Identifying inconsistencies in exotic pet regulations that perpetuate trade in risky species

• Published in: Conservation biology 2024-04, Vol.38 (2), p.e14189-n/a
• Main Authors: Pratt, Elizabeth N., Lockwood, Julie L., King, Elizabeth G., Pienaar, Elizabeth F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Animals, Exotic; asimetría informativa; Bans; Borders; Conservation of Natural Resources; disease risks; Environmental risk; Federal regulation; Health risks; information asymmetries; Introduced species; invasion risks; Invasive species; laws; Legislation; leyes; moral hazard; Pathogens; peligro moral; Pets; Public health; Regulation; riesgo de enfermedad; riesgo de invasión; Taxa; United States; Vertebrates; violaciones; violations; Wildlife conservation; Wildlife trade; 信息不对等; 入侵风险; 法律; 疾病风险; 违法行为; 道德风险
• ISSN: 0888-8892; 1523-1739
• DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14189

Regulatory inconsistencies at different jurisdictional levels have contributed to the global expansion of the exotic pet trade, with resultant increases in the spread of invasive species and pathogens. Researchers have enumerated multiple limitations and environmental risks posed by international and national rules that govern the exotic pet trade, yet little attention has focused on the regulation of the exotic pet trade within national borders. We reviewed state‐level regulations that apply to the trade of vertebrate animal taxa in the United States. Definitions and classifications for regulating different vertebrate taxa varied greatly across states, and the terms pet and companion animal were poorly defined and inconsistent across states. States implemented regulations that permit trade in exotic vertebrate pets that are banned from import into the United States owing to public health and conservation concerns. Once species have been imported into the United States, inconsistent internal regulations facilitate the movement of animals that pose substantial invasion and disease risks. Violations of state laws were typically listed as misdemeanors, and the median fine for violating state wildlife trade laws was $1000. Inconsistent and incomplete regulation of exotic vertebrate pets across state borders, in conjunction with limited penalties for violating regulations, has facilitated continued possession of exotic pets in states where these animals are banned. Based on our review of regulatory weaknesses, we conclude that a transition to a federally enforced list of vertebrate species that may be traded as pets is needed, with all other vertebrate species banned from the exotic pet trade unless their potential invasion and disease risks have been assessed and demonstrated to be low or nonexistent. Identificación de las inconsistencias en las regulaciones de las mascotas exóticas que perpetúan el mercado de especies riesgosas Resumen Las inconsistencias regulatorias en diferentes niveles regulatorios han contribuido a la expansión mundial del mercado de mascotas exóticas, con un incremento resultante en la dispersión de especies invasoras y patógenos. Los investigadores han enumerado varias limitaciones y riesgos ambientales que representan las normas nacionales e internacionales que dictan el mercado de mascotas exóticas, pero se ha puesto poca atención en la regulación de este mercado dentro de las fronteras nacionales. Revisamos las regulaciones a nivel