Demand from some EU countries: no more tigers as pets

Cats and dogs are the most popular pets, but some owners prefer more exotic breeds. Probably not necessarily tigers, but certain types of birds or reptiles. Four EU countries are now demanding that it be banned.

According to several EU countries, some wild animals such as iguanas, some birds or fish can no longer be kept as pets. According to the report from Cyprus, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Malta, the backdrop for this is concerns about the protection of animals, species and health. The countries presented the initiative at a meeting of EU agriculture ministers.

stress, depression and behavioral problems

“The trade in exotic species has been documented as one of the biggest threats to biodiversity,” the four countries wrote in their letter. Many captive wild animals have previously been in the wild. Animal suffering included stress, boredom, depression, and serious behavioral problems such as self-harm.

While cats or dogs can live happily ever after in the company of humans, this is not the case for certain species of birds or reptiles. Wild animals have complex social and nutritional needs, making it difficult for general keepers to “provide them the care they need.”

Germany wants to support the promotion

Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir (The Greens) announced that Germany would support this initiative. “It is clear that keeping wild animals at home poses a health risk not only to the animals themselves, but also to people,” he said in Brussels.

In particular, it is proposed to introduce the so-called positive list. Any animal not included in this list will no longer be allowed to be kept privately in the EU. However, the proposal does not specify which animals should be on this list.

In addition, four EU countries cite a study by the United Nations Environment Programme, according to which numerous animals died during capture or transport. In the case of gray parrots, popular in animal husbandry, two-thirds would have died in captivity.