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Resolutions for Responsible Exotic Pet Ownership

by Lianne McLeod, DVM
for About.com

5 of 10

Never Release your Exotic Pet

Red eared slider picture

Red eared sliders have become an invasive species in many areas, and most of these are thought to be former pets

Photo © 2006 Lianne McLeod, Licensed to About.com, Inc.
I can't say this enough: never release an exotic pet into the wild! There are several problems with this, both for the pet and for the ecosystem. For more information on the reasons this is bad for your pet and the environment, see "Never Release Exotic Pets." If you can no longer care for your pet, the responsible solution is to find another home for your pet or turn it over to a shelter or rescue.

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