Abstract
Wild animals have been kept as pets for centuries, in Brazil companionship is one of the main reasons why wild species are legally bred and traded. This paper is an attempt to call the attention for problems concerning the welfare of wild pets involved in the trading system in Brazil. Some issues presented are: a) the significant increase in the number of wildlife breeders and traders and the difficulties faced by of the Brazilian government in controlling this activity; b) the main welfare issues faced by breeders and owners of wild pets; and c) the destination of wild pets no longer wanted. Finally, some recommendations are made having the welfare of the animals as a priority.
Highlights
In Brazil, several species of wild animals and their products are sold for different purposes such as food, medicinal, magic religious rituals, ornaments and companionship (Alves and Pereira Filho 2007; Alves and Rosa, 2010; Alves et al, 2012, 2013; Dias et al, 2011; Rosa et al, 2011; Kuhnen et al, 2012)
The aim of this paper is to present some issues related to the welfare of wild animals legally bred and traded in Brazil for the pet market
We will start discussing the difficulties faced by the Brazilian government to control this activity and to ensure animal welfare policies; we will present the main welfare issues faced by breeders and owners of wild pets; and we will discuss the destination wild pets which are no longer wanted and its impact on Brazilian biodiversity
Summary
In Brazil, several species of wild animals and their products are sold for different purposes such as food, medicinal, magic religious rituals, ornaments and companionship (Alves and Pereira Filho 2007; Alves and Rosa, 2010; Alves et al, 2012, 2013; Dias et al, 2011; Rosa et al, 2011; Kuhnen et al, 2012). Wild animals have been kept for companionship for centuries, it is currently one of the most popular hobbies in the world and the demand is increasing every year (Carrete & Tella, 2008). In Brazil the purposes of companionship represents the majority of wild species legally trade (Kuhnen et al, 2012; Alves et al, 2012). Given this scenario, the aim of this paper is to present some issues related to the welfare of wild animals legally bred and traded in Brazil for the pet market. We will start discussing the difficulties faced by the Brazilian government to control this activity and to ensure animal welfare policies; we will present the main welfare issues faced by breeders and owners of wild pets; and we will discuss the destination wild pets which are no longer wanted and its impact on Brazilian biodiversity
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call