Posted by:
Ophiophthalmos
at Thu May 13 15:36:50 2004 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by Ophiophthalmos ]
I think the government has a legitimate interest in protecting endangered species, and making sure that people who keep dangerous animals are qualified to do so. But I don't think they have a blanket right to totally outlaw the possession of all dangerous animals. Also, I believe that captive breeding programs can be supplemented with the assistance of well-educated and dedicated hobbyists who are willing and able to help in restocking the range of endangered species with captive bred specimens.
Yet captive breeding programs of endangered species have been opposed by those fanatics in the animal rights movement who would prefer a species become extinct rather than have efforts mae to restore it with captive bred specimens, e.g. the California Condor. These individuals would also rather see a species become extinct than have its continued survival be guarenteed by a successful economic use of that species.
Otherwise I oppose all other types of laws.
There are a large number of people out there who philosophically object to maintaining exotic animals in captivity under any curcumstances. These individuals, like those people who oppose private ownership of firearms, realize that the best approach is an incremental one. First you outlaw this, then that, and pretty soon there are very few "exotic animals" which can be kept as pets. You overregulate the hobby to the point that no one can afford to enjoy it.
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