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Should exotic animals be pets?
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Exotic animals are profitable

Exotic animals can be used as a significant revenue stream for their owners.
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The Argument

Owning an exotic pet is a simple way to earn income because people will always be curious to see an unusual animal up close. With a large number of exotic pets, the owner could begin a private zoo to help support the cost of caring for the animals and earn an income.[1] Many exotic pet owners come into the industry with the intention of beginning a zoo. If they can properly care for the animals while running a business, then owners will be able to earn a profit and expand their animal collection. In the U.S., there is a huge tiger trade between private owners and public zoos.[2] Almost every nation in the world is a part of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which tries to limit exotic animal trades.[3] But only 12 countries have a complete ban or restriction on private big cat ownership. In the UK it is completely legal to own big cats with a licence, exemplified by the two men who raised a lion cub in their London apartment.[4]

Counter arguments

It is inhumane to own exotic animals for profit, and private zoos should not be legal. Owners take advantage of their animals by exploiting them for entertainment when caring for them should be the top priority. Many private zoos over breed their big cats because cubs earn more attention and profit, which leads to overcrowding to having to trade the cats. People should not trade exotic animals or capture them from the wild to earn a profit for themselves.

Proponents

Premises

[P1] Exotic pet owners can profit from their animals. [P2] Exotic pet owners often begin a private zoo to support the cost to care for their animals. [P3] In most countries, it is legal to own an exotic animal. [P4] Therefore, exotic animals should be pets.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P2] Private zoos are only created for profit.

References

  1. https://oklahoman.com/article/2395686/exotic-animal-business-booms-breeders-defend-controversial-industry
  2. https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/animal-companion-factsheets/inside-exotic-animal-trade/
  3. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/america-private-zoos-legislation/index.html
  4. http://www.kenyasafari.com/christian-the-lion.html
This page was last edited on Thursday, 23 Apr 2020 at 10:12 UTC

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