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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Ian Sample Science editor

Britons urged not to buy exotic pets ‘on a whim’ amid welfare concerns

A capuchin monkey
Capuchin monkeys were among the nearly 2,500 wild animals identified as being in the hands of private collectors in England last year. Photograph: LittleBunnyNomi/Getty Images/iStockphoto

The British Veterinary Association has urged people to reconsider buying exotic pets because of fears many owners are struggling to look after the animals properly.

More than eight in 10 vets raised concerns about the welfare of exotic reptiles, amphibians, birds and other animals in a BVA report, with most blaming what they called “irresponsible animal ownership”.

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