The Dangers of Exotic Pets

On the TV and behind glass, exotic animals can seem cute, even docile. We are often charmed by the energetic monkey, the powerful wolf, the charismatic chimpanzee, or the stealthy and graceful big cats. Some people decide to adopt undomesticated animals as pets, convinced that they can be tamed or that they won’t act aggressively towards people. However, keeping exotic pets puts both the animals and humans at risk of injury and illness.

Many pets from the wild carry diseases that can affect humans. For example monkeys, while cute and playful, can harbor the herpes virus and transfer it to humans. Many reptiles and amphibians carry salmonella. Salmonella can contaminate food or otherwise infect humans, causing severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and headache. Some strains of salmonella can cause typhoid fever, which can be deadly, especially for children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

Another danger of keeping exotic pets is the possibility that they will attack a person. While many animals seem calm and gentle, most will behave violently if they feel threatened. Even if a person doesn’t think that he or she is acting threateningly toward the animal, the pet may perceive a threat and attack anyway. In the past people have been mauled by large cats, chimpanzees, reptiles, wolves, and other wild pets. An exotic pet owner may be liable for injuries and damages that their pet causes, which can be very costly and even lead to criminal charges in some cases.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has become ill or been injured by an exotic pet, the pet owner may be legally responsible and you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages from time off of work, and general pain and suffering. For assistance with your exotic pet injury claim, please contact experienced Austin personal injury lawyer Vic Feazell today at 877-948-4842.