Keeping wild and exotic animals as pets threatens public health and safety as well as animal welfare. Wild animals can attack, they can spread disease, and the average pet owner cannot provide the care they need in captivity. Help us keep wild animals in the wild!
From anacondas to bears to chimpanzees, it’s simple as ABC: These are dangerous wild animals. It may come as a surprise that in some states they are legal as pets.
Even captive-bred wild animals have wild instincts, and smaller animals can attack, too. There’s also the risk of diseases such as Herpes B virus and Salmonella.
Often bought as cuddly babies, when exotic pets become too much to handle they may be kept in small cages or even let loose—putting other wildlife at risk.
Help stop the trade in dangerous wild animals as pets. And if you want a pet, please visit a local shelter to find a domesticated pet suited to be a lifelong member of your family.
Baby Turtles and Children: A Dangerous Combination
The craze of baby turtles as pets is rearing its ugly head and making people, especially children, sick again.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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March 16, 2010
Hollywood Office "ACE's" Set of Animal Films
Documentaries focusing on animal welfare issues such as exotic pet ownership have gained widespread recognition this year, thanks in part to The HSUS's Animal Content in Entertainment (ACE) program.
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March 12, 2010
The HSUS Welcomes Proposed Federal Rule on Constrictor Snakes
Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS, issued a statement in response to the Fish and Wildlife Service’s publication of a proposed rule to list nine species of large constrictor snakes as “injurious.”
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March 2, 2010
The HSUS Commends Florida House Action on Reptiles
The HSUS applauds the Florida House Policy Council for approving a bill to address the trade in dangerous wild animals as pets.
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February 24, 2010
Illinois Citizens Lobby for Animal Protection Laws
As part of Humane Lobby Day, Illinois citizens are meeting with lawmakers and urging them to pass animal protection laws.
Our Victories
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December 29, 2009
2009: A Banner Year for Animals
The HSUS reflects on some major achievements for animal protection in 2009. Countless animals have been rescued from harm, spared from suffering and guaranteed basic standards of humane treatment.
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November 13, 2009
La Jolla Seals Decision
The HSUS heralds the ruling by Judge Timothy Taylor of the Superior Court of California in San Diego to allow harbor seals to continue living at Casa Beach in La Jolla. In his ruling, Judge Taylor vacated two previous judicial orders that would have required the City of San Diego to disperse the seals and to dredge the beach to ensure the seals did not return.
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June 29, 2009
Settlement Restores Endangered Species Act Protections To Great Lakes Wolves
A coalition of wolf advocates led by The HSUS has reached a settlement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore federal Endangered Species Act protections for wolves in the Great Lakes region.
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June 18, 2009
The HSUS Applauds Fla. Turtle Trade Ban
The Humane Society of the United States commends the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for unanimously passing a rule banning the commercial trapping and sale of freshwater turtles in Florida.