Choosing Wisely: The Ethics and Responsibility of Pet Ownership, with a Focus on Exotic Birds
Introduction
Since the beginning of time, the human-animal bond has evolved for more than 15,000 years, and it began as a working relationship. These animals would provide protection and service to people, majorly helping them in their day-to-day activities — such as hunting, foraging, etc. — necessary to humanity’s survival. From then to now, we have been keeping a close relationship to animals and that shouldn’t stop now.
The Animals close to our hearts
The most obvious animals to adopt as pets would be a cat or a dog, and that is because we’ve been basically been evolving with them by our sides. Dogs would track, herd and protect our people, while cats would hunt and kill vermin that would otherwise infect us with deadly viruses and sicknesses.
However, some people would opt for different pets– such as exotic, endangered birds.
Birds as pets
Birds are sweet, innocent, interactive and intelligent creatures. They can make excellent pets under certain circumstances. If you have the time, space, finances and lifestyle to support owning a bird, these incredible creatures can make loving, lifelong companions. However, I personally do not encourage this and you will see why.
Firstly, these intelligent creatures need lots of care, stimulation and attention and many crucial factors that they may need that are vital to their survival, are substantially in their own habitats. Some people may feel that they can provide for these sweet creatures, attracted by their beauty. However, they are quickly put off by how much care and attention (about several hours of work a day), and may decline the care for the bird, or set it free to fend for themselves.
This is Animal Malpractice. These birds cannot fend for themselves later on, once they’ve been domesticated. This also endangers the species of endangered bird.
Secondly, purchasing exotic birds from pet shops is unethical misconduct. How would you feel if you were flapping around happily, when suddenly you are caught and shoved into a teeny-tiny cage in a blink of an eye? These pet shops keep birds in tiny living spaces in disgusting living conditions. Sometimes, they even clip of their wings to keep them from flying!
Thirdly, these innocent creatures need lots of love and stimulation to keep their intelligent minds from getting bored. Their brain is of a young child, learning and growing. They may develop emotional problems if not stimulated properly.
And finally, these creatures can affect us as well. They might get into anxious states that we can’t control and nip us or even seriously hurt us. They even sometimes carry dangerous wing-borne diseases that we might contract. I’m normally not a germaphobe, but remember how Corona started? It all started with a bat.
A solution
There are many other creatures looking for a home out there. You can visit Animal Shelters and see the millions and millions of other animals that can fit into your life more. If you own a land, consider investing in horses and donkeys that can help with trimming the land’s grass or carrying loads. If you have psychological conditions — like stress or anxiety, consider adopting a dog or a cat that can relax you with their calming nature in tensing times.
Nevertheless, there are ways you can interact with these exotic birds– if you are ready for it. You can volunteer at Animal Rescue Programs, where you can help them out. And if you find injured or sick birds, you can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or nature center for advice. And sometimes, if they see fit, you can adopt one of these birds, because most of these birds are found injured due to careless owners abandoning them, as I told you, they become accustomed to living a domesticated life.
However, before adopting any animal, from a horse to a bird, research and note the pros and cons. I am sure there is an animal for you, just choose wisely.
