The dark side of exotic pet ownership
Breakfast with Martin Bester spoke to Smaragda Louw from Ban Animal Trading about the dark side of exotic pet ownership and how we can assist in keeping species from extinction.
Owning exotic pets in South Africa is not illegal, and every province in South Africa has its own legal requirements and restrictions when it comes to keeping exotic animals.
For many, the ownership and legality of exotic pets involves the ethical issues that need intervention from the government, the residents of a country, and organisations.
READ: Laser pranks are causing potential dangers for SA pilots
One such organisation is Ban Animal Trading (BAT), a non-profit organisation that is widely considered to be South Africa's foremost animal rights organisation.
The long-term vision of this NPO is to end animal exploitation by facilitating positive and meaningful change, recognising that change is incremental and created through awareness, education, and legislative enactment.
BAT works to challenge the status quo, which encompasses but is not limited to challenging norms, traditions, cultures, past practices, outdated beliefs, and any form of policy-making, legislation, and profiteering from the exploitation of animals to achieve changes in attitudes and beliefs, and, ultimately, policy and legislative changes.
READ: How much it costs to raise a child in South Africa
On Thursday, Breakfast with Martin Bester spoke to Smaragda Louw from BAT about the dark side of animal trading and ownership.
Louw also answered many of our listener's questions to spread awareness and educate people on the matter of exotic pet ownership.
Listen here:
Tune in to the 'Breakfast with Martin Bester', weekdays from 06:00 - 09:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.