Monkey trade alarms: Calls for pet regulation in Scotland
Charitable organizations are warning about the growing trade in wild animals in Scotland. Recently, a monkey was found in a birdhouse cage, addicted to marshmallows. Organizations are urging the Scottish government to compile a list of animals that can be legally kept as pets.
A young marmoset monkey named Steve was taken in by the Scottish SPCA after neighbors noticed it in a living room window in March. The charity reported that the four-year-old monkey was malnourished and stressed due to constant contact with people.
Steve developed an addiction to sweet marshmallows, which were regularly given as a treat. After six weeks of care at the organization, Steve fully recovered and was moved to a permanent home at a monkey sanctuary in England.
The problem of wild animal trade
Gilly Mendes Ferreira, director of strategic communication for the Scottish SPCA, pointed out the lack of awareness regarding the scale of keeping wild animals in Scotland.
It’s a growing and worrying trend: animals like Steve being bought and sold as novelty pets, often on impulse, with little understanding of the complex care they require, she said.
She added that marmosets are intelligent, social creatures that need space, stimulation, and companionship of their own kind. No domestic conditions, even the best-intentioned ones, can meet these needs.
The Scottish government emphasizes its commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare and an understanding of public health and environmental protection concerns associated with keeping exotic animals.
Social media, movies, and games influence wild animal trade
Research conducted by charities as part of the "Don't Pet Me" campaign suggests that children's requests may prompt people to acquire exotic animals. External influences such as social media, movies, and games are also linked to the wildlife trade.
Researchers from charities found that within 16 weeks, animals from over 300 species were advertised for sale in Scotland. They highlight that this trade is an international business, with some animals being transported by couriers in unsuitable containers, sometimes without any indication of a live animal inside.
We are committed to the highest standards of animal welfare and understand public health and conservation concerns around the keeping of exotic pets. We welcome the work of groups in dealing with the welfare problems caused by irresponsible owners and the campaign for raising awareness of this important issue, said a Scottish government spokesperson.
