Herpetofauna Pet-Keeping by Secondary Students: Causes for Concern
Submitted on Aug 17, 2011 (Original item from 1992-1998)
Companion Animals | General Animal Protection | Wildlife and Exotics | Animal Welfare or Living Conditions | Pet Adoption, Rescue or Shelters | Pet Ownership | Wildlife | Youths - Social, Ethical Development
by
More Information...
Article Abstract:
"This study of the patterns of the keeping of herpetofauna animals and associated animal welfare issues among secondary school pupils in the United Kingdom suggests that a large proportion of the animals kept as companion animals by this group are indigenous species. In comparison with purchased species, these captured animals, even those normally long-lived, appear to suffer a high rate of mortality. Relatively large numbers of escape- and food-related deaths among these animals imply that many are not furnished with suitable vivaria or adequate care. Traded reptile and amphibian species were reported to have been kept by nearly 40% of the students who said they had kept herpetofauna, and the proportions of most taxa reflected their availability in shops. Data concerning students' opinions about their own care-knowledge appeared to support the general conclusion that students have much to learn about keeping reptiles and amphibians. These findings are considered in relation to issues of animal welfare and herpetofauna conservation. Their ramifications for school-based education about reptiles and amphibians are also discussed."
More Information...
Short Description:
This study examines the prevalence of youths "owning" herpetofauna (e.g. amphibians and reptiles), how the animals were obtained, and the level of care they receive. A survey of 2,530 secondary school children in Canterbury, England, revealed that most of the herpetofauna living with these children were captured from the outdoors and had higher mortality than they would in the wild.
Abstract:
Article Abstract:
"This study of the patterns of the keeping of herpetofauna animals and associated animal welfare issues among secondary school pupils in the United Kingdom suggests that a large proportion of the animals kept as companion animals by this group are indigenous species. In comparison with purchased species, these captured animals, even those normally long-lived, appear to suffer a high rate of mortality. Relatively large numbers of escape- and food-related deaths among these animals imply that many are not furnished with suitable vivaria or adequate care. Traded reptile and amphibian species were reported to have been kept by nearly 40% of the students who said they had kept herpetofauna, and the proportions of most taxa reflected their availability in shops. Data concerning students' opinions about their own care-knowledge appeared to support the general conclusion that students have much to learn about keeping reptiles and amphibians. These findings are considered in relation to issues of animal welfare and herpetofauna conservation. Their ramifications for school-based education about reptiles and amphibians are also discussed."
The full article is available for download at the link below.
Spot Check Number:
1782
Sponsor:
Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology
Animal Type:
Companion Animals, Wildlife
Record Type:
Academic Paper, Journal Article
Geographic Region:
International
Number of Participants:
2,530
Population Descriptors:
School children in England
Year Conducted:
1992-1998
File Attachments: You must be logged in to access attachments (see login and registration links above)
Email this Research Citation
PLEASE SUPPORT NONPROFIT RESEARCH FOR ANIMALS
Did you find this research helpful in your work for animals? If so, please consider a donation to the Humane Research Council to help us with the costs of maintaining, expanding, and improving HumaneSpot.org.
Post new comment