Where did the other rabbits go they didn't sell? I went downstairs and cuddled all my degus because I felt so awful for all our animal friends after reading this post. :( I think it's largely the problem of capitalism, like everything else. We need to educate people that JUST because an animal is easy to breed, DOES NOT make it a source of money.
Why do pet stores even exist when there are so many non-human animals in shelters, sanctuaries and rescues, who are looking for human companions in good homes? (I do not like using the word "pets" since it denotes a subservient relationship, but I understand its usage socially.)
There are also reputable breeders of dogs, cats and birds and, perhaps, rabbits, guinea pigs, and reptiles. If you desire a companion, why not do some research first and then bring a furry, feathered or scaly companion home with you.
Agreed, Perry! I would even be okay if pet stores did the heavy lifting by vetting their sources to make sure the animals they "sell" are humanely born, raised, transported, and acquired and the "buyers" were somehow "certified" to be knowledgable about the species they want to buy and can ably provide for them for the entirety of their lives. When it comes to some types of parrots, that can be 80 years or more...
The problem, if that's the word I want, seems to be the entire pet industry or capitalism itself. On the one hand, the possibility of owning a pet is widely available and maybe should be, but for that to exist in a commercially viable way sourcing of animals seems to have to happen in horrific ways, and impulse buys and their consequences, on the other end, also seem endemic and unavoidable. Like meat-eating, how do you keep it from being completely an elitist privilege without opening the door to grotesque inhumanity?
Thanks, Jack! I agree, the pet industry is a challenging and complex issue. As a society we must find the balance between the widespread desire for pet ownership and the ethical sourcing and responsible care of these animals. Like many systemic issues, it requires a multifaceted approach, including stronger regulations, public education, and a shift in consumer mindset towards adoption and responsible pet ownership coupled with a corporate sense of ethics over profit.
Where did the other rabbits go they didn't sell? I went downstairs and cuddled all my degus because I felt so awful for all our animal friends after reading this post. :( I think it's largely the problem of capitalism, like everything else. We need to educate people that JUST because an animal is easy to breed, DOES NOT make it a source of money.
Why do pet stores even exist when there are so many non-human animals in shelters, sanctuaries and rescues, who are looking for human companions in good homes? (I do not like using the word "pets" since it denotes a subservient relationship, but I understand its usage socially.)
There are also reputable breeders of dogs, cats and birds and, perhaps, rabbits, guinea pigs, and reptiles. If you desire a companion, why not do some research first and then bring a furry, feathered or scaly companion home with you.
Agreed, Perry! I would even be okay if pet stores did the heavy lifting by vetting their sources to make sure the animals they "sell" are humanely born, raised, transported, and acquired and the "buyers" were somehow "certified" to be knowledgable about the species they want to buy and can ably provide for them for the entirety of their lives. When it comes to some types of parrots, that can be 80 years or more...
The problem, if that's the word I want, seems to be the entire pet industry or capitalism itself. On the one hand, the possibility of owning a pet is widely available and maybe should be, but for that to exist in a commercially viable way sourcing of animals seems to have to happen in horrific ways, and impulse buys and their consequences, on the other end, also seem endemic and unavoidable. Like meat-eating, how do you keep it from being completely an elitist privilege without opening the door to grotesque inhumanity?
Thanks, Jack! I agree, the pet industry is a challenging and complex issue. As a society we must find the balance between the widespread desire for pet ownership and the ethical sourcing and responsible care of these animals. Like many systemic issues, it requires a multifaceted approach, including stronger regulations, public education, and a shift in consumer mindset towards adoption and responsible pet ownership coupled with a corporate sense of ethics over profit.