Staying Updated on Laws Affecting Pet Ownership and Animal Welfare

findiviglio — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:24:06 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Recent concerns over animal hoarding, introduced species and animal attacks have resulted in a confusing maze of new laws. Many are legitimate attempts to address serious problems, while others seem over-reactions based on poor research. I’m an attorney as well as a biologist, and yet even with this background I find it difficult to keep up with all the changes. However, I’ve found several organizations that track pending legislation and provide links to actions that can be taken…I hope the following helpful information is useful.

The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council

PIJAC does a fine job of promoting responsible pet care by providing information to animal owners and industry leaders. I especially favor their policy of offering expert testimony to lawmakers.

The PIJAC website actively solicits the opinions of the general public, and provides a simple means for users to contact lawmakers and voice concerns. PIJAC’s efforts were instrumental in revising a recent law that might have had drastic consequences for reptile breeders and owners (please see article below).

The Humane Society of the United States

A long-established animal welfare advocate, HSUS posts a status report on pending state laws affecting captive wild and domestic animals and provides a simple tool that allows people to submit petitions and contact politicians.

The laws tracked by HSUS cover every conceivable animal welfare issue, from circus elephant care and cock fighting to dog shelter operation.

The Sierra Club

This conservation organization’s Legislative Tracker is a valuable tool that monitors all pending federal bills related to the environment. While not specifically pet-related, the topics covered will be of interest to those who keep “non-typical” pets, and for all who are concerned about the health of natural habitats.

Users are provided with background information and status reports, and are able to register their opinions with the lawmakers. Recently tracked bills involved sustainable electricity sources and the fate of the Saguaro National Park.

The Center for Biological Diversity

The actions of the US Fish and Wildlife Service and related federal agencies are the main focus of this organization’s activities. Native and exotic animals that appear in the pet trade are frequent subjects of the laws tracked by CBD.

Website visitors are provided with detailed information concerning pending regulations and “Action Toolboxes” that enable one to register opinions with the government and take other steps to help ensure responsible action on behalf of native wildlife and habitats.

ThatPetBlog

I’ve provided testimony on pending legislation several times over the years, and try to remain current through contacts I’ve established. I also post blog articles on law-related subjects that may be of interest to pet owners, such as this recent one on Animal Abuse. Please feel free to post questions or to email me directly.

Laws and related topics affecting captive and wild reptiles, birds and fishes are also posted on ThatReptileBlog, ThatBirdBlog and ThatFishBlog (please see article below for an example).

Exotic Pet Possibilities, Part 2 – Sugar Gliders, Degus, Hedgehogs and Spiny Mice

findiviglio — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:35:55 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Pygmy Mice, Ground Squirrels, Civets – all sorts of interesting small mammals have found their way into the pet trade and are regularly being bred. Please see Part I of this article for a look at my favorite, the Flying Squirrel. Today I’d like to introduce several others that I’ve enjoyed keeping and learning about.

Note:Please see Part I of this article for health-related and legal considerations.

Sugar Gliders

Sugar Gliders are the marsupial world’s answer to Flying Squirrels, and perfect examples of convergent evolution – the development of similar traits by unrelated species. I was awed when I first worked with them at the Bronx Zoo – little did I know that they were to become almost “mainstream” pets one day! We are truly lucky that these little Australian natives do so well in captivity, as they offer a peek into the lives of a unique group of animals that would otherwise remain unknown to most of us.

Sugar Glider personalities vary a great deal – even, sometimes, in the same individual…a normally “friendly” little guy once embarrassed me by latching onto my finger while I was rambling on about his good points on live TV. Most, however, tame down well and many become quite responsive pets.

Sugar Gliders are very sociable and should not be kept alone. They are active (very!) by night and do best in tall, multi-level cages.

A number of commercial diets are available, but all require supplementation (please write in for details).

African Pygmy Hedgehogs

Despite their droll appearance and usually calm dispositions, Hedgehogs are relentless predators of insects, scorpions, lizards and other creatures. Pets fare well on commercial Hedgehog food supplemented by mealworms, crickets, waxworms, canned insects, eggs, cottage cheese, baby food and the occasional pink mouse.

Although glass aquariums are often recommended as Hedgehog homes, wire rabbit/guinea pig style hutches and similar cages provide better ventilation and more room, and are preferable. A small animal playpen should be utilized to provide exercise when possible.

Spiny Mice

These North African natives are far stockier (and eat more!) than most mice, and are active by day and night. Spike-like fur renders them unpalatable to many predators – if that doesn’t work, they can also shed their tails.

They fare well on commercial rat/mouse diets, carrots, kale and other vegetables. Certain populations are said to utilize snails as their primary source of water, but, fortunately, captives can do without!

Spiny mice are exceedingly calm, take well to handling, and are quite social – males co-exist up to a point but fighting will break out if they are over-crowded. Cages

designed for rats suit them well.

Degus

These highly social South American relatives of the guinea pig are often over-looked but make exceedingly good pets. They are active by day, take readily to handling, and are always involved in interesting interactions with one another.

Degus need company, a large,multi-level cage, and temperatures of 70 F or above. The opportunity to bathe in Chinchilla dust is essential.

Degus are adapted to a high fiber diet…guinea pig pellets, rat chow, hay, carrots and yams should form the basis of their diet.

That Pet Blog » keeping exotic pets