Stepping up to STOP pet smuggling

According to their website, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) requires everyone importing live animals to secure a clearance form, to “ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.” While CITES regulates the importation of live animals, there is nothing stopping the demand for exotic pets and, consequently, their importation.

The tarantulas and scorpions imported in 2007 were supposedly bought by affluent customers looking for easy-tocare-for pets. The wild birds smuggled into the country in 2014 were meant for local collectors, according to a 2014 AFP article published on Inquirer.net.

Now, the Philippines is known for its illegal pet trade on social media. The demand for exotic pets is growing, and while there are wildlife officers and government authorities determined to end the illegal pet trade, it is up to the rest of the public to cooperate with them.