adminThe Rhodesia Herald,
April 6, 1968
OTTAWA. – To the horror of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, dogs and cats in Montreal are gradually being replaced as pets by such exotic animals as anteaters, skunks, opossums, iguanas, monkeys and squirrels.
Small boa constrictors too are delighting the children of more courageous mothers.
The president of the SPCA, Mr Alex Maclauren, insists that the only place for exotic animals and reptiles is in the zoo.
But Mr William Mooyman, assistant manager of a Montreal animal clinic, doesn’t agree.
“Actually, anteaters, constrictors, honey bears and skunks are really easy to care for and twice as easy to love,” Mr Mooyman says.
Mr Mooyman says all potential customers are carefully screened and their living quarters taken into consideration before a pet is sold.
Young boys take to anteaters, boas and squirrels, while girls prefer skunks and monkeys. Anteaters sell for about £17 each, skunks, which have been descented, bring about £13.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Exotic animals are different from domestic animals which make good pets. So, special consideration has to be made when considering to domesticate them.
Wild animals have special needs, and it is difficult to keep them healthy and alive in captivity. Proper nutrition is essential for normal development.
Some wild animals never lose their instinct to hunt and can be a danger to their owners’ over time.
Online Reporter