In Light of Ohio Wildlife Tragedy, AVMA Warns Against Owning Wild Animals

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Oct. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In the wake of the release of dozens of wild animals from a farm in Muskingham County, Ohio, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) issued a reminder to the public that individuals should never own wild and/or exotic animals.

Since 2006, an AVMA policy has urged lawmakers to ban private ownership of wild and exotic animals because they pose a significant risk to public health, domestic animals, and native ecosystems and species.  The only exceptions to this policy are for recognized research and conservation programs.

This unfortunate situation in Ohio has ended in tragedy, not only for the owner of the animals, but also for the animals. Many of these animals have already been destroyed through no fault of their own.

For more information about AVMA policies, please visit www.avma.org.  

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 81,500 member veterinarians worldwide are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. The year 2011 is being celebrated by veterinarians around the world as Vet2011, the 250th anniversary of the birth of veterinary medicine and education.

SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Association