24 For the RSPCA to safely collect,
transport, handle and care for
exotics (such as reptiles and
amphibians), specialist knowledge
is required about the more
commonly-kept species. In
response to the increase in exotic
animals being collected by the
RSPCA, in 2014 we recruited 11
exotics officers from the RSPCA
inspectorate. These officers will
provide support and advice on
exotics to colleagues in the field.
They will also be responsible
for approving external
establishments to board exotics
for the RSPCA, following an
assessment of suitability.
In 2014 the RSPCA received calls
to collect a variety of stray or
unwanted exotic mammals,
including raccoon dogs and an
Asian palm civet. Such animals
are being sold online and in pet
shops and unfortunately a licence
is not required to keep them. In
most cases the animal is bought
by those who have no knowledge
of the species and therefore the
animals can suffer poor welfare,
or become unwanted and then
may be abandoned, once the
owner realises how difficult they
are to care for. Finding suitable
homes for such specialist animals
is difficult and time-consuming -
but all exotic mammals received
were rehomed to people with
the space and knowledge to care
for them properly.
Exotic pets - issues and impacts
Dealing with reptiles and other exotic animals has become a priority
for the RSPCA, given their increase in popularity as pets and
subsequent welfare concerns.
In 2013 we received 3,980 calls about 8,300 reptiles, a four percent
increase in number of reptiles from 2012. The RSPCA collected
1,642 of these reptiles and the majority are boarded with external
establishments, due to the lack of specialist housing within our centres.
SCIENCE GROUP REVIEW 2014
"In response to the increase in exotic animals being collected by the RSPCA, this year we recruited
11 exotics offi cers from the RSPCA inspectorate."
Nicola White -
Senior Scientific Officer
"As well as our work to reduce the number of
wild-caught animals being traded as pets, the
RSPCA needs to address the number of exotic
pet species coming into our care."
staff in action