Despite the clueless reporter making a cutesy fluff piece of this article, the 128 public comments show that the public isn't so ignorant any more. The vast majority recognize that people who own exotic animals as pets and status symbols are animal abusers and don't understand that most of the exotic pet owners live in poverty and squalor. If the rich were spending their money to help animals, they would see that they are only imitating the poor and illiterate.
Some South Floridians, wild about big cats, let carnivores roam their home
Licensed owners take on the commitment — and the risks
By Mike Clary |South Florida Sun Sentinel
7:53 AM EST, January 23, 2009
In Southwest Ranches, a 100-pound Siberian lynx named Sasha roams Steve and Barbara Burk's house like the alpha-male predator he is.
At times the powerful cat paws playfully at a llama, a goat or another critter in the menagerie the Burks invite in to wander the house. At other times Sasha grows bored with the barnyard hoi polloi and retires to his bedroom, furnished with a double bed and a television.
"He is very socialized, very affectionate," said Barbara Burk. "If he wanted to, he probably could kill me. He has never given me any reason to be worried, but I always have to think that possibility is there."
About 30 residents of Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties hold licenses from the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to keep as pets carnivores that include all wild felines with the exception of lions, tigers, leopards and jaguars.
Related links
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Big cats behind those suburban doors Photos
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Rules for getting a wildlife license
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South Florida's exotic animal licenses
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Number of licenses to keep wild cats in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami Dade counties
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What happens to unwanted exotics?
Many end up at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, where David Hitzig and a staff of 17 care for hundreds of native mammals, birds and reptiles along with several exotics confiscated by the state. Among current residents that private owners could no longer handle are five cougars, five bobcats, several foxes and a Siberian lynx, Simba, who last year escaped from its owner in Martin County.
Hitzig said he understands the lure of exotic pets. But caring for them, he said, "is a major responsibility."
"If you're looking for a companion, love and attention," said Hitzig, "animal shelters are full of dogs and cats that need a good home."
Many who have exotic medium-sized cats — including cougars, servals, caracals, for example — keep the animals caged outdoors as they would be in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries. But other wild cats have been turned into household pets, let loose in the living room, walked outside on leashes and lavished with the same affection and trust as any dog or domestic cat.
West of Lake Worth, Bob the bobcat also has his own bedroom. There he romps with his owners, Felicia Serpico and David Linde, and likes to dart through a 7-foot polyester tunnel from Ikea.
"He's very loving, very happy," said Serpico, a psychologist with a private practice in Sunrise.
At about 30 pounds, Bob is a third Sasha's weight, but he, too, is a wild cat. Serpico keeps that in mind.
"We can trust that he is a bobcat," said Serpico of Bob. "He has strength, stubbornness, agility and sharp teeth. We read him really well. If he's in a bad mood, we're not playing."
Many wildlife organizations and government agencies oppose keeping wild animals as pets.
Beth Preiss of the Humane Society of the United States, said, "A smaller cat such as a bobcat can be as dangerous to a child as a lion or tiger."
Capt. John West, the commission's wildlife coordinator, said, "Wild animals are not recommended" as pets. "They are not domestic, and you are not going to domesticate them," he said.
Injuries have happened. In November a 16-year-old girl was mauled by a cougar in Miami-Dade County. Earlier in the year, two recently adopted cheetahs attacked Judy Berens during a fundraiser at her Panther Ridge Conservation Center in Wellington.
And in a highly publicized 2004 incident, a wildlife officer shot and killed a 600-pound Bengal tiger named Bobo after it escaped from the Loxahatchee home of former Tarzan actor Steve Sipek.
Still, if properly housed by licensed owners in rooms or cages that must be inspected two times a year, keeping wild animals as personal pets is legal in Florida.
Owners say they know the risks, and they also understand the time and money required. Captive wild animals require special diets of whole animals or raw meat, vitamin supplements and, in Bob's case, $130 a month in medications. Cleaning up is nearly a full-time job.
"This is a lifetime commitment," said Serpico, whose 4-year-old cat has epilepsy and takes drugs to control gran mal seizures.
Explained Barbara Burk about Sasha: "To those people who see him and say, 'I want one, too,' I say, 'You have no idea.'"
In choosing to take in an exotic, Palm Beach County conservation commission investigator Shannon Wiyda said, "Your entire life is dedicated to these animals. It has to be. You can't ask the neighborhood kid to watch your pet lynx or bobcat."
Indeed, the daily schedules of the Burks, Serpico and Linde are designed to accommodate the 24-hour demands of a household pet who may be awake all night, has a tendency to spray urine to mark territory and could be a serious danger to himself or others if allowed to escape. The potential for escapes is a major concern of law enforcement. "Some people like to have these things roaming around their house as a status symbol," said Lt. Pat Reynolds, a wildlife commission inspector in Miami.
Click here to find out more!
But, he added, "Most of our escapes occur when it runs out the front door. That's the number one problem with these small cats."
Serpico and Linde decided to adopt Bob several months ago after meeting the captive-born kitten at Panther Ridge, where they volunteered.
"It is not about having this animal, but helping this animal," said Linde, a software engineer. "If we didn't have the right to keep him in our house, he probably would have to be put down."
Like Bob, Sasha also was born in captivity. The Burks got him at 3 months from a dealer after their beloved 6-foot water monitor died. "I was looking for a challenge," said Burk, 66, once a body builder who finished second in a Mr. USA competition
The Burks moved in 2005 from Miami Beach to the 4-acre Broward County Click here for restaurant inspection reports compound where they board 15 horses and spend nearly every waking hour feeding, mopping up and refereeing inter-species squabbles.
At times, the Burks' 7,500-square-foot house resembles a chaotic Noah's Ark, or a fever-dream movie set for a Doctor Dolittle remake.
On a recent morning, for example, Buddy the llama and two goats were scampering through the living room while Phil, a Sicilian donkey, tempted fate by nipping at Sasha's neck as the cat sprawled languidly on the floor.
With a large, squawking hyacinth macaw named Rio flying around, Barbara Burk sat on a couch — tattered by teeth, hoofs and beaks — and stroked a hedgehog the size of a bread loaf.
In the kitchen, Steve prepared a bountiful salad plate for the Sulcata African tortoise — one day closer to gaining his full-grown weight of 100 pounds — and then tossed a handful of live worms to two bearded dragons.
"We're retired," said Steve. "This is our job."
Mike Clary can be reached at mclary@sunsentinel.com or at 305-810-5007.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbcats0123sbjan23,0,7920977.story
Snaggle Puss
Washington, DC
#1
Yesterday
Heavens to MergaTroid … Exit — Stage Left!!!
sammy
Lake Worth, FL
#3
Yesterday
these people are playing with fire…..wild animals can and will attack……
all it takes is one time and they could kill you or injure you and its not the animals fault but YOUR STUPIDITY to have these as pets.
DaddyYo
Delray Beach, FL
#5
Yesterday
Not too cool, if one got lose and a child was out playing. Cats can be nasty and are very unpredictable!
Learn from the experts
Boca Raton, FL
#6
Yesterday
Sigfried and Roy.
The Cat Dancers.
Sadly, all end bad.
Who pays
Gainesville, FL
#9
Yesterday
Do the license fees cover the salaries and expenses of the inspectors who have to come out to each residence twice a year?
broward resident
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#10
Yesterday
I don't trust private people to treat these animals correctly.
Tony the Tiger
Charleston, WV
#11
Yesterday
How stylish. One can only wait for the moment when Sasha resorts to her instincts and goes at her owners like Oprah at an all you can eat buffet.
Oakland Park
Pompano Beach, FL
#12
Yesterday
How much attention does one need? Get a life. Get a human life.
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Barbara
#13
Yesterday
I live on a major road in Broward County and can tell you many times during thunderstorms, celebrations with fireworks, sudden loud noise(such as a fire truck) there are loose dogs just running to get away. They climb fences, go through windows, etc. Many times over the last 34 years I have brought them into my yard, just so they won't be killed on this road. I can't IMAGINE dealing with dangerous wild animals. Around here, most people don't even like the ducks.! For the last few weeks, I have had a very tall (and loud) goose at my house every day. I don't know where it came from, but follows me everywhere
DonteNCedric
#14
Yesterday
You wanna live with wild animals..go live in THEIR ENVIRONMENT – keep the ******* outta my gated community and my city – stupid ******* morons…You wanna live in a zoo – go to Obama World in DC – there are enough animals there and **** in Mercedes!
USMC SGT
Joined: Aug 17, 2008
Comments: 134
Jupiter, FL
#15
Yesterday
I would never keep one myself but the cat in that video is one awesome animal.
The power and agility these animals possess is really something that requires you to respect these animals every second.
Maybe in a couple years we can all read and comment about how a 120lb siberian lynx snapped the neck of some kid.
Question
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#16
Yesterday
Are our local law enforcement and firefighters privy to the location of these nuts? And, if someone calls 911 from inside one of these houses, are first responders told that entry into the house could be deadly?
RED BARON
Pompano Beach, FL
#17
Yesterday
Unfortunately, all it takes is for one of these cats to go bezerk and kill one or two small children. These amateur "zoo keepers" will then be forced to return to reality. These animals don't belong in a person's house. They belong in the wild or in a zoo.
Some sanity please
Port Saint Lucie, FL
#18
Yesterday
Pit bulls and Dobermans are already a serious threat to the public. How can anyone believe it is safe to keep these big carnivores outside of a zoo? They cannot be domesticated. Domestication takes many generations of selective breeding to alter their genetic background. Not only are these big cats a danger to the general public if they escape, they can turn on their masters at any time. The fool woman even said in the article that she can't "play" with her natural-born killer if he is in a cross mood. That mood can change in an instant, and maybe she won't recognise it. An unarmed human has no chance against such an animal if it attacks. I hope she keeps a loaded gun strapped to her hip. This is one of the most disturbing articles I have read in a long time.
Justifiably Bellicose
West Palm Beach, FL
#19
Yesterday
Sure, we're all fascinated by these huge, beautiful creatures.
But they DO NOT BELONG in people's HOMES.
Only a self-indulgent moron would keep a big cat as a pet.
DMG
Boynton Beach, FL
#20
Yesterday
DeShawna wrote:
we got 4 pits cause them pits are real pets. we train them so nobody animals mess with us. the pits will eat a lynx for lunch so aint no lynx no real animal unless it can beat a pit and we train our pits to win. we even add gunpowder to their food to tuffen them up cause them pits be for real. we also train them
What an uneducated, classless moron you are. You should not be allowed to own animals as you have them for all the wrong reasons.
onebaud
Joined: Jun 17, 2008
Comments: 39
Miami, FL
#21
Yesterday
I don't mind people having tigers, lions or other big cats, but not in the home. They should live in their lairs with them.
What a Joke
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#22
Yesterday
Some sanity please wrote:
Pit bulls and Dobermans are already a serious threat to the public. How can anyone believe it is safe to keep these big carnivores outside of a zoo? They cannot be domesticated. Domestication takes many generations of selective breeding to alter their genetic background. Not only are these big cats a danger to the general public if they escape, they can turn on their masters at any time. The fool woman even said in the article that she can't "play" with her natural-born killer if he is in a cross mood. That mood can change in an instant, and maybe she won't recognise it. An unarmed human has no chance against such an animal if it attacks. I hope she keeps a loaded gun strapped to her hip. This is one of the most disturbing articles I have read in a long time.
Where did you pull out of your as that Dobes are a serious threat to the public? Have any facts to support that? Nope! GO AWAY!
Evil Killers
Miami, FL
#23
Yesterday
Those folks are real losers. Their homes are full of cat and goat crapping and must stink to high hell. Not to mention that one day the cat will be **** off and rip somebody's arm off. Good riddance!
Dick
United States
#24
Yesterday
They call them wild for a reason.
Each to his own.
I hope the owners have LOTS of insurance.
BooBooKitty
London, KY
#25
Yesterday
Captive animals are not housepets.
This should be illegal 100%.
The animals needs cannot be met in this environment- it is a selfish person who forces a wild animal to live inside a home. No matter how hard you try you cannot duplicate their natural environment, and anyone who thinks they can is rationalizing their need to own an "exotic".
Good grief.
David
United States
#26
Yesterday
These are the same people that have those big snakes and then let them loose. Wait till one of those snakes or big cats kills some 3 year old child and lets see how "cool" those "pets" are.
Miss A in Illinois
Woodridge, IL
#27
Yesterday
This woman has some screws loose. The house must be a pit if she lets a goat walk on top of hte sofa. She needs help…probably voted for Obama.
cappeton
#28
Yesterday
You are playing with fire keeping these cats in a house.It is not where they Belong.
rukidding
Tallahassee, FL
#29
Yesterday
Barbara wrote:
I live on a major road in Broward County and can tell you many times during thunderstorms, celebrations with fireworks, sudden loud noise(such as a fire truck) there are loose dogs just running to get away. They climb fences, go through windows, etc. Many times over the last 34 years I have brought them into my yard, just so they won't be killed on this road. I can't IMAGINE dealing with dangerous wild animals. Around here, most people don't even like the ducks.! For the last few weeks, I have had a very tall (and loud) goose at my house every day. I don't know where it came from, but follows me everywhere
Maybe it just wants to take a gander at your place? Try telling it a joke and if it quacks up, then keep it around.
A1ACharles is Still The 1
West Palm Beach, FL
#30
Yesterday
That is a "watch cat".
What happens when they dont like them as pets anymore?
marlin perkins
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#31
Yesterday
i can only imagine the smell in that house! i hope there aren't any kids living in there.
Broke Rider
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#32
Yesterday
Llamas in the living room, lynx in the closet, bearded dragons and monitor lizards…. oh my!!
What do the neighbors think? Do they board other peoples' horses, seems they would need very high insurance!!
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Dumb Idea
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#33
Yesterday
Wild animals belong in the wild. Don't wanna hear any whining when the animal eats its owner.
Louie
#34
Yesterday
WHY ???
Sun Sentinel
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#35
Yesterday
RED BARON wrote:
Unfortunately, all it takes is for one of these cats to go bezerk and kill one or two small children. These amateur "zoo keepers" will then be forced to return to reality. These animals don't belong in a person's house. They belong in the wild or in a zoo.
My thoughts exactly.
SELFISH PEOPLE
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#36
Yesterday
Very, very selfish to keep an animal like this from its natural habitat…shame.
TomFLL
Joined: Mar 26, 2007
Comments: 376
NYC
ISP: New York, NY
#37
Yesterday
These people are nuts. I have a playful domestic kitty and sometimes when we're playing he bites down on me — he's just playing and doesn't mean harm, however, he's only 8 pounds. Imagine a 30 – 40 pound cat doing the same thing and they could puncture arteries or veins. And felines really have a different temperament versus canines.
Have to say
Pompano Beach, FL
#38
Yesterday
Stupid people everywhere !
Have to say
Pompano Beach, FL
#39
Yesterday
Where is the Liberals screaming about this ?????
Ladislav Nemec
#40
Yesterday
It is, in my opinion, perfectly OK to have big cats and wolfs (hyenas do not seem to be that popular) if you have some 200 acres of land with no neighbors for 5 or more miles.
Otherwise, nobody should keep cats larger than the domestic ones – I am not sure about large dogs. Watching the TV 'judge' shows, pit bulls really like to eat their neighboring canines, rarely consuming them but killing them or hurting them badly.
Here in California mountains rather large dogs are running free, more or less, but the ones that come to my property are very friendly, thank god. Coyotes may not be so friendly but they seem to be very shy.
I understand that people love to have dangerous animals around – they are probably so bored with life that they need some excitement.
What I do NOT understand is they are allowed to do so by authorities in a urban or suburban setting.
Boca Jew
Pompano Beach, FL
#41
Yesterday
""I don't mind people having tigers, lions or other big cats, but not in the home. They should live in their lairs with them."""
Try reading, if you know now. These people are NOT keeping bigcats, like Lions and Tigers. These are 30-50 lb animals, smaller then a Pitbull dog.
David Perez
Fishkill, NY
#42
Yesterday
Man alone is the perfect beast.
cbm
Miami, FL
#43
Yesterday
Selfish. Florida needs to crack down on this type of crap. It's a risk for everyone and completely unnecessary. If she really loved Siberian Lynx, she'd be helping the wild ones.
pie
Quantico, VA
#44
Yesterday
bad idea, if ever gets out and attacks my pet, I will kill it and feed it to mine
KOP
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#45
Yesterday
"He is very socialized, very affectionate," said Barbara Burk. "If he wanted to, he probably could kill me. He has never given me any reason to be worried, but I always have to think that possibility is there."
ENOUGH SAID
The Renegade
Miami, FL
#46
Yesterday
People that keep big wild animals and even pit bulls (read predators here) are all nothing but people with very low personal esteem and complete lack of personality (read here trash people). The animals fill their need to portray an image and show what they can not do themselves. Florida authorities should test these people further to see if they have not only the conditions to keep wild amimals, but also to see if they are psycologically qualified to do so.
By the way DeShawna, did your Mamma get a license to have you?
You know it
Northridge, CA
#47
Yesterday
Thats retirement??? lol…I would rather be living in Naples, walking on the Beach, going to the Pier. Sounds like a pain in the arse…no?
KOP
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#48
Yesterday
Miss A in Illinois wrote:
This woman has some screws loose. The house must be a pit if she lets a goat walk on top of hte sofa. She needs help…probably voted for Obama.
You also need some major help by linking this to voting for Obama. Your screws are as loose but you do not see yet.
Delightful_girl
“The Homies Have Spoken”
Joined: Jul 12, 2008
Comments: 1157
Lighthouse Point, Florida
ISP: Hollywood, FL
#49
Yesterday
This is the epitome of selfishness. These people are not equipped or educated enough to begin to understand these animals. How can this be legal?
Face it
San José, Costa Rica
#50
Yesterday
cat urine stinks
New World Order
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#51
Yesterday
Establish a law to kill the owner of these beast if it attacks anyone.
Brandy
Fayetteville, NC
#52
Yesterday
How sad for these big cats and exotic animals to be locked away in someone's home instead of where they belong, simply for the pure enjoyment of these humans. I agree with some other people on here…if you want to live with wild animals, go live in their environment!!! Don't drag them into yours. Do you really think a 100lb lynx is happy in a house? Very disappointing. How selfish of these people. Very, very selfish. And they will be the first ones to complain when these animals turn on them. You can put a leash on a wild cat, but that doesn't make him a pet. He is still wild. Good luck to these people's neighbors and to the animals if they get loose. It probably won't end well for all involved including the animal. This makes me very sad. These people should instead donate their time and money to helping wildlife, or set up the proper facilities to care for them if this is how they want to live. And I am sure these pets were purchased, not rescued…so that just promotes the breeding and selling of these animals. Again, just a sad story for these big cats!!
Raleigh, NC
#53
Yesterday
The animals would rather wander around all day in a forest or field rather than a home with tile floors..It seems they treat them good however a wild animal must be left in the WILD!
You know it
Northridge, CA
#54
Yesterday
DeShawna wrote:
we got 4 pits cause them pits are real pets. we train them so nobody animals mess with us. the pits will eat a lynx for lunch so aint no lynx no real animal unless it can beat a pit and we train our pits to win. we even add gunpowder to their food to tuffen them up cause them pits be for real. we also train them
you sound like an uneducated dumb arse…you must have voted for Obama, and you must have been in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina…Speak English, ID10T
You know it
Northridge, CA
#55
Yesterday
sammy wrote:
these people are playing with fire…..wild animals can and will attack……
all it takes is one time and they could kill you or injure you and its not the animals fault but YOUR STUPIDITY to have these as pets.
Hey, is this Sam Boulware????
A1ACharles is Still The 1
West Palm Beach, FL
#57
Yesterday
"Mom the catbox is overflowing again!!".
Tony the Tiger
Boca Raton, FL
#58
Yesterday
Not so grrrrrrrrrreat!
What a stupid article to put in the newspaper to frighten the people of South Florida. These animals should be removed immediately to a zoo….I would be a nervous wreck living in S.W. Ranches. Someone better remove these animals now before someone gets killed or eaten. Let the owner live at the zoo with them; be their zookeeper but stay the hell away from our homes. Would anyone like to have dinner at her home? I don't think so…..you might turn out to be dinner for them!
Clancy
Boca Raton, FL
#59
Yesterday
Dangerous animals belong in the wild not in stupid peoples houses. Are the cops warned that they are responding to a house with a dangerous animal?
Smiley
Miami, FL
#62
Yesterday
Barbara wrote:
I live on a major road in Broward County and can tell you many times during thunderstorms, celebrations with fireworks, sudden loud noise(such as a fire truck) there are loose dogs just running to get away. They climb fences, go through windows, etc. Many times over the last 34 years I have brought them into my yard, just so they won't be killed on this road. I can't IMAGINE dealing with dangerous wild animals. Around here, most people don't even like the ducks.! For the last few weeks, I have had a very tall (and loud) goose at my house every day. I don't know where it came from, but follows me everywhere
DID YOU GET GOOSED BY THE GOOSE?
Bingo
Miami, FL
#63
Yesterday
Snaggle Puss wrote:
Heavens to MergaTroid … Exit — Stage Left!!!
I was wondering if anyone else remembered old Snaggle. He is the only cat I want in my living room.
Pompano Beach, FL
#64
Yesterday
it's people like them that ruin it for everyone else.
like on casual Fridays at the office. one person comes in with a torn pair of jeans and its back to tie and suit thanks.
miamiman
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#65
Yesterday
an idiot is born every minute.
Barry
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#66
Yesterday
Barbara wrote:
I live on a major road in Broward County and can tell you many times during thunderstorms, celebrations with fireworks, sudden loud noise(such as a fire truck) there are loose dogs just running to get away. They climb fences, go through windows, etc. Many times over the last 34 years I have brought them into my yard, just so they won't be killed on this road. I can't IMAGINE dealing with dangerous wild animals. Around here, most people don't even like the ducks.! For the last few weeks, I have had a very tall (and loud) goose at my house every day. I don't know where it came from, but follows me everywhere
Many women appreciate an occasional goose.
Pompano Beach, FL
#67
Yesterday
the neighbors should really get a petition going to have the "Kitty" put in a zoo where it belongs. not only will it be safer for our children, but its the best thing for the wild cat. it belongs someplace with others like it where it is free to run and move around. some people realy have no brains. Lily
United States
#68
Yesterday
Barbara wrote:
I live on a major road in Broward County and can tell you many times during thunderstorms, celebrations with fireworks, sudden loud noise(such as a fire truck) there are loose dogs just running to get away. They climb fences, go through windows, etc. Many times over the last 34 years I have brought them into my yard, just so they won't be killed on this road. I can't IMAGINE dealing with dangerous wild animals. Around here, most people don't even like the ducks.! For the last few weeks, I have had a very tall (and loud) goose at my house every day. I don't know where it came from, but follows me everywhere
Barbara, there was a story recently about someone who actually had a 'pet' goose. It had wondered into their yard and kind of adopted the family and it became their pet until some cold-hearted (kids, i think) decided to kill it.
Maybe it just wants to be your friend.
Mike Clayton
Hollywood, FL
#69
Yesterday
That house must smell lovely.
Lol
#70
Yesterday
DeShawna wrote:
we got 4 pits cause them pits are real pets. we train them so nobody animals mess with us. the pits will eat a lynx for lunch so aint no lynx no real animal unless it can beat a pit and we train our pits to win. we even add gunpowder to their food to tuffen them up cause them pits be for real. we also train them
Wow. Are you mentally retarded, or did you just bash your face against the keyboard when you were typing that?
The Dude
Indianapolis, IN
#71
Yesterday
A buddy of mine has a serval and as we all know… people with Exotics are humans with no identity and looking for attention. They think it’s cool and different (ego is in control). Thank you. Amen. The Dude.
Crazy
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#72
Yesterday
Please tell me why this is allowed? I guess if you have money and can afford a big house you can pay your way into owning one of these. What happens when it gets loose and eats someones face off then what? Go to the zoo lady!
Average Joe
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#73
Yesterday
DeShawna wrote:
we got 4 pits cause them pits are real pets. we train them so nobody animals mess with us. the pits will eat a lynx for lunch so aint no lynx no real animal unless it can beat a pit and we train our pits to win. we even add gunpowder to their food to tuffen them up cause them pits be for real. we also train them
Your pit bulls got nothing on my .45! I've never had to pull or use my weapon in the 14 years I've carried, but if an animal (human type) threatens me, they'll have a bad day. I think most animals act better than a lot of the "humans" out there, so I would only hurt an animal as a (very) last resort. If these people are properly trained and licensed to have the exotic cats, more power to them. I have no problem with educated people saving the life of a wild animal and caring for it. The biggest problem in S Florida are the humans, not the pets.
ILovemykids
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#74
Yesterday
Evil Killers wrote:
Those folks are real losers. Their homes are full of cat and goat crapping and must stink to high hell. Not to mention that one day the cat will be **** off and rip somebody's arm off. Good riddance!
Well said!!
Selfish Selfish Selfish
Miami, FL
#75
Yesterday
This should be banned. No one needs a large wildcat. Just morons trying to feed their own egos like Tony in Scarface.
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Florida grandma
Chicago, IL
#76
Yesterday
DeShawna wrote:
we got 4 pits cause them pits are real pets. we train them so nobody animals mess with us. the pits will eat a lynx for lunch so aint no lynx no real animal unless it can beat a pit and we train our pits to win. we even add gunpowder to their food to tuffen them up cause them pits be for real. we also train them
I hope someone from an animal welfare organization notes the abuse of putting gunpowder in a dogs food!!
Boca
West Palm Beach, FL
#77
Yesterday
DeShawna wrote:
we got 4 pits cause them pits are real pets. we train them so nobody animals mess with us. the pits will eat a lynx for lunch so aint no lynx no real animal unless it can beat a pit and we train our pits to win. we even add gunpowder to their food to tuffen them up cause them pits be for real. we also train them
Are you pitting me!
Defender
Atlanta, GA
#78
Yesterday
Oprah Miracles and the New Earth
by Erwin Lutzer
Get it,
Read it,
Learn about it.
wise son
Hollywood, FL
#79
Yesterday
My Mom told me to stay out of cat houses.
Tutor
Chicago, IL
#80
Yesterday
If these wild animals were meant to be domesticated they would have home contsruction skills. It's dangerous and disrespectful to the animals' instincts.
Justified
Delray Beach, FL
#81
Yesterday
Tony the Tiger wrote:
Not so grrrrrrrrrreat!
What a stupid article to put in the newspaper to frighten the people of South Florida. These animals should be removed immediately to a zoo….I would be a nervous wreck living in S.W. Ranches. Someone better remove these animals now before someone gets killed or eaten. Let the owner live at the zoo with them; be their zookeeper but stay the hell away from our homes. Would anyone like to have dinner at her home? I don't think so…..you might turn out to be dinner for them!
Your a complete idiot. A zookeeper isn't anymore qualified than these people. Do you know what's involved in owning this animals? No, probably not. But just act like you live a in perfect utopia of your community. You think someone owning a cat is a threat to society down here? LOL! Get a reality check. Look at the thugs we have here committing murder, killing innocent people, cops, and all the rest of the scum that makes up S. FL. Get a life, some people should be scared to live here this area alone. Head over east to the hood and see whats scarier…
Merlin the Wizard
Boca Raton, FL
#82
Yesterday
There ought to be a law.
It's time to abort the Right to endanger others by bringing wild animals into a human environment.
Too many loose screws in too many humanoids.
I thought Obama was going to fix this?
Merlin the Wizard
Boca Raton, FL
#83
Yesterday
wise son
Hollywood, FL
Especially without a condom…which will protect you in a wild environment.
Dryback
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#84
Yesterday
Haywood Jablomey wrote:
you wouldn't by any chance happen to have gold teeth and dreadlocks, would you?
I assume "DeShawna" and "her" post were a joke.
Jon
Kennesaw, GA
#85
Yesterday
No one better blame that animal when it gets bored and decides to attack the stupid white trash owner.
Southern Cane Alum
Ocean Springs, MS
#86
Yesterday
Nothing like spending 100s of thousands of dollars to buy a house that is to be used as a giant litter box. Nice–I bet the place smells amazing.
Rich g
Hollywood, FL
#87
Yesterday
Most if not all people should not have big cats, However there are exceptions,
1-they live in sw ranches, good large spread.
2-animal was rescued, purchased from a shelter that rescues them and finds responsible class II license holders to keep them
3-lynx's are not that large, its not a tiger, lion, leopard….big difference.
4-I had a serval cat which is a bit smaller but still wild, I had to build a secure enclosure in backyard, Do the 100 hrs at a big cat rescue, and take the test for the license.
5-It was a rewarding if not demanding project. He long gone now but I would not of traded the experience for anything. One last thing, socialization with humans while young is so important to having a large cat providing you have the skills and infrastructure or yes tragedy can occur.
Lily
United States
#88
Yesterday
There is no other way to put it. These people are Morons. That is not open for a debate.
Krazy Kat
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#89
Yesterday
I commend them for saving the cat and raising it. As for what the neighbors think, obviously most here are not aquainted with Southwest Ranches, there are all types of animals as everyone has plenty of land and that is why they choose the area. I have to laugh at the comments of how the animals will turn on them. That is a rare instance, what isn't rare are human children turning on their parents and murdering them. I would rather take my chances with the animals.
JMF
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#90
Yesterday
DeShawna wrote:
we got 4 pits cause them pits are real pets. we train them so nobody animals mess with us. the pits will eat a lynx for lunch so aint no lynx no real animal unless it can beat a pit and we train our pits to win. we even add gunpowder to their food to tuffen them up cause them pits be for real. we also train them
Obviously you are an uneducated, naive animal abuser. You should be locked up and taught how to speak english and spell. I hope one of your pit bulls bites your head off for retribution.
jrr
Astoria, NY
#91
Yesterday
amazing how regardless of size, cat behavior is the same. my cat does the head butt thing and loves when I rub under his armpits…but dont touch his lower belly. Amazing! god bless them for taking the cat in.
SUEY
Pompano Beach, FL
#92
Yesterday
While these folks are at it, why don't they house serial killers? Same difference really. Both are extremely dangerous and can kill at any second for no apparent reason. That's why felons are housed at maximum security prisons. Wild animals are housed in zoo's. I have to say the laws of this state really need to be revised to account for the stupidity of it's citizens…
lylo
Hollywood, FL
#93
Yesterday
Not a humane way to treat wild animals! Wake up crazy people… http://bigcatrescue.org/
Slippery Soap
Miami, FL
#94
Yesterday
These animals deserve to be free so we can hunt them for sport.
Lily
United States
#95
23 hrs ago
Southern Cane Alum wrote:
Nothing like spending 100s of thousands of dollars to buy a house that is to be used as a giant litter box. Nice–I bet the place smells amazing.
'giant litter box'…..LMAO!!!
Probably the best post yet!!
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#96
23 hrs ago
That donkey and those goats are starting to look pretty appetizing.
Sasha
Karen
Boca Raton, FL
#97
23 hrs ago
I hope the owners get bitten and learn their lessons. Get a life
Que
Miami, FL
#98
23 hrs ago
Loco gringos!
Stinky
Boca Raton, FL
#99
23 hrs ago
I bet her house smells like a zoo.
Chris
Richmond, TX
#100
23 hrs ago
Caring for these animals whose habitats have probably been destroyed by man's greed and carelessness shows that there are some decent people out there. I'm a million times more worried about some nutbag with a gun breaking into my house or trying to rob me than I am about a lynx killing me. Man is the most dangerous animal of all. Most of these posts just validate that statement.
Lori W
#101
23 hrs ago
Funny Snaggle Puss (brings back memories). These animals are not meant to be housepets and as beautiful as they are, they do not belong in somebody's home. I feel that those owners are being irresponsible simply by having the big cats as house pets. We have seen here in South Florida (not to mention the Las Vegas act) how quickly these beasts can turn, sometimes without provacation. I feel that the practice of owning wild animals as pets should be outlawed completely.
Joe
Lakeland, FL
#102
23 hrs ago
Probably won't be long before we are reading that he did kill you.
Joe
Lakeland, FL
#103
23 hrs ago
Que wrote:
Loco gringos!
I guess if this were a hispanic family and someone used the phrase "crazy **** " there would be hell to pay.
Idiot
Boca Raton, FL
#104
23 hrs ago
Que wrote:
Loco gringos!
Crazy chi chi man. Go back to your daddy Castro.
DeShawna
Delray Beach, FL
#105
22 hrs ago
Haywood Jablomey wrote:
<quoted text>
you wouldn't by any chance happen to have gold teeth and dreadlocks, would you?
in fact, i am grilled up and my cousin work at the oakland pk flea market and hes going to grille up the bottoms. a few of my cousings got dreads but i dont so your only part right.
miamiman
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#106
22 hrs ago
Que wrote:
Loco gringos!
not loco but stupid gringos i bet he also pays to have his wife serviced while he watches
DeShawna
Delray Beach, FL
#107
22 hrs ago
JMF wrote:
<quoted text>
Obviously you are an uneducated, naive animal abuser. You should be locked up and taught how to speak english and spell. I hope one of your pit bulls bites your head off for retribution.
we got them pits trained so nobody been bitten. its more a business so we gotta do what we gotta do. we got them fenced in pretty good so it isnt anything plus nobody going to ever break in. peace out!
my pet
Hollywood, FL
#108
22 hrs ago
I have a laughing Hyena as a pet. I can tell the worst joke and his sided still splits.
my pet
Hollywood, FL
#109
22 hrs ago
side
my pet
Hollywood, FL
#110
22 hrs ago
my other pet is a very rare jackalope.
Dave
#111
22 hrs ago
All is I can say is I am glad these crazy people dont live by me.
miamiman
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#112
22 hrs ago
i have a snake in my pants
Sam Yosemite
Aiken, SC
#113
21 hrs ago
I've been told one of these wild animals resides 3 doors down from my house ( in a gated community ). I am eagerly awaiting a clear shot. BTW, the owner is a certified looney.
MJC
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#114
21 hrs ago
Talk about an absolute retard. I hope this cat eats her alive!!!!
RDC
West Palm Beach, FL
#115
19 hrs ago
My Rhodesian Ridgeback (rescue) could take that cat out. She probably wouldn't…she's too lazy to get off the couch and do it…but she could if she wanted to.
United States
#116
19 hrs ago
I got gators in the living room.
Frosty
United States
#117
19 hrs ago
Sam Yosemite wrote:
I've been told one of these wild animals resides 3 doors down from my house ( in a gated community ). I am eagerly awaiting a clear shot. BTW, the owner is a certified looney.
People that want these pets think of them like they think of their car, their blackberry, their big screen tv.
They are possessions. They love to Define Themselves by their possessions.
Translation?
You're right, certified looney tunes.
dick
United States
#118
19 hrs ago
If you watch the movie, she says, The cat has freedom.
I think not…
Run of the house maybe…
dick
United States
#119
19 hrs ago
MJC wrote:
Talk about an absolute retard. I hope this cat eats her alive!!!!
Did you see near the end of the video the llama stroll through the bedroom?
Lily
United States
#120
18 hrs ago
dick wrote:
<quoted text>
Did you see near the end of the video the llama stroll through the bedroom?
Yeah, wasn't that wild?? LOL
Crazy
Boca Raton, FL
#121
17 hrs ago
Animals belong in the wild, not in your living room! When some child gets killed or attacked, the county will get sued and that will be the end of that!
Tom K
Shawnee, KS
#122
15 hrs ago
The HSUS is a terrorist organization, not a credible source of information. They are not qualified to hold an opinion. Look up John Goodwin.
typicalswranchre sident
Fort Lauderdale, FL
#123
14 hrs ago
sw ranches preserving the rural lifestyle! if that is letting a wild animal bang your wife while you watch!!! shoot first ask questions later! beastality is illeagal isn't it? Where are all the tree huggin peta liberals on this one!!!!!!!
the city council and mayor probablely gave the burks a permit to don this. douchebags!!!!!!!
Carole Baskin
Hudson, FL
#125
13 hrs ago
If you pay taxes, you are paying for people to abuse wild animals for their own egos' sake. The Florida Wildlife Commission does not inspect twice a year, but if they did, it would cost the tax payer 300.00 and the permit fees aren't even half that. When big cats escape, it is the tax payer (YOU) not the low life exotic owner, who pays for all of the police, animal control, etc. to clean up behind them. Visit BigcatRescue dot org/big_cat_news.htm to see how often these wild animals escape, maul and kill. Wild animals should not be bred for life in cages.
yasmine
Delray Beach, FL
#126
12 hrs ago
Carole Baskin wrote:
If you pay taxes, you are paying for people to abuse wild animals for their own egos' sake. The Florida Wildlife Commission does not inspect twice a year, but if they did, it would cost the tax payer 300.00 and the permit fees aren't even half that. When big cats escape, it is the tax payer (YOU) not the low life exotic owner, who pays for all of the police, animal control, etc. to clean up behind them. Visit BigcatRescue dot org/big_cat_news.htm to see how often these wild animals escape, maul and kill. Wild animals should not be bred for life in cages.
find a new cause treehugger. its a free country. get back to watching Nancy Grace
jake
Miami, FL
#127
11 hrs ago
I can only imagine the smell.
Barbara
#128
10 hrs ago
So, what DO YOU DO with these animals when they are spooked by a thunderstorm, fireworks and the big one-a major hurricane? I know how dogs react. What DO YOU DO when you have visitors or someone working on the property? THE POOR MAILMAN?!!!! I'd be afraid to leave the house-no telling WHAT I'd come home to
