Ridgeback
Not so new Member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2007
- Messages
- 83
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I notice that once again we are having the "kill all cats" debate in another thread. People are proposing all sorts of answers based on restrictions on cat (an other exotics) ownership. I see the solution from a different point of view and would be interested to hear everyones thoughts, as I don't have the wealth of experience that some of you guys have.
Wouldn't it be better to free up access to native species and give people the choice of replacing cats? What kid would want a cat when they could have a sugar glider? Who would want carp in the backyard pond if they could have frogs/tortoises? Why get a rabbit if you can get a bilby? Why get a mouse/rat if you can get a little native hoppy-mouse-thingy (that's a technical term by the way - I am a chemist not a biologist!!).
Imagine what would happen to numbers of natives if all of these pet farms breeding cats and dogs, starting breeding natives? And who cares if the neighbours sugar glider gets out and takes up residence in your front yard?
I know of the argument that people will take animals from the wild. I would guess that people who would do this are a)already doing it and not concerned by the regs and b) in the minority compared to those who just rock up to the pet shop looking for the next family member.
I also realise that a huge mental shift would be required in the pet shop industry to ensure that supplies and accessories are available, but demand will always drive supply.
Thoughts, opinions?
Wouldn't it be better to free up access to native species and give people the choice of replacing cats? What kid would want a cat when they could have a sugar glider? Who would want carp in the backyard pond if they could have frogs/tortoises? Why get a rabbit if you can get a bilby? Why get a mouse/rat if you can get a little native hoppy-mouse-thingy (that's a technical term by the way - I am a chemist not a biologist!!).
Imagine what would happen to numbers of natives if all of these pet farms breeding cats and dogs, starting breeding natives? And who cares if the neighbours sugar glider gets out and takes up residence in your front yard?
I know of the argument that people will take animals from the wild. I would guess that people who would do this are a)already doing it and not concerned by the regs and b) in the minority compared to those who just rock up to the pet shop looking for the next family member.
I also realise that a huge mental shift would be required in the pet shop industry to ensure that supplies and accessories are available, but demand will always drive supply.
Thoughts, opinions?