one from Dallas and one from Lackawanna County. Both owners had proper permits.

“Another guy came in with a bobcat. He didn’t have a license, and we reported him to the game commission. And he got a fine,” Kathio said.

Another time, a trucker who was passing through the area with a bobcat brought the animal to Kathio. The man had no license, and Kathio reported him, too.

“People have to have a knowledge to take care of these animals. We are harming the animals if we don’t know anything about them. We are hurting them. Even I’m still learning. The experience never ends,” he said.

Years ago, when he was working at a New Jersey zoo, Kathio said he’d often get calls from people wanting to buy lions, tigers and cheetahs.

“I talked to them to tell them what are the disadvantages. They could attack people,” he said.

Before an exotic animal can be purchased, there are strict standards of care set by the Game Commission that must be met.

The animal must never:

-be exhibited to the public, except for a private showing for personal friends

-be removed from its cage, which must meet requirements

-go without food or water for a day

-be forced to live in unsanitary conditions.

-be taken out of the cage, except for visits to the veterinarian

-be released into the wild

Game Commission officials often check to make sure the requirements are being met.

If it seems like a lot of work goes into the purchase, maintenance and monitoring of these animals, that’s because it does, Kathio said.

He’s not sure if it’s worth it.

“My opinion is they belong in the wild and should stay in the wild,” Kathio said.

bkalinowski@citizensvoice.com

http://www.citizensvoice.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18335814 &BRD=2259&PAG=461&dept_id=455154&rfi=6


Tags: News World
Previous Post

Tiger who killed woman is killed

Next Post

Tiger warning ignored: B.C. SPCA

Carole

BCR

Big Cat Rescue is Caring for Cats and Ending the Trade

Related Posts

News World

Enrichment Program @ BIG CAT RESCUE!

May 7, 2022
72
Zanesville Massacre 18 tigers 17 lions 3 cougars gunned down
News World

Zanesville Massacre 18 tigers 17 lions 3 cougars gunned down

October 20, 2021
9k
Vanessa Hudgens Shame
Cat Laws

Cub Petting Shame

September 12, 2021
5.9k
Snow Leopard
News @ BCR

Save Snow Leopards

April 17, 2021
4.5k
Be Safe Out There!
How To Start A Sanctuary

Rules

March 31, 2020
530
Next Post

Tiger warning ignored: B.C. SPCA

Leave a Reply

  • Default Comments (0)
  • Facebook Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Help Feed Big Cats

One of the best ways to help is through general donations that can be used however it is most needed at the time.To make a general donation just click the Donate Now button below.  This is the best way to give as it has the lowest credit card processing fees and is immediate help for the cats.

Give to Big Cat Rescue

If you prefer to donate via Pay Pal, please use this link: Pay Pal

Recent Articles

  • Film May 9, 2022
  • Enrichment Program @ BIG CAT RESCUE! May 7, 2022
  • Enrichment May 7, 2022

More From BigCatRescue

  • Big Cat Rescue is Live 24/7 on Webcams
  • Rescue Missions
  • About Big Cat Rescue
  • Big Cat Rescue News
  • Reviews
  • Our Recent Work
  • Sanctuary FAQs
  • Big Cat TV

Sanctuary Cats

  • Jaguars
  • Leopards
  • Lions
  • Tigers
  • Bobcats
  • Canada Lynx
  • Cougars
  • Ocelots
  • Savannah Cats
  • Servals

Ways to Help

  • Newsletter SignUp
  • Donate Now
  • Shop
  • Wish List
  • Volunteer
  • Contact Us
  • View AMP Version

Save Big Cats

Donate to Big Cat Rescue
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • About BCR
  • News @ BCR
  • Videos
  • Big Cat Facts
  • Cub Facts
  • Sanctuary Cats
  • Shop and Save Cats
  • Volunteer
  • Donate
  • Abuse Issues
  • Contact Us

© Copyright 2021 BigCatRescue.Org. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Add New Playlist