A deadly business

By Jennifer O’Connor

McClatchy-Tribune

Authorities at Bangkok’s international airport recently arrested a passenger whose suitcases were reportedly jam-packed with leopard and panther cubs, a bear and monkeys. The dazed animals had been drugged and were headed for Dubai, apparently part of an international trafficking network.

While this seizure made headlines, smuggling of exotic and endangered animals takes place every day, and those animals who somehow survive often end up in pet stores, classified ads and flea markets right here at home.

Animals find themselves stuffed into pillowcases, duffle bags and spare tires. They are denied food, water and any semblance of comfort during transport. Many, like the 18 dead and dying monkeys found jammed into a man’s girdle last year, suffocate or succumb to starvation and dehydration.

‘Right price’

From kinkajous to tigers, sugar gliders to pythons, as long as a dealer can make a buck, any animal imaginable is available for the “right price.”

There is no federal law prohibiting the private ownership of wild or dangerous animals, and very few states impose restrictions.

The time is long overdue for the government to impose laws prohibiting individuals from breeding, selling or owning big cats, bears, primates and dangerous reptiles. People who are ready to pour their time, energy, money, attention and love into an animal companion can make a difference by adopting a dog or cat from a local animal shelter.

Jennifer O’Connor is a staff writer for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Foundation, Norfolk, Va. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.