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Experts emphasize responsibility when acquiring pets
As the Darmstadt Regional Council reports, demand for pets increases during the Christmas season – often spontaneously. However, experts strongly warn against considering animals as gifts. Exotic species, in particular, place high demands on their care, keeping, and incurring significant costs. The Regional Council urges caution, thorough preparation, and strict adherence to species protection regulations.
Responsibility instead of impulse buying
A pet is often at the top of many children's Christmas wish lists: But an animal is not an ordinary gift. Those who choose to get one are taking on the responsibility of a sentient being. Besides classic pets like dogs, cats, or rabbits, more and more children are requesting exotic animals such as turtles, parrots, chameleons, or snakes. However, the Darmstadt Regional Council (RP Darmstadt) strongly advises against buying animals impulsively or on a whim – for example, as a Christmas surprise.
The experts at the regional council emphasize that a pet should only be acquired if its proper care is guaranteed long-term and the owners are fully aware of their responsibilities. Spontaneous decisions often lead to the joy of a new family member quickly fading. It is not uncommon for animals to be abandoned or surrendered later because they require too much effort or expense.
“An animal is not a Christmas present, but a long-term responsibility. Anyone who takes in a living being not only gives joy, but also commits to care, knowledge, and respect,” emphasizes species conservation expert Nicole Gorka. “This is especially true for exotic species: keeping them in a species-appropriate manner requires time, expertise, and often high costs. Anyone who acquires one must be fully aware of this responsibility.”
High costs, long lifespan, strict regulations
Rising energy prices also play a role. Many exotic species require consistently higher temperatures, which must be generated with specialized equipment, and this can be expensive. Furthermore, some animals – such as tortoises – can live to a very old age. Anyone who chooses to keep them is taking on a responsibility for decades, often long after their children have left home. And veterinary costs should not be underestimated.
The conservationists at the Regional Council (RP) also remind the public that many animal species are subject to registration or documentation requirements. Numerous exotic and protected animals fall under the provisions of the Federal Nature Conservation Act and the Federal Species Protection Ordinance. These regulations stipulate documentation, registration, and marking requirements to ensure legal trade and the protection of endangered species. Together with the veterinary authorities, the Regional Council monitors compliance with these regulations and ensures species-appropriate husbandry. It is particularly important to note that keeping dangerous animals such as certain snakes, scorpions, crocodiles, spiders, or big cats is prohibited in Hesse.
Guidelines for making a responsible decision
Acquiring a pet should therefore be a well-considered decision. Anyone considering bringing an animal into their home should keep the following points in mind:
- Realistically assess: Do I have enough time, space, and money to keep an animal permanently?
- Talk to the children: If children want a pet, the decision should be made together and not spontaneously.
- Inform:
- Is it a protected or dangerous animal?
- Keeping dangerous species as pets is prohibited in Hesse.
- EU certificates are required for many protected species; for European tortoises, photographic documentation must also be maintained.
- Choose reputable sources: Only buy animals from recognized breeders or reputable pet shops. There you will receive the necessary documents and expert advice.
- Demand documents immediately: If the required certificates are not handed over directly at the time of purchase, the purchase should be avoided.
- Caution when buying online: Purchasing goods via the internet without personal handover and without documents is strongly discouraged.
Further information:
rp-darmstadt.hessen.de/umwelt-und-energie/naturschutz/artenschutz-biologische-vielfalt
(DARMSTADT – RED/RPDA)
Featured image: A Greek tortoise. Photo: RPDA
