New Pet Shop selling Syrians in Pairs!

[slatted]

I had a look in a new shop that has opened in town. Mainly cos I love to mooch around pet shops.

I was appalled to notice that in very small cages they are advertising a pair of Syrians with cage for a set price. I wanted to challenge them about this but was not sure what good it would do.

I was hoping people on here might be able to suggest ways in which I might approach this as I am worried for the hammies and also any prospective new owners who find the aftermath of keeping two Syrians once they have grown up enough to be territorial!

[Thin Lizzy]

I would approach them. If you don't get anywhere then tell them you'll report them to the RSPCA, trading standards etc. I can't believe a pet shop would be so stupid.
Have they got a website? If they do voice your concerns on there.
Don't be afraid to speak up,

[Piebald]

I suggest printing off from a reputable website or several the information that Syrians are solitary and the adults must be kept separately or they will fight to the death. Highlight the relevant passages. Then write a letter to the Pet Store saying you see they are selling a Syrian pair which is misleading customers and endangering the animals and enclose the information. CC the letter to the RSPCA, consumer watchdog and a newspaper editorial. You want these copied organizations listed at the end of the letter. Address the letter to the manager and owner of the shop (you don't need names). Keep extra copies of the letter for yourself. Hand deliver the letter to the shop. Talk to the sales person and give them a copy but that is not the person who is responsible unless also the manager. Ask for assurance the letter will be delivered. I'd also post it. Go back and check up on the situation. Good luck. xx

[racinghamster]

Well spotted slatted. Great advice from Thin Lizzy and Piebald. Go for it. x

[slatted]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will keep you posted.

Was so surprised when I first saw it was a bit dumbfounded to tell you the truth!

[leedsgurl]

There is also some information in the Welfare section of the forum rules that might help:

Welfare: It should be noted that this is pet hamster forum and is primarily concerned with the care and welfare of the hamsters we share our homes with. If a member has concerns about the welfare of any animal they should report it to the appropriate authorities.

It is not appropriate to post about animal abuse or animal welfare in relation to pet shops or other situations on Hamster Central. All issues should be raised with the RSPCA, SSPCA or the appropriate organization for your own country. Concerns about animals in pet shops must be raised in the first instance with the store manager, then customer services and in the case of smaller shops the local authority which issues licenses to sell live animals. Any concerns relating to videos or articles that are found on the internet should be reported to the site owners where appropriate.

[slatted]

Thanks Leedsgurl.

[Thin Lizzy]

Good Luck slatted.

[slatted]

Well I am truly unhappy with what I have found on RSPCA site. They seem to have a pdf booklet about hamster care...no specifics about size of cage and a lot of other statements about housing that I believe many of us on here would contest.

The only comment about Syrians and Chinese being "happier" on their own and that "best" housed alone. Nothing about high risk of fights and even with comments about territorial issues in all species they seem to indicate only having separate "houses" in the cage rather than separation. They do mention injuries and possible death but it is in no way stressed in a way I can use.

This is, of course, only my opinion of the booklet...you may wish to visit the RSPCA site and view it yourself.

I will be just having a word with the shop manager, and point out that RSPCA do suggest that in best interests of Syrians to be housed alone.

[Thin Lizzy]

Very disappointing about the RSPCA, there priorities have changed over the years concerning animal welfare.