Exotic animals smell and carry diseases
Many wild animals are messy with unpleasant odors and carry bacteria and diseases that are hazardous to people.
<
(3 of 4)
Next argument >
The Argument
Owning exotic animals can be threatening or fatal to a person's health. Exotic animals carry diseases that have the potential to transfer to a person. Reptiles and amphibians are able to carry salmonella, which can be concerning for homes with children. Many species of small monkeys carry Hepatitis B that can be fatal for a person.
Many wild animals have stink glands for self-defense or urinate to mark their territory. Consequently, the animal and everything around them will have a foul smell.[1] Foxes, an animal frequently domesticated, urinate on everything they believe is theirs. Their urine is extremely pungent and putrid which can be smelled from far away. If someone has a fox as a pet, their entire home will smell.
Exotic animals are dangerous to people's health and unpleasant to be around. There is no reason for an average person to have one as a pet.
Counter arguments
Exotic pet owners can prevent contracting diseases from their pets by avoiding direct contact with their animals and practicing proper sanitation. Reptiles and amphibians can only spread salmonella if someone comes into contact with their saliva, which is rare. If an owner keeps a regular cleaning schedule for their pet and enclosure and washes their hands after direct contact, then the risk of disease is small.
Premises
[P1] Exotic animals carry diseases harmful to humans.
[P2] Exotic animals often smell terrible.
[P3] Therefore, these animals should not be pets.
Rejecting the premises
[Rejecting P1] There are many ways to circumvent the risk of disease.