Fort Smith Starts Exotic Pet Registry

The idea for the registry came after a pet bobcat was mistakenly captured and released into the wild.

In March 2008, the city of Fort Smith was called to remove a bobcat from a residential neighborhood. Thinking this was a wild animal, the Fort Smith Animal Wardens, in consultation with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, humanely captured the bobcat and turned it into the wild. After this action, it was discovered the bobcat was actually a beloved pet named Shadow.

Fortunately, Shadow was found by her owners, but all parties involved agreed some type of voluntary registration of unique or exotic pets could help prevent situations like this in the future.

This voluntary registration will go into the records of the Animal Control Division of the Fort Smith Police Department and the Sebastian County Humane Society. Should a registered animal be discovered unattended, every reasonable effort will be made to reunite the animal with its owner.

In addition to this voluntary registration, all owners of unique or exotic pets are strongly encouraged to consult with their veterinarian to identify the animal through computer chips, tags & collars, or other appropriate methods.

Exotic pets can be registered online. Go to www.fortsmithar.gov and click on Shadowbox - exotic pet registry under Quick Links.

Posted by Serenah McKay, Best Friends Network volunteer
Photo courtesy of city of Fort Smith Web site