Safety Versus Freedom

Snakes are in the news! Is it a crime to own a dangerous reptile or poisonous snake? The October online edition of the American Animal Hospital Association's Newstat says that this could soon be the case. A new proposal is being sent to congress to ban the ownership of "venomous reptiles and other animals of concern" (such as snakes).

Personally, I believe that animals like rattlesnakes, cobras, and poisonous salamanders should NOT be living in someone's home anyway. Over the years, we've had a few people call our hospital wanting us to treat their rattlesnakes and other poisonous pets (one man even wanted us to examine his scorpion). We always refer these people to a veterinary zoologist, but I worry about their safety in having such a pet in the first place.

What do you all think? Should people be forbidden to own dangerous animals and if so, is it appropriate for the the government to make it a crime? What about the people who own wolf hybrids? What are your thoughts about the line between freedom of choice and public safety?

--Dana

Comments

[Laurel]

I agree with you, Dana. I can see absolutely no purpose to having a dangerous animal in your home. For me, that includes exotic animals like big cats and wolf hybrids. These animals don't have any quality of life as they try to become domesticated and most end up being euthanized or given to a sanctuary when they become too much for their human keepers. What kind of a life is that for an animal, even a snake.

I know some animal rights folks don't think we should keep pets of any kind and I have to admit that I sometimes wonder about that myself. I feel we ask our cats and dogs to behave in so many ways that are simply against their natures and instincts...but that is magnified 100x when we try to domesticate wild animals.

[Dana]

I hear what you're saying Laurel...the ethics of having a wild or "semi-wild" animal is tricky. I know that some people who own wolf-hybrids do so because they want to educate people about wolves and their importance in our ecosystem. However, the argument remains the same...should these animals be living with people in their homes?