BS: the exotic animal pet threat

Subject: BS: the exotic animal pet threat
From: keberoxu
Date: 08 Dec 20 - 09:43 PM

Well, the cat in these videos is NOT an exotic pet --
domesticated cats are here to stay, around the world.

But in one part of the world there is a social-media sensation
concerning an Asian otter which has been made a captive pet.
The otter and the cat are fellow pets in a human home.

For over twelve months the owner has been posting home videos
on YouTube of these two animals frolicking in the home.

This is in Japan, I guess captive otters are legal there?
Can't do that here ...
and there are so many reasons NOT to make pets of otters anyway.

New Roomba, cat, and otter

Subject: RE: BS: the exotic animal pet threat
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 09 Dec 20 - 10:00 AM

The legality of otter ownership is determined by states. There's no national standard. I live in Florida, where it is legal. However, I have no interest in owning one. Their vocalizations are cute for about five seconds, after which they become irritating. I cannot imagine living with otter-squeak as a constant background noise. It'd be worse than the meowing of an overly needy cat.

Subject: RE: BS: the exotic animal pet threat
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 09 Dec 20 - 10:16 AM

Derek Brimstone told the tale of his granddaughter bringing the most unusual pet to their summer fete.

A tin of sardines.

Subject: RE: BS: the exotic animal pet threat
From: Bill D
Date: 09 Dec 20 - 12:06 PM

I knew a lady who actually had an axolotl. She had to out of town for a couple of days and asked me to check on it and sprinkle a dab of food in its water.
She also had a ferret for awhile, and I'll guarantee the axolotl is easier to cope with.

Subject: RE: BS: the exotic animal pet threat
From: Mrrzy
Date: 09 Dec 20 - 05:23 PM

I have a nibling who has an axolotl.

I would love to have a Redwall otter but as a companion, not a pet, burr aye.

Subject: RE: BS: the exotic animal pet threat
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 09 Dec 20 - 05:35 PM

I'm a lifelong animal lover.
Had all sorts of pets when I was a kid..

But there's no way I'd keep any animals now,
or for the remainder of my time on Earth..

Too much responsibility, mess, and expense..

errrm.. otters..

..Mustelidae are just behind canines in my list of favourite animals..

But "Ring of Bright Water" DVD is enough otter to keep in the house...

Subject: RE: BS: the exotic animal pet threat
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 10 Dec 20 - 04:43 AM

I knew a bloke who used to talk about his "water otter". It turned out to be an immersion heater.

Robin

Subject: RE: BS: the exotic animal pet threat
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 10 Dec 20 - 08:53 AM

There is (or was: I haven't been there for 35 years) a feature in the pub garden of The Owl, in Epping Forest (we used to live nearby), called the water otter. The kids would have to pull on a chain that went into a water butt, to find a kettle on the other end. I seem to remember a warning sign that said "Don't tease the water otter."

Subject: RE: BS: the exotic animal pet threat
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 10 Dec 20 - 12:05 PM

I've been quite shocked watching "Monkey Life" on Sky Nature by what is legal here in England; but saw another much more positive piece years ago where some lads went back to Africa and found lions that they had previously bought out of Harrods, I think, and released where they belong - they got a big lion hug for it!

My WalkaboutsVerse poem "In Situ"

Subject: RE: BS: the exotic animal pet threat
From: keberoxu
Date: 13 Dec 20 - 03:08 PM

Others have related to me
the social-media sensation
of the fostered Russian foxes,
but I have not watched the videos yet.

Subject: RE: BS: the exotic animal pet threat
From: Mrrzy
Date: 15 Dec 20 - 08:49 AM

The Russian foxes are hardly a social media anything. That is decades-old research. Science.