Posted by P Crazee on July 21, 2002 at 11:18:03:
In Reply to: Re: conservation versus pet keeping? posted by frank on May 25, 2002 at 22:14:30:
: : i have a very big question. there are so many animals i see and say,"i'd like to keep that as a pet." i see the pets sold at pet stores and then i find out the pets are endangered; sometimes for quite a few decades. when i read books on the matter i find out it doesnt even matter if i can prove the animal was bred in a state where there is no protection its still illegal. just the other day i saw a guy on the television showing how he breeds alligator snapping turtles for sale on his property. i'm acutally saying all this because i wanted to have an octopus as a pet and then i hear its protected.(some breeds at least). is there some place on line that i can get accurate, up to date info on how to keep my pets "legal?"
In general, many states have laws against keeping many native species of fish, birds, and reptiles, and even cetain plants...the main reason why is so that people do not draw from the native wild population, which may be endangered or close to being endangered. The reason why you can buy some species in pet stores that are considered endangered in some states is 1. They are captive bred..captive breeding means the animals are not caught from the wild population, and therefore does not threaten the species in the wild.
2. They are imported from a state or country where the animal is not threatened. This is true for many species.
I dont know anyone who has kept an octopus. I imagine they need some depth to their enclosure and an abundant food source as well...Squid may be kept, though I dont know anyone who has these either...I know that octopus are suceptible to stress, and I doubt they would make a great "pet"...but then againI dont know for sure. Anyways you can find lots of animals that you would think might be illegal for sale on the internet. THey ship alligators for 127 dollars, though they are illegal in many southern states where they are native, and what anyone would do with a full grown american alligator is beyond me..in fact I think its cruel unless you have a very large outdoor pond where the alligator would have the space he needs as well as not being able to get free...at any rate hope I shed some light on your question. If you have a question on whether an animal is "lagal" contact your state wildlife department. Many LFS sell fish that are not "legal" to own...as a devoted Pirhana keeper I have experience with this. ITs unfortunate, and you should abide by the laws, as they are for the species own protection. GOod luck...THE P
