So sad to see those that are 'preloved'.

[Basia]

A lot of parents just aren't prepared to look after the pets once the children have lost interest. The mother who changed her mind about having Runty was because he was long-haired and needed brushing. She said her son was only 12 and couldn't be expected to brush him and she didn't have time.
Well as far as I am concerned, she didn't deserve to have him anyway if she couldn't be asked to brush a hamster.
With petshop hamsters, in particular, the fact that most of them are not tame probably doesn't help. Once a child has been bitten a few times they may well not want to play with their pet any more.

[Holly]

Originally Posted by Basia

With petshop hamsters, in particular, the fact that most of them are not tame probably doesn't help. Once a child has been bitten a few times they may well not want to play with their pet any more.

I think that's true definitely - that gives me some hope that my tame babies might actually enjoy a good life with people who won't lose interest in them.

There's also the fact that pets need to be researched before you get them as well as the fact that kids get the most out of their pets if they have an interested parent looking after the animal with them. Not to mention the fatc that the animal then gets more out of it's humans

[Jane]

It's so sad to look on that site (and similar ones) We can't save them all though can we. If we rescue one though when we can then atleast that is one life we have saved.

I think it happens because a lot of children will bug their parents for a hammy for ages then finally they will get one from a pet shop. Then the hamster bites them and they don't want it anymore, or they love it at first but slowly over time they decide it's "boring" and just forget about it. Most of the time the parents didn't even want the pet in the first place so they wont care for it.

[DonnaB]

Originally Posted by Ghostofarose

It really is heartbreaking that people treat their trusting, dear little pets as disposables. Fidget, one of my hams, came from a family whose kids had 'lost interest.' When I got to their house, it was overrun with cats. Fidget was sitting on the floor in a tiny cage, surrounded by aforesaid cats batting at the cage with their paws. The kids thought it was hilarious. I handed over the £20 they were asking, and their mum instantly gave the kids half each! Yeah, good lesson for your kids to learn isn't it?

~Katie

Thats awful!! Another generation of horrors to look forward to. I have 4 cats which arent allowed in the main part of the house (just laundry room and occasionally kitchen) and certainly no where near the hamster.... I've taught my girls (just 3&5) to shoo the cat away and shout for me if one ever snook in!

I despise any form of cruelty or neglect and people who encourage it are just scum in my eyes, they dont deserve ANY pets..... or children come to think of it.