Pet Shops – Are they really necessary?

Jason — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:27:11 +0000

While I see the need for petshops to sell pet care items, I do not see the need for cages stuffed full of fluffy animals, most of which should not be living together. Hamsters, for example, are solitary animals and like to nest and hide away “alone”, a rare luxury in any petshop.

Guinea pigs are much the same, although more sociable, they breed easily and are very sensitive little pets. Rabbits will fight unless together from a young age and can do extreme injury to each other when put together. Rabbits also like to produce multiple litters of young! Sterilisation is essential.

Most petshops I have dealt with like to “chuck ‘em all in”, probably to save shop floor space and for maximising profits on keeping large quantities. After all, that is why people are in business ~ to make money! While some petshops take time and effort, maintaining clean cages and well cared for pets, others are a living hell for the animals housed there.

In my opinion, rabbits should not live in a cage but should be housed in an outdoor run which has shelter, drainage and open spaces. All rabbits and guinea pigs can be sterilised and to allow them to repeatedly breed is cruel.

Guinea pigs are also used as live food for snake enthusiasts and rabbit meat sells for about R70 per kilo in butchers across South Africa. In Peru, guinea pig is a normal dish to have for supper, and in France you can order a plate of horsemeat. So where does one draw the line?

What is the purpose of breeding these animals?

Most rabbits and guinea pigs suffer a lifetime of nervous fear and terror anyway – to add babies into the mix is irresponsible. Sadly, it is known to welfare organisations that both rabbits and guinea pigs are used in dog fights as bait.

This is a personal decision, but I think that a typical human’s diet of cow, pig, sheep and sea food is more than enough without adding rabbit (and more) into the equation as well. Besides, eating pastas, fruits and greens is just better for you!

Get to know your SPCA Inspector!

If you don’t like what you see in a petshop, report them to the SPCA Inspectorate in your area. Do not buy a puppy or kitten from a pet shop. You will more than likely end up with problems. Do not support pet shops that crowd their animals into cages. Speak to the manager and make sure that standards are of the highest.

Adopt puppies and kittens from a reputable adoption organisation and be sure that it has been sterilized before you take it home. Adoption from a welfare shelter ensures that you take home a happy, sterilised and healthy pet.

If you are concerned about a petshop, go back every 2 months or so just to keep an eye on what is happening there – it’s a good idea to build a good relationship with the shops’ management so that they know the public are watching!

The novelty of it all

I know parents who went to the petshop to buy a toy for someone else’s new kitten, and end up taking home a selection of pets themselves. This is not the way to do it! Make sure that you actually WANT a pet, particularly a pet which lives in a cage, and then make a decision to view and choose carefully.

If the novelty wears off, and you are left with a caged pet that you don’t really want or need, call your local welfare organisation and make an arrangement. Don’t be ashamed to admit defeat ~ caged pets are difficult, time consuming and hard work 24/7 !

Overall, speak for those who cannot speak and take action where you know it is needed. Petshop animals need your care as well – don’t be afraid to speak out.

Karen de Klerk
Animal Rescue Orginisation

Animal Digest » breeding

Pet Shops – Are they really necessary?