Exotic Pets Are Trending In Russia

by Andrew CaringiA viral video sparked controversy this week for recording a young Russian man taking his pet tiger to swim in a lake in the Rostov region. The video quickly caused outrage across social media, highlighting Russia’s relaxed laws regarding exotic pets.The footage was made public a few weeks after another video went viral showing a Russian man walking his pet crocodile to a beach in the Black Sea. Other recent videos circulating social media show Russian pet owners at their homes with bears, lynxes, and foxes.Beyond the obvious concern that these wild animals could be dangerous to the owners and other people, there are no binding laws ensuring the animal’s welfare, either. Many fear that the growing trend in exotic pets will encourage businesses to work with poachers.While some Russian lawmakers have tried to impose restrictions on exotic pets, there are currently no laws prohibiting them.
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