Because I really, REALLY want to connect with my pet...

[Renwaldo]

I never said exotics vets didn't exist, I said, ". . .few veterinarians know enough about foxes (or any other exotic, really) to properly treat them."  :P You would have a difficult time finding a vet comfortable enough with their experience to treat a fox.
Ask around your local chlinics if you have doubts.

I didn't touch on fur ranching very much because there are so few ranchers left around here. These days fur seems to have gone out of style, it's an expensive product and many people see it as an immoral practice now. Faux fur is also more practical, it comes in a larger variety of textures and colours, it is easier to keep, it lasts longer, it's more available and it's cheaper. When I was looking for fox fur farms in Canada last year I could only find four online, and all of them were on the east coast.

I agree with the ban in the context of keeping difficult pets out of the hands of irresponsible and ignorant pet owners. It's unfortunate for me that I won't have the chance at having the pet of my dreams, but I agree with the government's decision none the less.  :( It was the financially ethical thing to do, anything else would be a waste of money among other resources.

[EmoFox]

are you kidding? there are a number of ways they could've used the exotic pet industry to boost the economy. Job creation through advertising for exotic vets and staff, just for starters. Job creation through regulation of exotic pets. And I don't think there's that small of a niche for exotic pets in BC; I think most people are probably either to lazy to do the research into it, or to fill out necessary paperwork. Which, you would hope, would weed out a lot of the irresponsible pet owners.

If anything it was the most ethical for the animals themselves. Look at the number of domestic animals we have going through rescue shelters. People just don't know how to make a real commitment, even otherwise responsible people. That's why we have animal shelters, marriage councellors, and broken families.

[Foxxphyre]

Well... real fur is back in style nowadays, believe it or not, and Faux Fur (as useful as it is) is a petrochem product which is way worse than ethical fur production.  Maybe I will go ask a clinic... be interesting to see what they say...

[Renwaldo]

Well... real fur is back in style nowadays, believe it or not, and Faux Fur (as useful as it is) is a petrochem product which is way worse than ethical fur production.  Maybe I will go ask a clinic... be interesting to see what they say...

I wouldn't surprised, given it's durability I really doubt faux fur fabric is entirely biodegradable. I was speaking in reference to the rarity of fur ranches in this country, I assumed that was due to the low demand for fur clothing. Really though I don't know much about fashion trends. All I know is that faux fur clothes tend to be cheaper and more widely distributed than the real thing.

Please do ask around. I'm basing my thoughts regarding exotic vets entirely on the lack of available programs in universities concerning practice on rare or exotic species.  :P

are you kidding? there are a number of ways they could've used the exotic pet industry to boost the economy. Job creation through advertising for exotic vets and staff, just for starters. Job creation through regulation of exotic pets. And I don't think there's that small of a niche for exotic pets in BC; I think most people are probably either to lazy to do the research into it, or to fill out necessary paperwork. Which, you would hope, would weed out a lot of the irresponsible pet owners.

If anything it was the most ethical for the animals themselves. Look at the number of domestic animals we have going through rescue shelters. People just don't know how to make a real commitment, even otherwise responsible people. That's why we have animal shelters, marriage councellors, and broken families.

I'm afraid I disagree, I believe there is a very small market niche concerning exotic pet ownership. However there's no way either of us could prove that without canvassing the entire province. XD

[Echofaction]

Back in the day when I first entered "legit" furrydom, I met two furs that had a pet Fennec.  I think they got her from the states but I don't think they smuggled her.  This must have been about ten years ago that they got her and I think she's passed away now.  I think I still have a picture of her somewhere in my scrap books. 

I think any pet, regardless of species, is only as stable and tame as the owner is committed and responsible.  Pitbulls, etc included.  I had pit bull breeder friends who's dogs were members of the family.  Some jerk wad who decided that these people were "dangerous" chose to throw poisoned meat over the fence.  As a result a wonderful family including their two children had to watch in horror as their beloved pets died a slow painful death. 

I think anyone who is proven responsible and able to care for an exotic pet of any kind should be welcomed to help propogate a species, be it tiger, crocodile, or FOX.  If I had a million dollars I would buy my way through the red tape and become the first Canadian Silver Fox breeder...

Alright everyone donate a dollar and you all get pet foxes :)

[Sikhoten_Tiger]

The issue with 'making sure they're responsible, etc' is that there's a massive difference between the responsibility nessesary to own say, a fish and a tiger. The former you basically just need to have the aquarium and the will to rember to feed it now and then, with the other you've got an 800 pound predator who can kill people, both can be managed but the consequences and requirements are vastly different.

[Echofaction]

exactly my point, hence all of the abandoned exotics after irresponsible people realize that owning an alligator is not like owning a rabbit.  But there are people out there that can and would do it well.

I miss that Fennec, she was so adorable and playful.