State and local officials are holding an “exotic pet amnesty day” this Saturday.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and a local invasive species agency are teaming up to give people a day to turn over an exotic pet they don’t want or can’t afford anymore—no questions asked.
Wildlife agencies have been trying to get a hold of a growing problem with invasive species in Southwest Florida, which includes Burmese pythons and green iguanas.
Many people are buying these animals as pets and then releasing them into the wild when they outgrow their cages.
Erin Myers, a biologist with FWC, says that’s not a good idea.
“These animals when you get tired of them or can no longer handle them, please don’t release them, we’ll find someone else that you can take them to. And this offers that opportunity,” she says.
Myers says these pet owners also don’t want to get in trouble by turning in their pets to state or local officials.
She says this event is meant address that problem.
“This is a way for you to submit your pets even if you shouldn’t have them because they are controlled on some level-- even if they are illegal to have – because of the potential threat they have to people safety-wise, or the potential threat they have to the environment,” Myers says.
Most of the exotic pets officials are worried about are reptiles. A veterinarian will inspect the animals. Healthy pets will be placed with qualified exotic pet adopters.
Similar events have been held in Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville.
Southwest Florida’s event will take place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Calusa Nature Center in Fort Myers. Find out more, including how to become an exotic pet adopter here.
