Scotland's exotic pet problem: Calls for stricter regulations
Charitable organizations are raising alarms about the increasing trade in wild animals in Scotland. Recently, a monkey was found in a birdhouse cage, addicted to marshmallows. Organizations are urging the Scottish government to create a list of animals that can be legally kept as pets.
A young marmoset monkey, named Steve, was taken in by the Scottish SPCA after neighbours noticed it in a living room window in March. The charity reported that the four-year-old monkey was malnourished and stressed due to constant human interaction.
It developed an addiction to sweet marshmallows, which were regularly given as treats. After six weeks of care at the organization, Steve fully recovered and was moved to a permanent home at a monkey sanctuary in England.
The problem of wild animal trade
Gilly Mendes Ferreira, director of strategic communication for the Scottish SPCA, highlighted the lack of awareness regarding the scale of keeping wild animals in Scotland.
This is a growing and concerning trend. Animals like Steve are bought and sold as novelties, often impulsively, without understanding the complex care they require - she said.
She added that marmosets are intelligent, social creatures that need space, stimulation, and companionship with their own kind. No domestic conditions, even the best-intentioned ones, can meet these needs.
The Scottish government emphasizes its dedication to the highest standards of animal welfare and an understanding of public health and environmental protection concerns associated with keeping exotic animals.
Social media, movies, and games influence wild animal trade
Research conducted by charities as part of the "Don't Pet Me" campaign suggests that children's requests might prompt people to acquire exotic animals. External influences such as social media, movies, and games are also linked to the wildlife trade.
Researchers from charities found that within 16 weeks, animals from over 300 species were advertised for sale in Scotland. They highlight that this trade is an international business, with some animals being transported by couriers in unsuitable containers, sometimes without any indication of a live animal inside.
It’s a growing and worrying trend: animals like Steve being bought and sold as novelty pets, often on impulse, with little understanding of the complex care they require. - said a Scottish government spokesperson.
