What do we mean by wild animals?

Wild animals are any non-native and non-domesticated species, ranging from monkeys and meerkats to a variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Despite their specialised needs, these animals are often sold freely through pet shops, breeders, or online platforms.
 

The reality of exotic pet ownership

The welfare needs of wild animals are so complex that they are rarely satisfied in domestic settings. Unfortunately, regulations on the trade and keeping of these animals are limited, leaving them vulnerable to neglect and suffering. The exotic pet trade is a global industry worth billions of dollars, involving thousands of species and millions of individual animals. Alarmingly, reliable care and husbandry information is unavailable for most of these species.

A 2022 survey by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) revealed:

  • 81% of vets are concerned that the welfare needs of Non-Traditional Companion Animals (NTCAs) are not being met.
  • Common welfare issues include irresponsible ownership (82%), irresponsible breeding or sourcing (11%), and lack of specialist veterinary care (10%).
  • Over half (58%) of NTCAs treated by vets fail to meet their five basic welfare needs.
     

The hidden cruelty of the exotic pet trade

Whether wild-caught or captive-bred, the journey of a wild animal in the pet trade is fraught with suffering:

  • Capture: Crude techniques cause injuries, stress, and high mortality rates.
  • Transportation: Stress, disease, and fatalities occur during and after export.
  • Captive Breeding: Intensive breeding leads to lifelong health and behavioral problems, as well as genetic disorders.

Wild animals kept as pets may retain their natural defensive or aggressive instincts, posing safety risks to owners. More critically, they can transmit diseases to humans, such as reptile-related salmonellosis—a significant threat to vulnerable groups like children under five, pregnant women, and the elderly.
 

Weaknesses in Northern Ireland’s legislation

Existing laws in Northern Ireland fail to adequately protect wild animals:

  • The Petshop Regulations (NI) Order 2000: Requires pet shop licensing but lacks species-specific welfare guidelines.
  • The Dangerous Wild Animals (NI) Order 2004: Focuses on public safety rather than animal welfare, covering only a limited list of species deemed "dangerous." This leaves many animals, like meerkats, wallabies, marmosets, and foxes, unprotected.
  • The Animal Welfare Act 2011 and The Wildlife (NI) Order: Provide insufficient protections for wild animals kept as exotic pets.