KUCHING: The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) is sounding the alarm on the peril of exotic pet abuse, notably turtles, and its dire consequences on the local ecosystems.
As World National Invasive Alien Species Week unfolds, the SFC stressed the importance of responsible pet ownership, cautioning against the reckless disposal of exotic animals into rivers or other habitats.
Exotic pets, such as turtles and Siamese fighting fish, often infiltrate households through the pet trade. However, when owners can no longer attend to their needs, the temptation to release them into the wild wreaks havoc.
These non-native creatures pose an existential threat to the fragile equilibrium of Sarawak’s ecosystems.
“The release of exotic pets into rivers or other habitats can lead to various environmental issues, including water pollution and the displacement of native species.
“Additionally, the introduction of invasive species can disrupt the food chain and result in the decline of indigenous flora and fauna,” SFC said in a Facebook post.
The corporation urged pet owners to assume stewardship of their animals responsibly.
If owners are unable to continue caring for a pet, SFC saidalternatives such as finding a new owner or contacting the local authorities for assistance should be explored.
And in the event of a pet’s passing, proper disposal methods, such as burial, should be practised to prevent further harm to the environment.
Towards this end, by promoting responsible pet ownership, SFC said it aimed to mitigate the negative impact of invasive alien species on Sarawak’s biodiversity.
Through collective efforts, communities can safeguard local ecosystems for future generations.
