Captive wildlife – exotic pets and entertainment

Kate Dylewsky

Chapter 22 in Elgar Concise Encyclopedia of Animal Law, 2025, pp 84-87 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The multi-billion-dollar exotic pet trade endangers animal welfare, human safety, and the environment. Meanwhile, many captive exotic animals are used in circuses and zoos, often to the detriment of their well-being. Three primary federal laws regulate these industries. The Lacey Act, as amended by the Big Cat Public Safety Act, prohibits private ownership of big cats and direct public contact with them. The Endangered Species Act protects species that have been listed as ‘threatened’ or ‘endangered’, and precedent-setting lawsuits extended those protections to listed species kept in captivity. The Animal Welfare Act sets minimum care standards for exhibited animals, but the government faces criticism over its enforcement of this law. Meanwhile, state laws present a patchwork of restrictions.

Keywords: Exotic pet; Circus; Zoo; Lacey Act; Endangered Species Act; Animal Welfare Act (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781803923666
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