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Posted: 26th November 2013

Some species 'completely unsuitable pets' says FVE
The FVE is calling for suitability lists for pet species in Europe.
Veterinary association calls for definition of pet species in Europe

THE Federation of Veterinarians of Europe is calling for suitability lists for species that can be kept as "pets" by private individuals.

The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) has stated its view that some species are completely unsuitable for being kept by the general public. The FVE is asking the European authorities to draft suitability lists, which specify the species that can (or cannot) be kept by private individuals.

Following the conference held last October, entitled “Import and keeping of exotic animals in Europe”, FVE launched a survey among veterinary practitioners with a view to assess veterinarians’ exposure to exotic species in their daily practice.

Major findings were that not all species make suitable companion animals and there was a need to raise public awareness concerning the risks to animal health and the welfare of wild animals kept as pets, as well as the potential risks for human health, such as transmission of zoonotic diseases.

Preliminary results show there has been an increase in the number of wild animals and other exotic species kept as companion animals, with reports of crocodiles, chimpanzees and cobras being seen.

The FVE is appealing to authorities within Europe to work towards the establishment of such lists, based on thorough scientific assessment of the risks to an animal, its owners and society, as well as the potential impact on the indigenous species and ecosystems should an animal be released or escape.

Belgium and the Netherlands have already established "positive" lists that specify species that may be kept by private individuals, while other countries have a "negative list" of species that are banned from being kept as pets.

FVE president Christophe Buhot, said: “The establishment of positive lists in European countries represents a manageable, proportionate and effective regulatory process.” He urged other European countries to follow the example set by those with established lists.

Mr Buhot stressed the importance of the authorities taking up the remit to draft legislation that would effectively approve or prohibit certain species from being kept as companion animals.



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