At present, there is a high tide of hobbies that are wooing and hunting for exotic pets. However, the safety risks inherent in such practices as “relationship”, rearing, treatment and abandonment, which are related to ecological safety and biosafety, require attention.
What's the geometry of the "other" thing?
The term "other pet" is a short term term for "other pets" or "other pets" and refers to alien wildlife, unlike traditional pets such as cats, dogs, that are raised, seen and economically exploited as pets, both invertebrates such as insects and vertebrates such as birds, animals, amphibians and reptiles.
Global wildlife trade is growing year by year, involving billions of wildlife, and there is growing interest in “optimals”. In my country, the demand and trade for “outside pets” is growing rapidly, and the White Paper on the Chinese pet industry (Consumer Report) 2025 shows that the number of people raising “outside pets” continued to rise in 2024; that there are data showing that some 1.770 million people are raising “outside pets” in our country, and that the market is approaching a billion yuan yuan; and that on social platforms, there are a large number of bloggers who share pets and “play” secrets.
However, the relatively short history of human rearing is common, and potential risks can be associated with the lack of in-depth knowledge and effective responses to the pathogen microorganisms they carry and to the possible spread of the disease during trading and breeding.
Is it really "loveful"?
Central I, 2023, for the first time, included the strengthening of the management of “relationships”, emphasizing the need to “strengthen the fight against the illegal introduction of alien species and the implementation of Operation Major Hazards to Invasive Species Prevention and Control” “to strengthen the management of `other pets' trading and release norms”. How, then, is the definition of an alien species equivalent to an “invasive alien species”? Let's see what we're saying in our Invasive Species Management Scheme.
Alien species. It refers to species that are not naturally distributed in the territory of the People ' s Republic of China and that have been introduced by natural or human means, including all parts of the species that are likely to survive and reproduce. No unit or individual may introduce, release or discard alien species without authorization.
Invasive alien species. It refers to alien species that are imported and present a threat or hazard to ecosystems, habitats, species, which affect our ecological environment and undermine the sustainable development of agro-forestry and fisheries and biodiversity.
In fact, most of the popular “outside pets” are non-naturally distributed within the country and belong to alien species that may lack biological and non-living constraints such as indigenous natural enemies in the new environment, are in a competitive position to survive, take over and squeeze the food resources and living spaces of indigenous species, and lead to impacts on the survival of indigenous species and their ecosystems. Once they escape or are abandoned, there is a high risk of undermining biodiversity and ecosystem stability, threatening my biosafety and even causing an ecological disaster.
State Security Alert
“Beloved” can be spoiled, but not at will. In the pursuit of novelty and love, only reason and discipline enable people to dance in harmony with nature. Citizens in general should raise awareness of national security and be conscious of the potential security risks associated with “relationship” and be the “guardian” of the biosafety line.
Compliance with the law. The Biosecurity Law of the People ' s Republic of China stipulates that no unit or individual may introduce, release or abandon alien species without authorization. The Criminal Law of the People ' s Republic of China stipulates that illegal introduction, release or abandonment of invasive alien species in violation of national regulations shall be punishable by imprisonment or detention for a term not exceeding three years and a fine or a single fine, in serious cases. Any citizen or organization shall strictly abide by the relevant laws and regulations and shall, in accordance with the law, carry out trade-offs, raising, transporting and releasing, and firmly establish a civil defence line for the protection of ecological safety and biosafety.
Rational breeding. Before buying, “other pet” consumers are required to confirm whether the species are covered by the List of National Priorities for the Conservation of Wildlife or the appendices to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and to verify the qualifications of the business. The purchase shall be made by choosing a legal farm, by refusing to smuggle or catch animals in the field, and by requiring merchants to provide quarantine certificates, to observe whether animals are active, to observe the presence of abnormal secretions, etc., and to take care of their pets.