WILD FOR LIFE
|
WE ALL LOVE AUSTRALIA'S UNIQUE WILDLIFE
Most of us want to see our native animals in the bush enjoying a 'wild life'. So why does the NSW Government allow a handful of people to keep native animals in enclosures in urban homes, surrounded by dogs and cats?
The NSW Government is considering expanding the list of native animals that can be kept as pets. In 2018 the government indicated it would consider allowing mammals to be added to that list - a move opposed by every established animal welfare and conservation organisation in New South Wales, and which is at odds with advice from the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (see here).
NOT PETS!Studies show that some species may have a gene that pre-disposes them to domestication - a process that takes thousands of years. Just keeping native species and hoping they will truly domesticate is not only cruel, it is unscientific. |
FREEDOMWhether or not people could make native mammals into "good" pets - the question is should we? Do we really want to rob them of their freedom to climb, glide, fly or bound across the Australian landscape and lock them away in cages? |
ESCAPES!When native 'pets' escape, most will suffer and die from malnutrition, dehydration or predators. Those that live can introduce diseases to the wild, interbreed or otherwise harm local wildlife. This is true of birds, reptiles and mammals. |
Some will say that keeping native mammals as pets is good for the environment - but it isn't
They will tell you the animals won't suffer - but they will
They will say they can be released back into the wild - but they can't
They will tell you the animals won't suffer - but they will
They will say they can be released back into the wild - but they can't
|
Disease
Native animals are susceptible to a range of ailments & diseases beyond those we know with traditional pets, making them more expensive and more likely to suffer and die. Some may carry novel diseases that can infect humans.
|
Welfare
Some people claim there are no welfare issues - but every animal welfare organisation in NSW without exception says these animals will be subject to neglect, abandonment and mistreatment
Image: suzsugargliders.com |
Home Range
Many native mammals and bird species have huge natural ranges - some hundreds of kilometres. This is their natural state. Some people want to confine these animals to live in urban houses and backyards.
|
There is no conservation benefit to allowing more native animals as pets, but a small number of people prefer wildlife to be in cages or enclosures rather than enjoying a natural, wild life. And some of those stand to make a profit from the exploitation of 'unusual' pets, regardless of the misery this may cause.