Press Releases

July 28, 2005
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Michelle Pintar
Phone: (414) 431-6104
E-mail: mpintar@wihumane.org

Think Twice Before Keeping an Exotic Animal

MILWAUKEE – What would you do if your 85-pound, 10-foot python disappeared? Look for your cat? Check your homeowner's insurance? Cancel the snake's birthday party? A python was reported missing in Milwaukee several days ago and has yet to be recovered. The Wisconsin Humane Society would like to offer the following tips about exotic and wild animals:

·   Never keep pythons, iguanas, parrots or other exotic animals unattended outdoors. These animals can be stolen or escape and get into the hands of an individual who is not familiar with handling exotic animals.

·   If you are keeping an exotic animal, the animal needs to be kept in an area where children or visitors do not have access to the animal. Many exotic animals can become aggressive or defensive around new people, especially children.

·   Think twice before you choose to keep an exotic animal in your home. These animals require considerable expertise, complete dedication to their needs and special housing and care. It might also be difficult to find a veterinarian who will care for the animal. Check your local regulations to find out if it is legal for you to keep an exotic animal.

·   Keeping an exotic animal in your home comes with possible threats to human health and safely – no matter how big or small the animal might be, they can carry a number of diseases that may be transmissible to humans.

·   A young exotic animal's temperament may change as it grows older, becoming aggressive and unhappy in captivity.

·   Wild animals are exactly that – wild. They are meant to stay in the wild and are not domestic animals. Talk with your children about the importance of not touching or handling wild animals.

·   Do not bring baby wild animals in your home! It is not legal and could result in suffering for the animal and the people in your household.

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Interview/Photo Opportunity: Scott Diehl, Wildlife Manager for WHS, will be available for an interview and have a young raccoon, opossums and gray squirrels available for photos. To schedule an interview, contact Michelle Pintar at (414) 431-6104.