Question

04.04 Argumentative Writing Planner
Part I: Plan Your Argument

It’s time to plan. For this assignment, you’ll read through the provided text set to find information to support the claim you have chosen. You will use the information from the text set to support the claim and your rebuttal. Remember your prompt:

Write an argumentative essay about whether or not it should be legal to own exotic animals as pets.
Your argumentative essay must be based on this prompt and topic, and it must incorporate ideas and evidence found in the text set provided.

Use your best writing to complete an essay that

● is focused on your claim/position;
● combines evidence from multiple sources with your own elaboration to develop your ideas;
● rebuts at least one counterclaim with reasoning;
● is organized and includes transitions within and among ideas;
● provides citations for quoted material and source ideas; and
● demonstrates correct use of grammar and language appropriate to the task.





Part II: Review the Exotic Animals Text Set.


Source 1: "Trends in Exotic Pet Ownership"

by Kat Soutabag
Published November 29, 2023 in Important Business Magazine

U.S. Census data revealed that in 2020, there were over 120 million unique households. No two American households are alike. They vary in size, income, and family background. However, one thing unites over 65% percent of American households: pets.

The National Pet Owners Survey completed in 2023 by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) estimates that around 86 million American households have at least one pet. While most of these animals are traditional pets like cats and dogs, there is a growing number of people who own non-traditional or exotic pets. Some APPA estimates suggest that almost 50% of pet-owning households have an exotic pet. It is clear there is a strong interest in exotic pets.

The U.S. Code of Federal Regulations defines an exotic animal as any animal that "is not native to the United States, or was introduced from abroad." In other words, any animal that cannot be found natively in the wild is considered exotic. In the U.S., this definition includes obvious examples like lions, tigers, and chimpanzees. However, it also includes animals like guinea pigs, hedgehogs, bearded dragons, and parakeets.

Many pets considered exotic are common in the United States. Reptiles are one of the most popular types of exotic pet. The 2023-2024 APPA Pet Owners Survey showed that over 6 million U.S. households had at least one reptile. Younger people make up the majority of Americans who own a reptile. Because reptiles tend to be smaller and less social than dogs or cats, caring for them is seen as easier. Reptiles require less space and can be kept indoors. They may also be a better option for people who are allergic to the dander produced by dogs or cats. Also, depending on the reptile, they could be cheaper to own than a larger pet.

Most states do not require a pet owner to have a special license to own an exotic animal like a ball python or guinea pig. Even more unique exotic pets like chinchillas and sugar gliders often do not need a special permit. Although permits and licenses are required for larger and more dangerous animals such as chimpanzees, big cats, and venomous snakes, the process varies from state to state. As a result, regulations for exotic pets can be hard to enforce.

Exotic pets’ needs are different from traditional pets. Even if they were born in captivity, exotic pets are considered wild animals. They often need more space and special care. For example, most parrots require an average of 4-6 hours a day to fly around freely. Guinea pigs need extra Vitamin C in their diet.

Even if pet owners can provide the right space and living conditions for their pets, there are other things to consider. Not all local veterinarians may know how to treat an exotic animal. Proper handling is also important. Wild animals may be more likely to bite or scratch if they feel threatened. Exotic pet owners must be aware of the unique needs of their animals to make sure their pets live a safe, quality-filled life.

Source 2: "The Worrying Popularity of Exotic Pets"
by Noah Lyon
Published March 29, 2022 in The Capitol Herald


When people think of lions, tigers, and bears, they may picture a yellow brick road and a pair of ruby shoes. But these animals have more in common than just the land of Oz: in many places around the United States, a permit to own one of these animals can cost as little as $40. It may sound unbelievable, but as exotic pets become more popular, they have become easier to own.

Celebrities have made exotic pets more popular. Singer Justin Bieber owned a capuchin monkey named OG Mally. Influencer Paris Hilton owned a kinkajou named Baby Luv. Professional boxer Mike Tyson owned three Bengal tigers.

These rare, beautiful animals brought attention to their owners. However, they also brought pain: OG Mally was taken by German officials over concerns about disease; Baby Luv bit Hilton; and one of Tyson's tigers attacked a neighbor who jumped over the fence, ripping off her arm.


"Even tame exotic animals are still wild animals," says Deangelo Summers, who runs a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in South Florida.

Every year, dozens of exotic pet owners come to Summers' center to release exotic animals into the center's care. Summers has seen people bring monkeys, snakes, tortoises, and even panther cubs and alligators in. Most share that the animal became impossible for them to manage.

"Wild animals are going to bite, scratch, or attack when they feel stressed or frightened," Summers adds. "It's just in their nature."

It is not just being wild that makes exotic animals a threat. By definition, an exotic animal is one that is not native to the place where it is being kept. That means that while they may be perfectly harmless to the plant and animal life in the area, they are native to, their presence could be devastating in other environments. The Burmese python in Florida is an excellent example of this.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the exotic pet trade was booming. Thousands of pythons were brought to southern Florida to be sold as pets. However, what some exotic pet owners did not realize is that the Burmese python is one of the largest snakes on Earth and can grow to be over 20 feet in size. It is likely that one such irresponsible python owner became overwhelmed by how large their python was getting and released it into the wild.

Since then, Burmese pythons have taken over the Everglades. In their natural habitat, Burmese pythons are hunted by Asian tigers and leopards. But in Florida their only predators are humans. As a result, Burmese pythons have destroyed the populations of native Florida animals like raccoons, opossums, marsh rabbits, and foxes.

Exotic animals released into the wild can become invasive species. But even tame, friendly exotic animals in captivity may hide a secret danger: disease. Zoonotic diseases are sicknesses that pass between humans and animals. It is estimated that 75% of new infectious diseases fall under this category, with many being carried by exotic pets or wildlife.

Unsafe handling of exotic reptiles and frogs can pass along a Salmonella infection that can be deadly for young children or if left untreated. There have also been cases of Monkeypox, Ebola, and Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in humans connected to contact with exotic animals. All of these illness can be severe and fatal.

"The problem is the pet trade itself," Dr. Leta Barr with the Institute for Zoonotic Disease says. She notes that because more of the worldwide exotic pet trade is run illegally, it means there are no regulations in place for how these animals are kept and treated. Animals are illegally captured and then crammed into small rooms and shipping containers next to other animals from all over the world.

"It's not just cruel," Barr notes, "it's dangerous. This practice makes it much easier for diseases to jump from species to species and, eventually, to us."

Source 3: "Exotic or every day? The pet debate isn't so simple."
by Liz Ardman
Published May 25, 2021 in PetNews Magazine

Most people would agree that there's little cuter than a fluffy, purring kitten or a frolicking puppy. But for around 15% of the world's population, there's nothing cute about the sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and shortness of breath that can be caused by one of these furry friends. Allergies to cats and dogs are on the rise, and it's no coincidence that the interest in exotic pets is increasing too.

Hedgehogs and guinea pigs, which are considered exotic pets in the United States, are popular pets for those with animal allergies. Dr. Harvey Valdez, who researches immunology at Collegiate University, recommends these animals as pets because they, "are more friendly for people with allergies. The proteins in their skin, saliva, and urine don't set off allergy symptoms like those of cats and dogs."

Exotic reptiles like leopard geckos and ball pythons are also hypoallergenic. These reptiles are typically bred in captivity and can be purchased from a licensed reptile breeder. They also take up less space and require less energy and maintenance than cats or dogs.

Surprisingly, exotic pets like reptiles can also be budget-friendly. Golden retriever puppies can cost on average $500 to over $1000. This price tag doesn't include costs for food, veterinary expenses, and toys. On the other hand, a leopard gecko may cost $20 to $40. Purchasing an enclosure and appropriate supplies like heating lamps can add up to around $300, which is still significantly less than a dog.

More than just the needs of the owners should be considered when thinking about exotic pets, though. Chinchillas are popular for their cute appearance, soft fur, and low allergy triggers. However, they are also endangered in their native habitats. The demand for them as pets has allowed them to continue being bred in captivity. This has helped the population of this unique South American species. Because more people around the world have access to these animals as pets, there has been more interest in preserving wild chinchillas in their native habitat.

Nonetheless, just because an exotic pet is cute or better for someone with allergies, that does not mean they have fewer needs than a traditional pet.

"Just like a dog needs special toys, good, training, a crate, and lots of outdoor space to run around, a capuchin monkey needs the same types of things," says Dr. Elwood Knapp, a veterinarian specializing in exotic small animal care. "They need the right food, toys, training, and plenty of space to run and climb. Any person looking to own a pet—traditional or exotic— should be doing their research to see what that specific animal needs."

Understanding the animal's natural habitat will ensure they are treated well and live a happy, healthy life. It can also help potential exotic pet owners gain a new appreciation for where these beautiful animals exist.

Answer 1

**Argumentative Essay: The Legality of Owning Exotic Animals as Pets**

The question of whether it should be legal to own exotic animals as pets has sparked much debate in recent years. As the trend of exotic pet ownership continues to grow, so does the need for thoughtful consideration of the implications and responsibilities associated with keeping such animals. While some argue that exotic pets can offer companionship and unique experiences for owners, the potential dangers these animals pose to both their owners and the environment outweigh the benefits. Therefore, it should not be legal to own exotic animals as pets.

One primary concern regarding exotic pet ownership is the inherent wildness of these animals. According to expert Deangelo Summers, who manages a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center, "Even tame exotic animals are still wild animals." This wild nature means that, regardless of training or socialization, exotic animals can exhibit unpredictable behavior when they feel threatened or stressed. For instance, the popularization of exotic pets by celebrities such as Justin Bieber and Mike Tyson has often led to negative outcomes, including animal bites and aggressive encounters with humans (Lyon). These incidents illustrate that even well-meaning pet owners may find themselves in over their heads, resulting in both potential harm to the owner and abandonment of the animal when it becomes difficult to manage.

Environmental implications further complicate the issue of exotic pet ownership. Many species, once released into non-native habitats due to overwhelmed owners or escapes, can become invasive, disrupting local ecosystems. The example of the Burmese python in Florida demonstrates this phenomenon; these snakes have decimated native animal populations once they were introduced to an environment without their natural predators (Lyon). Allowing the ownership of exotic pets increases the risk of similar ecological disasters, worsening biodiversity loss and leading to imbalances that can affect entire ecosystems.

Moreover, exotic animals can pose significant health risks due to the potential transmission of zoonotic diseases. With the rise of exotic pet ownership, diseases such as Salmonella, Monkeypox, and Ebola are increasingly being linked to interactions between humans and these animals (Lyon). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned about the dangers posed by exotic pets, emphasizing the importance of understanding the health risks when animals not typically kept as pets are involved. By allowing the ownership of these animals, we inadvertently increase the likelihood of disease spread, thereby endangering public health.

Some argue that owning exotic pets can provide educational opportunities and foster interest in wildlife conservation. They cite the benefits of having unique pets, which can offer companionship and emotional support, particularly for people with allergies who may find traditional pets unsuitable (Ardman). While these points may hold some validity, they do not mitigate the critical risks associated with exotic pet ownership. Furthermore, the educational value of understanding exotic animals in their natural habitats can be achieved through responsible means such as wildlife sanctuaries or educational programs rather than personal ownership.

In conclusion, while the allure of owning exotic animals as pets may be strong for some, the potential dangers posed to the owner, the environment, and public health cannot be ignored. The wild nature of these animals, the risk of invasive species, and the threat of zoonotic diseases create a compelling case against the legality of owning exotic pets. Instead, society should focus on promoting awareness and education about these unique creatures, allowing individuals to appreciate them in appropriate venues while ensuring their safety and conservation. As such, we should prioritize responsible interaction with wildlife over personal possession of exotic animals.