The Grand Duchy and three other countries presented an initiative on Tuesday to better protect exotic animals.

A breakthrough at EU level

(DPA) – Wild animals such as tigers or crocodiles may no longer be animals authorized to be kept as pets, according to the will of several EU countries.

This initiative is motivated by concerns about the protection of animals, species and health, as shown in a worrying document from Cyprus, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Malta. The countries presented this initiative on Tuesday at a meeting of European agriculture ministers. The German government on its side specifically has the initiative.

In concrete terms, it is proposed to introduce a so-called “positive” list. Any animal not on this list could no longer be bred privately in the EU. The proposal does not specify which animals should be on this list. “It is well documented that the trade in alien species is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity,” the four countries say in their letter.

Scientists note the arrival of colored ticks in Luxembourg. They are especially dangerous for dogs, but also bite humans.

Many wild animals held in captivity are said to have evolved in the wild before they were captured. Among the suffering of animals representing stress, boredom, depression and serious behavioral problems like self-harm. The four EU countries also refer to a study by the United Nations Environment Program, according to which many animals died during their capture or transport.

Two-thirds of gray parrots, for example, highly valued among breeders, die in captivity. In addition, the risk of disease transmission from animals to humans is very real. In Europe alone, it is estimated that there are more than 100 million pets that are neither dogs nor cats. These include small mammals, birds, reptiles, fish as well as amphibians.

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