We, humans, love pets. They are an integral part of our lives and play important roles such as their companionship, practical assistance as service animals, and many more, but where do we draw the line when it comes to domesticating exotic animals? The animals that deserve to live in their natural habitats rather than under the clutches of human hands.

 

(What are the effects on the Animals?)

Animal domestication is a method or a process of animals adapting to man and the environment that man provides. 

• Reduced Sensitivity to the Environment
  Exotic animals need these sensitivities to survive and domestication deprives them of that ability, making them prone to harm such as predators.
• Modification of their behavioral and physical development 
  These modifications include an increase in tameness or aggressiveness, abnormal behaviors, and their loss of instincts due to stress and inadequate environmental enrichment of their habitat
• Health problems 
  Muscle atrophy, obesity, malnutrition, genetic disorders, and many more are common health problems of captive exotic animals.

(What are the effects on the environment itself)

• Modification of Habitat and Ecosystem
  When exotic animals are domesticated in great numbers their natural habitat loses their natural equilibrium which can cause haywire on the food web. This will cause invasive species, a loss of genetic diversity, and many more. 
• An Increase Of Endangered Species
  Illegal exotic animal trades strip away these animals in their natural habitat and that pushes some species into endangerment and some into extinction. 
• Spread of Diseases
  Introducing an exotic animal into a new habitat for domestication can release some foreign diseases that a particular habitat cannot defend itself causing destruction and sickness in that particular region. 

(Ways to prevent and report such activities)

• Report illegal pet trade to the local authorities
  Illegal traders may often go to Facebook or other social media platforms to sell domesticated animals as pets. When encountered, report immediately. 
• Know the law
  We have the AN ACT TO PROMOTE ANIMAL WELFARE IN THE PHILIPPINES, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT OF 1998" so do not hesitate to report suspicious activities involving illegal animal trades, animal abuses, and many more pertaining to this law. 
• Voice out
  We as the youth have unlimited ways to voice out our advocacies and one of them is reaching out to social media to preach about protecting animal rights and their habitats.

Conclusion:

These domestications of exotic animals pose a threat to our environment. There are countless negative effects so it is crucial that we need to advocate and stop this inhumane activity.

We love animals, we love them as our companions and as our friends but we need to draw the line at exotic animals as they are not our pets they are individuals who deserve our respect. 

By signing this petition you have the opportunity to become a voice for change and an advocate for the rights of exotic animals. 

For educational purposes only

We do not accept monetary donations