What is illegal pet ownership and why is it a problem?

Every day, people yield to the temptation and purchase a “big cat” or other unusual, non-native species. One problem feeds the other, and soon the growing demand for these animals results in more breeding and more unwanted animals. Exotic animals of this nature are also often sold as targets in “canned hunts.” Licensing requirements and laws regulating wild pet ownership vary from state to state, leaving loopholes through which such animals may still be obtained.