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The pledge
We pledge to reduce the number of exotic animals kept as pets and increase their humane care. -
The problem
Not all wild animals kept as pets have been bred in captivity. Animals, such as reptiles, are being caught from the wild then transported long distances in unacceptable conditions to be sold as pets in the UK.
People may choose 'unusual' pets without realising that they can be difficult to look after, live for a long time and need specialist care. High-quality care information can also be hard to find, which means animals suffer welfare problems and even die, because their owners can't give them proper care. Other animals are abandoned or end up in our care when they become too difficult to look after. -
What are the trends?
An estimated 350,000 live reptiles were imported into the UK in 2010, while more than 1.6 million were imported by the EU in 2011. Between 2009 and 2010 UK reptile imports increased, as did the proportion of animals that was wild-sourced. In 2012 the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association estimated an exotic pet population of approximately 42 million. The number of snakes, lizards, tortoises and turtles fell from 900,000 in 2011 to the previous 2010 figure of 700,000. In 2011, the RSPCA Cruelty and Advice line dealt with 7073 complaint or collection calls about 32,426 exotic animals. Click here to see live reptiles imported into the UK Click here to live CITES-listed reptiles imported into the UK -
What we would like to see
The import of wild-caught animals stopped.Better informed prospective exotic animal keepers.Better information supplied by exotic animal sellers.Fewer exotic animals suffering welfare problems. And a decline in the number being taken into our care. -
What we're doing
Develop a network of RSPCA centres with facilities to care for and rehome exotic animals. Helping us to increase the proportion we rehome over the next 10 years. Encourage sellers of exotic pets to promote responsible production and selling. Encourage the keeping of captive-bred rather than wild-caught animals. -
What you can do
Do your research! Don't buy any animal on impulse and make sure you find out all about an animal before taking it on.If you decide to get an exotic animal, think about rehoming one from a rescue centre or visit a reputable seller. Satisfy yourself that the animals are kept properly and were captive bred in the UK.If you see an exotic pet that you think is suffering, please call our 24-hour 24-hour cruelty line: 0300 1234 999. Support our work by making a donation, volunteering and helping with our wild animal campaigns.I pledge to reduce the suffering of exotic animals.
Find out more!
To find out more about our Pledges, you can download the leaflet by clicking the link below.Find out more about our pledges.
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