ONCE upon a time a goldfish, hamster or rabbit would suffice. And, if you were a seasoned pet owner, you'd splash out on a pedigree pup or domestic kitten. Now, it seems exotic pets are the ultimate accessories, with more and more of us forgoing the classics for fashion.
Chihuahuas and pugs, iguanas, alligators and tortoises, boas, pythons and cobras, pot-bellied pigs, spiders, monkeys – the list of unusual creatures now kept as pets in homes throughout Scotland is endless.
Jear-old Hannah Chapman takes her pet skunk, Ichi, out for walkies on her very own lead after paying £700 for her.
But Ichi, like many exotic pets, can be unpredictable and has bitten her partner's fingers, stamps her feet and charges at her owner. "She is just such a cutie, but tends to be a lot of work to look after," admits Hannah.
And this, according to Kenny Sharp, assistant manager of the Scottish SPCA, is something a lot of people don't realise.
He explains: "Like puppies and kittens, exotic pets need a lot of looking after, and there's a misconception that you don't have to do much with them.
"They need to be properly housed, as they can escape relatively easily and make their way under the floorboards and into other people's homes."
Earlier this year Scotland got its first dedicated shelter for abandoned pets with a halfway house to care for up to 40 exotic animals.
"We have 14 centres throughout Scotland, and Edinburgh has the only exotic pet centre," adds Kenny. "We do get a lot of snakes and other exotic pets, including iguanas, from Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife, compared with the rest of Scotland."
In December last year, kune kune pigs – a small-to-medium-sized breed that used to tour the country as part of a circus – became another unusual pet in the Capital. And in 2005, Edinburgh had an alligator pet, which lived in a bath within a tower block in Leith.
According to Kenny, the dumping of exotic pets is becoming increasingly common, as owners struggle to look after their unique family members.
"It happens a lot. However, with some of the exotic animals, we don't know whether they've been abandoned or have escaped. And they can survive for some time. If people do want an exotic pet, then it's vital they get a strong enough home for them."
He adds: "I think these types of pets are seen as a status symbol for some people – a macho thing to have. And there's the misconception that you can stick them in a tank, leave them and feed them occasionally. Each animal needs a tank specially set up for it or it will suffer."
While the most popular exotic pets – which include spiders and snakes – are relatively easy to care for, experts stress that some are more demanding, time-consuming and expensive than others.
"Before deciding on a pet, think hard about it," stresses Edinburgh vet Paul McAdam. "Yes, they may look adorable and it is tempting to snap them straight up, but you need to do your homework on the species, and whether you can give them proper housing."
Moving to a new environment is stressful for all pets, so make the move easier by organising a cage or tank in advance. Many pet stores will advise on homes and help with information on the right temperatures and humidity.
And don't underestimate the cost. "Housing, food and equipment cost money, and while the exotic pet may have been relatively inexpensive to buy, they're rarely inexpensive to keep," adds Paul.
And don't forget to check the legalities of owning certain exotic pets. Otherwise you could face a fine and a criminal record. Article Source : living.scotsman.com
Jear-old Hannah Chapman takes her pet skunk, Ichi, out for walkies on her very own lead after paying £700 for her.
But Ichi, like many exotic pets, can be unpredictable and has bitten her partner's fingers, stamps her feet and charges at her owner. "She is just such a cutie, but tends to be a lot of work to look after," admits Hannah.
And this, according to Kenny Sharp, assistant manager of the Scottish SPCA, is something a lot of people don't realise.
He explains: "Like puppies and kittens, exotic pets need a lot of looking after, and there's a misconception that you don't have to do much with them.
"They need to be properly housed, as they can escape relatively easily and make their way under the floorboards and into other people's homes."
Earlier this year Scotland got its first dedicated shelter for abandoned pets with a halfway house to care for up to 40 exotic animals.
"We have 14 centres throughout Scotland, and Edinburgh has the only exotic pet centre," adds Kenny. "We do get a lot of snakes and other exotic pets, including iguanas, from Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife, compared with the rest of Scotland."
In December last year, kune kune pigs – a small-to-medium-sized breed that used to tour the country as part of a circus – became another unusual pet in the Capital. And in 2005, Edinburgh had an alligator pet, which lived in a bath within a tower block in Leith.
According to Kenny, the dumping of exotic pets is becoming increasingly common, as owners struggle to look after their unique family members.
"It happens a lot. However, with some of the exotic animals, we don't know whether they've been abandoned or have escaped. And they can survive for some time. If people do want an exotic pet, then it's vital they get a strong enough home for them."
He adds: "I think these types of pets are seen as a status symbol for some people – a macho thing to have. And there's the misconception that you can stick them in a tank, leave them and feed them occasionally. Each animal needs a tank specially set up for it or it will suffer."
While the most popular exotic pets – which include spiders and snakes – are relatively easy to care for, experts stress that some are more demanding, time-consuming and expensive than others.
"Before deciding on a pet, think hard about it," stresses Edinburgh vet Paul McAdam. "Yes, they may look adorable and it is tempting to snap them straight up, but you need to do your homework on the species, and whether you can give them proper housing."
Moving to a new environment is stressful for all pets, so make the move easier by organising a cage or tank in advance. Many pet stores will advise on homes and help with information on the right temperatures and humidity.
And don't underestimate the cost. "Housing, food and equipment cost money, and while the exotic pet may have been relatively inexpensive to buy, they're rarely inexpensive to keep," adds Paul.
And don't forget to check the legalities of owning certain exotic pets. Otherwise you could face a fine and a criminal record. Article Source : living.scotsman.com
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