I'm An Exotic Animal Broker

We knew of somebody who was mauled, but not killed, by her pet leopard. I think it's foolish to own a tiger or a leopard - it's a 350-pound cat that will do whatever it wants to do. But as long as the owner doesn't endanger anybody else, it should be allowed. The woman who was mauled by her leopard certainly had a cage that was far above the requirements and standards for safety. It was in her yard, away from anybody else that might come in contact with it. She came in contact with it, and unfortunately she got hurt.

People want to own these exotic animals because they're beautiful. I think it's also a status symbol that makes people feel strong or powerful. I love tigers personally; I think they're fascinating. But I would never own one. There's just no way to control them. They have evolved to be killing machines and that's exactly what they are. If someone wants a tiger as a pet, they won't get it from me, because I know accidents will happen, and then it comes back on those of us who are in the business. It's not that exotic animals are bad; there are just bad owners who are careless. I wasn't there when the woman in B.C. was attacked and killed, so I don't know what the situation was, but a tiger just plain doesn't belong living in a house with people, especially where there are children.

I'm into monkey business. I've always been an animal lover, had pets as a kid and eventually started working with people in the exotic animal business. Then I started my own business. I don't necessarily bring animals into my house; I can broker throughout the country.