Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am currently a student at a university in Chicago and my final is a research paper. My topic is arguing for "why private owners should be permitted to house exotic pets." I need enough information to support an 8 page paper. Any ideas, information, books, articles, etc. would be appreciated. Thank you!

I don't have any stats available right now, BUT, research how many people have been bitten/mamed & killed by dogs, cats, and HORSES.
IF that's not enough, go to the CDC's web site and look up zoonoses (sp).
These are all of the diseases that domesticated animals can tranmit to humans.
Including pet fish! The website will trip you out!

Drop me a note and let me know how it turns out.

Good Luck

Thank you. I do note on that, and have some statistics but this site will help support stronger. I really appreciate it!

Then compare all those animals to drunk driving death rate scores and then write your paper. Andy

Why would you take a completely irresponsible behavior and use it to support your cause. That would suggest that keeping these snakes is irresponsible in itself. So..because so many people drink and drive...everyone should be able to have large and potentially deadly snakes? I am sure any lawmaker would jump all on that idea.

I think really we are too late. I was just venting about how they want to say that keeping poisonous snakes and large snakes is bad. They are no more life threatening than owning a handgun, it is the education that the people need to keep these items in a safe manner that is lacking. I do not feel we should allow everyone who wants a handgun to own it...it should come with a learning and responsibilty. I do agree that if anyone can show the ability to be responsible they should have the right to own a handgun. It is the principle I am trying to show here. As for the person writing the paper, I do not know anything about him...do you? These anti's come on these boards in an atempt to learn our weak spots. I think we need to be more aware of this. Andy

I do know the person writing the paper. She is my little sister attending a Universiy in Chicago. I gave her the idea because I trusted she could support responsible keeping and show the benfits this hobby has. I think there is plenty of people ready to harm the keeping of venomous snakes and large constrictors. There needs to be more fight on our side. This is why I started a registered organization through the University here. My little sister does not keep any snakes herself but she knows my level of passion toward my animals and she has a deep love and respect for each of my animals. She is not an "anti" searching for weaknesses...I told her to post on this forum in hopes that some people would have some good reference for sources for her.

That is really great! I did not know she was your relation. If I can find the link I'm looking for I will pass it on. Thanks Andy

The Centers for Disease Control should have statistics on the number of dog bites. Plus, the National center for Health Statistics National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey will give you the number of annual dog bites that require emergency medical care.

Of course I have nothing against man's best friend. But those who are perpetuating the ignorant fear of snakes make it sound like large constrictors are out there chasing down and eating children and beloved family pets. A good dose of reality in this hysterical mix wouldn't hurt.

Good luck!

Bill

This is a good site with alot of information about dog attacks in the US.

http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/statistics.html

On thing that, in my eyes, credits these stats is that the site where they got their information. Alot of papers require that, so it makes life a little bit easier.

good luck.
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Thank you. I appreciate this and it will help support my paper well.