Meerkat Being Kept Like A Pet, Warns MSPCA

Taking to social media, MSPCA issued a statement raising alarm about a video circulating online showing a meerkat being kept and handled like a domestic pet.

‘While this may appear entertaining, it raises serious concerns about wild animals being treated as household pets.’

Meerkats are highly social wild animals, MSPCA explained, and normally live in large groups and complex burrow systems.

‘Keeping them in a domestic environment can lead to stress, behavioural problems, and poor welfare.’

‘Across Europe, organisations including Eurogroup for Animals and the RSPCA have highlighted the serious welfare issues linked to the exotic pet trade and the keeping of wild animals as pets.’

‘Many animal welfare organisations are therefore advocating for the Positive List approach, a system where only species proven to be suitable for private keeping are allowed as pets. This helps protect animal welfare, public safety, and biodiversity.’

‘As the MSPCA, we stand alongside international animal welfare organisations in saying clearly: wild animals like meerkats should not be kept as pets. This is not something that should be normalised or encouraged in Malta.’

#MaltaDaily