The Burmese python is the most popular animal that people complain about; however, despite the severity of the nuisance, its presence is restricted to one region in Florida (they cannot survive in most states). Cats have been domesticated for a lot less time, and I feel extra strong about what I am about to say because I have two 'daughters' that I love with my entire heart. These animals are not commonly owned, but are popular . I have had a leopard gecko and a yellow lab for about 5 years now and they both have the same needs, water, food and space. There are special rules that allow you to show or exhibit them in the state. In 2016, over 100 thousand households were reported to have specialty or exotic pets. The escape of 50 exotic animals near Zanesville, Ohio, last month brought into the spotlight the complex issues, as well as dangers, of keeping wild animals as domestic pets. So why is one opinion acceptable and another is not? If preserving the safety of the public is the ultimate goal, efforts would be better spent addressing large domesticated animals, which are a bigger threat due to how they are traditionally kept. If pets shouldn't be confined then they also shouldn't exist. Exotic Animals Are Banned as Pets for Welfare Issues. Exotic pets are singled out due to lack of cultural acceptance only. have an exotic pet, they are great fun, but remember a lot of them aren't good pets. In the 90s, between 2-5 million birds were sold globally. /*-->