高雄市民飼、棄養外來種寵物的認知與行為之研究

Cognitions and Behavior of Some Kaohsiung City Residents on Acquisition and Abandonment of Exotic Pets

本研究調查高雄市民飼養與棄養外來種寵物的情況，並綜合有關政策與統計結果後，獲得以下主要發現：許多時候民眾飼養外來種寵物的動機是出於好奇或覺得一些寵物容易飼養，其中因為好奇而養寵物的民眾以大專以上者及25-34歲者最多。在寵物飼養上，購買來源主要是水族館和寵物店，且民眾飼養的外來種寵物種類繁多，其中包括具攻擊性的寵物，並且許多外來物種已在野外擁有一定族群數量，顯見政府在風險評估與防治上有所落後。此外，民眾對於飼養寵物的相關法令所知甚少，也顯見有關宣導不足。在放生外來種寵物方面，約有三成的飼主表示曾經放生過，未來會放生或棄養的也可能在二成以上。與其他人口變項相比，宗教是最會影響民眾放生意向的，其中又以佛教信徒最愛放生。本研究建議，在法律規範上，政府應盡快制訂專法來管理外來種生物，以及研擬控制外來種生物進口與販售的管理措施。在宣導上，政府與民間應該強化民眾的教育宣導，嚴格規範集團化、商業化與大量化的放生行為，以及鼓勵建立交換寵物的管道。 This study investigated cognitions and behavior of some Kaohsiung City residents on acquisition and abandonment of exotic pets, by interviewing visitors at the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts on 26 and 27 March 2006. Results showed that most of the people acquired exotic pets due to their personal curiosity with an assumption that these animals are easy to be taken care of. Most of the pet owners had college education and were at the ages of 25 to 34 years. They acquired their pets mainly through aquarium shops or other pet shops. These pets consisted wide varieties of exotic species, including some of dangerous, aggressive animals in the world. Many of the species have established their natural populations in the rural areas. About one third of the interviewees admitted that they released their pets in the past for the humane purpose or their religious beliefs, and over the one fifth said that they would ”release” them in the future if they would not want them. Among the demographic variables of the sample population, religious beliefs was found to be the strongest motivation for releasing pets to nature, particularly for those with Buddhism belief. Accordingly, it is recommended 1) to set up rigorous management regulations for importing and marketing exotic animals, 2) to enhance public education for awareness of the issue, 3) to prohibit commercial and religious massive humane animal-release activities, and 4) to encourage the establishment of pet animal exchange channels.