When the guardians tire of the cost and care, it is often difficult to find suitable placement for an animal. To keep the animals from inflicting serious harm, they are often declawed and defanged, which are painful procedures. Some animals grow so large their guardians cannot afford to feed them adequately and the animals suffer hunger and malnutrition. Finding a veterinarian for these animals can prove difficult. Animals are often housed in places such as basements and garages, environments completely lacking stimulation or enrichment. The average person lacks the expertise to provide proper nutrition, medical care, and husbandry to an exotic animal. Climate differences can also create stress on animals and diminish the quality of their lives. They become bored and depressed, and this can lead to self-destruction, aggression and illness. They are unable to express normal behaviors like grooming one another, foraging for food, mating and rearing young that would occupy their time and attention in the wild. Many animals naturally live in colonies, yet are kept as single pets. Visit Born FreeвЂ™s website for information on other state laws.Д®xotic animals, even those bred in captivity, still possess innate social and physical needs, and require mental stimulation that cannot be provided in private homes. It is also illegal to possess any wild animal who naturally lives in Washington State (ie., squirrels, crows) unless you are transporting the animal to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. In Washington State, it is illegal to possess potentially dangerous wild animals, such as monkeys, bears, tigers and venomous snakes. states and many cities and counties, have regulations against possessing exotic wild animals.

Read other harrowing stories about exotic animals harming people from across the nation.ДЄ majority of U.S. In 1999, PAWS helped find sanctuary for an African Serval after the 40-pound cat bit the familyвЂ™s young daughter. Often purchased when they are young and easier to manage, exotic animals may pose a threat to the public as they mature and begin to exert their natural behaviors, such as biting, attacking and scratching. In addition, pet stores that sell these animals have no obligation to verify the legality of private ownership with buyers. With the Internet, exotic animals are easier than ever to obtain. These include animals such as monkeys and other non-human primates, reptiles (iguanas, etc.), вЂњpocket-petsвЂќ (such as prairie dogs and sugargliders), and non-domesticated canines and felines. PAWS believes that exotic animals should not be kept as pets because of the inherent risks to human health and safety, and the cruelty involved in keeping such animals in unnatural environments. If you need to find a new home for an exotic animal, please search for an organization near you at or contact the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. PAWS does not take in exotic animals, such as parrots, hedgehogs, Boa Constrictors, and other animals not living naturally in Washington State.

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