81% of Germans opposed to private keeping of wild animals

A majority of Germans reject the keeping of exotic wild animals in their own living rooms.

Furthermore, most support stricter regulation of private wild animal keeping and are firmly opposed to the capture of wild animals for private keeping. An current representative online survey conducted by several animal and species protection organisations thus demonstrates that existing regulations are insufficient.

Citizens call for stricter regulation of the wild animal trade

To date, the private keeping of wild animals in Germany — such as monkeys, lions, pumas, exotic birds, snakes, lizards, tortoises, frogs, fish or spiders — is permitted with virtually no restrictions. The result is far-reaching problems for animal and species protection, as well as serious risks to public safety and health. Dr Henriette Mackensen, veterinarian at the German Animal Welfare Federation, explains: «Many wild animals have very demanding needs and can barely be kept in a species-appropriate manner in private hands. The fact that owners are frequently overwhelmed is also felt by animal shelters and rescue centres. They are completely overburdened with the labour-intensive and costly care of exotic wild animals.»

«Although the trade and private keeping of wild animals is associated with a multitude of risks for both animals and humans, these are barely regulated in Germany to date. The forthcoming revision of the Animal Welfare Act must now be used to finally change these obvious grievances," emphasizes Rüdiger Jürgensen, Director Policy and Advocacy, VIER PFOTEN. Animal and species protection organizations have long been calling on the federal government to finally take action and regulate private wildlife keeping. The current online survey shows that the majority of voters also desire this. 90 percent of respondents are in favor of stricter regulation of the trade and private keeping of exotic wild animals. 81 percent even want a complete ban on private wildlife keeping.

No Understanding for Wild Catches

Particularly problematic from the perspective of animal and species protection organizations is the capture of wild animals for private keeping. Biologist Katharina Lameter from Pro Wildlife explains: «Germany remains one of the main markets for exotic wild animals. Countless animals are captured from nature under conditions contrary to animal welfare and transported to Germany every year, including endangered, protected, and dangerous animals.» The online survey now published makes clear that this cruel practice is rejected by the overwhelming majority of Germans. A full 94 percent of respondents stated they consider this to be wrong. Robert Kless, Country Director IFAW Germany, makes it clear: «The majority of people consider animal and species protection far more important than exotically stocked terrariums and aquariums. It is incomprehensible to me that policymakers have not yet recognized this.»

Animal and Species Protection Organizations Demand Positive List

Numerous European countries have enacted regulations in recent years to regulate private wildlife keeping. Positive lists, which regulate which animals may be kept privately and which are not suitable for this purpose, have proven particularly effective. David van Gennep, Managing Director of AAP, was involved in the introduction of the positive list in the Netherlands and considers it the right approach for Germany as well: «Germany does not need to reinvent the wheel. Other European countries had similar problems with exotic pets. We helped them introduce positive lists that prevent the suffering of animals and people.» More on the topic of animal rights.