In an overwhelming consensus, New Hampshire legislators have dismissed a bill that would have allowed residents to keep kangaroos, monkeys, and other exotic animals as pets without a permit. House Bill 1325, which sought to classify wild species like red-tailed kangaroos, small-tailed monkeys, raccoons, foxes, otters, and skunks as “companion animals,” faced a unanimous rebuke from a House committee.
The suggested law went against the opinions of numerous legislators and animal welfare organizations who think that domesticating these animals is not practical and could be dangerous. State Representative Peter Bixby, D-Dover, expressed, “These animals are not suitable for being kept as pets at home,” highlighting the general belief that their wild nature makes them unsuitable for a regular pet setting.
Lawmakers didn’t mince words about the potential dangers these animals pose. State Rep. Catherine Sofikitis, D-Nashua, highlighted the violent potential of kangaroos, stating, “They can beat the crap out of somebody.” Meanwhile, state Rep. Judy Aron, R-Acworth, shared insights from constituents who had experiences with short-tailed monkeys in Southeast Asia, describing them as “perpetually vicious and angry and petulant 2-year-olds.”
The rejection of the bill also aligns with the state’s current requirement that anyone desiring such an exotic pet must obtain a permit from the Fish & Game Department—a process intended to regulate and ensure the responsible ownership of animals that may otherwise be unsuitable for domestication.
Moreover, lawmakers pointed out a problematic aspect of the bill related to the term “companion animal.” Should these animals be designated as such, they would require housing in the event of a disaster, adding another layer of complexity to an already contentious issue. State Rep. Barbara Comtois, R-Barnstead, stressed this point, suggesting that the bill lacked consideration for the broader implications of such a designation.
The Humane Society also opposed the bill, with Kurt Ehrenberg describing the notion of keeping these animals as household pets as “crazy.””Kangaroos could kill children and maim people,” said Kurt Ehrenberg, of the Humane Society. “I mean, some of these animals, it’s just inane to even think of them as household pets.”
The organization’s resistance is indicative of a broader push by animal welfare advocates for more stringent legislation on exotic pet ownership, highlighting the risks involved, including potential injury to humans and the challenges of providing appropriate care for such animals.
In essence, while the allure of an unconventional pet may be intriguing to some, the consensus among New Hampshire lawmakers is clear: the risks and challenges of keeping kangaroos, monkeys, and other exotic animals as pets far outweigh any perceived benefits. This legislative decision underscores a commitment to public safety and animal welfare, ensuring that the Granite State’s homes do not turn into makeshift menageries.
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