Ban Wild Civets and Otters from Indonesia's Exotic Pet Trade Now

Dogs and cats have become "too mainstream" pets for many Indonesians. The latest pet craze to hit Indonesia is wild cat-like civets and otters. Colorful sweaters, vests and leashes make these wild animals look cute, but there's nothing cute about how these animals started in the trade.

Imagine wild animals -- including endangered birds, lizards, bats and mammals -- being caged in small spaces without access to water and without adequate protection from the scorching Indonesian sun. Worse still, these pets are usually orphans whose mother is killed for the sole purpose of stealing her babies. 

Civets and otters aren't pets. The nocturnal Asian palm civet loves spending time in the trees and being active at twilight. The also nocturnal masked palm civet is a skilled hunter that preys on rats and chickens. And Vulnerable smooth-coated otters are used to living in groups between 1 and 9 individuals. Their wild needs cannot be fulfilled as pets.

Sign and share this petition urging Indonesian authorities to ban civets and otters from the exotic pet trade now.

Photo Credit: Tontan Travel