Wild animals are animals that live in the wild. They have lived for thousands of years without direct human impact. They have evolved behaviors and adaptations to survive in complex environments and are not adapted to living indoors.
Domesticated animals have been selected for human domestication over many generations. Humans have domesticated and bred certain species of animals that are suitable for human care. Domesticated animals are selected for certain characteristics such as being “friendly”, non-aggressive, and living in close proximity to humans and other animals. Furthermore, most domesticated animals grow up in close proximity to humans; they are accustomed to humans, and often form bonds with humans. Pets are animals that are kept by humans for pleasure and companionship.
For many wild animals, keeping them as pets is inhumane because the owners cannot meet their behavioral, social, nutritional, or psychological needs. In addition, keeping wild animals as pets can contribute to the decline of the species because they may be taken from populations that are already in decline. It is also dangerous because wild animals often become aggressive toward humans, especially as they age. Wild animals can also carry diseases that are dangerous to humans. In particular, keeping certain wild animals as pets is illegal.
Safety issues
Wild animals are often more unpredictable than domestic animals. They can bite, scratch, and attack their owners and people around them. Although not intentional, these animals can accidentally injure their owners if they suddenly hear a car horn, fireworks, or other unfamiliar, unexpected noises. Meanwhile, pet owners are responsible for the actions of their pets for any damage, injury, or illness caused by their pets.
Many owners of wild “pets” often feel that they are the exception. My pet would never hurt me, it loves me. This is what they think, and it is true until it is no longer true. It is an undeniable fact that these animals can be dangerous and in fact, hundreds of wild “pet” animals are reported to attack their owners each year.
Legal issues
Due to the potential dangers, many countries prohibit the ownership and keeping of wild animals as pets. Therefore, before deciding to raise wild animals, it is necessary to carefully study the relevant legal policies.
Conservation issues
Keeping wild animals as pets has a negative impact on the population of many species. Parrots, primates, turtles, snakes, feral cats, and tropical fish are all threatened by this. Most animals die before reaching their intended destination. Some owners release wild animals into the wild, causing them to die because they lack the skills to survive. Meanwhile, some released animals become invasive species, harming native species.
Animal welfare issues
Finding a suitable environment for wild animals can be difficult, and this can lead to poor animal welfare. Most pet owners cannot provide the necessary conditions for keeping wild animals as pets. A cage in the backyard or living room cannot provide the habitat they need. Wild animals have their own nutritional needs and they need to be with other animals of their own species. When they are young, many wild animals look cute and cuddly. But as they grow older, they become more aggressive and difficult to control. They also lack the environment and “social skills” to communicate with their own kind, forcing them to live a lonely life. Furthermore, the owners often break their teeth and cut their nails to control the attacks, often causing physical and mental damage. If they are sent to rescue or care centers, they cannot live safely with other animals.
Disease
Wild animals can carry many pathogens that are dangerous to humans, especially infants and young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. We cannot vaccinate wild animals against diseases because vaccines developed for domestic animals have not been shown to be effective in wild animals. For example, raccoons and other carnivores can carry rabies or distemper; some monkeys carry herpes viruses that can infect humans; reptiles can carry salmonella bacteria. Wild animals also carry parasites such as Ascaris, tapeworms, trematodes, and protozoans that can cause debilitating and fatal diseases, while ectoparasites such as ticks and fleas can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, plague, and other serious diseases. Other diseases that can be transmitted to humans include polio, tuberculosis, leptospirosis, ringworm, and hepatitis
