Exotic pets; good or bad?

[dinosauria101]

So, in your opinion, is the exotic pet trade doing more harm than it is good, or vice versa?
I feel it leans slightly towards good, BUT with plenty of harm. You have things like tropical fish, reptiles, etc, most of which aren't endangered, make good pets, and provide us with opportunities to learn about the animals (provided, of course, they are cared for well). 
On the other hand, there are things such as highly endangered parrots, which I don't think I need to explain why the pet trade is bad for. I think they should be banned as pets until their numbers are stable, no exceptions.

[smedz]

I say bad, just look at the incidents of big cats attacking their owners and the situation in Florida.

[dinosauria101]

Yeah, I agree things like big cats should be left to the professionals.

What's your take on the more benign exotics, though?

[smedz]

Benign? Like what?

[dinosauria101]

Reptiles, amphibians, fish, and (some) birds.

[smedz]

Only if you are truly responsible.

[Venomous Dragon]

Dogs and cows kill more people than any exotic pets, people who hold the opnion that exotic pets are somehow a grave threat to people are ignorant and stupid.

[dinosauria101]

Yeah, I guess as long as you know how to care for your pets, you should be fine.

[TheLionBoy]

I think exotic pets are OK