Rescue or breeder? - Page 3

Basia · 03-10-2008, 10:54 AM

I have always posted thoughts very similar to Julie's post. If some of the current 'think tanks' on animal welfare have their way, the only breeders who exist in the future will be the big rodent farms. These think tanks are well supported by the RSPCA amongst others. This is because they can enforce inspections and licensing on large rodent farms and ensure that 'minimum' standards are met but it is impossible to 'police' small breeders like myself.
I don't think that a minority of people not buying animals from petshops will make any difference to the bigger picture whatsoever. Whilst there is demand there will always be a supplier. I also think that once an animal has been born it deserves to be loved and cared for. I found my way into the hamster fancy because I bought a hamster from P@H.

**Spuds Mum** · 03-10-2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matty Day

Is there anyway I can get this looked at through the south of England which I am a member

Its an interesting thought Matty, and one I don't know the answer to, to be honest. I think there may be some resistance to the NHC becoming 'political' and certainly I think there would be concerns about who would undertake these 'inspections' and administer such a scheme, but you probably would be best emailing your suggestions to the NHC chairman to be honest in a well thought out letter.

Hanlou · 03-10-2008, 11:02 AM

I'm afraid if I am one of the 'self-righteous people' you describe Julie (and I cannot think who else you mean in the light of recent threads, though if I am wrong I apologise wholeheartedly) I don't know if this is a forum I feel I want to be a part of anymore.

I expressed my views (and indeed tried to explain them further still later on) but did not in any way belittle those who *do* buy from pet shops. I just stated why I do not wish to do so personally. Everyone has a right to their own choice.

I do not think I have ever set myself on a pedestal for doing / feeling what I do and feel. As you know, I have animals from breeder myself and will do so in the future.

As for the poor hamsters sold in pet shops - of course they are wonderful animals, each deserving of a lovely life. They cannot help their own backgrounds. But for the reasons daffee has so eloquently expressed I do not want to support the pet shop trade, even though I am fully aware that this will probably make no difference at all to the future of animals in pet shops.

As to the original question..... I guess I would say 'both' - I currently have rescue hamsters but would certainly be interested in hamsters from a good, reputable breeder in the future. The support of a good breeder is invaluable as is the knowledge that you are getting a healthy, friendly hamster from day one.

If I seem to have over-reacted I am very sorry, but feeling so down as I do at the moment generally that sentence has really, really upset me.

Mollz · 03-10-2008, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hanlou

I'm afraid if I am one of the 'self-righteous people' you describe Julie (and I cannot think who else you mean in the light of recent threads, though if I am wrong I apologise wholeheartedly) I don't know if this is a forum I feel I want to be a part of anymore.

I'm sure Julie is referring to people on other forums, Hanlou, as they do ram it down your throat - but, as far as I know, you do not.
I'm also sure that no-one on here will want you to leave just because you have a different view to any of us - that is the beauty of HC, freedom of speech. Believe me if we had made those comments anywhere else we would have all been hunted down and executed by now.

Matty Day · 03-10-2008, 11:09 AM

[quote=Spud's Mum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by "Matty Day":2vqni3vd

Is there anyway I can get this looked at through the south of England which I am a member

Its an interesting thought Matty, and one I don't know the answer to, to be honest. I think there may be some resistance to the NHC becoming 'political' and certainly I think there would be concerns about who would undertake these 'inspections' and administer such a scheme, but you probably would be best emailing your suggestions to the NHC chairman to be honest in a well thought out letter.[/quote:2vqni3vd]

My membership details have not turned up yet, would it be in the back of my handbook?

**Spuds Mum** · 03-10-2008, 11:16 AM

well the current chairman is Andrew Bryan - [email protected]

I think you would need to make suggestions as to how it could possibly be implemented, and think of possible arguments/challenges and how these could be overcome. you would need to ensure that you could show that the scheme would lie within the aims of the NHC.

Not a small task Matty!

Holly · 03-10-2008, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hanlou

I'm afraid if I am one of the 'self-righteous people' you describe Julie (and I cannot think who else you mean in the light of recent threads, though if I am wrong I apologise wholeheartedly) I don't know if this is a forum I feel I want to be a part of anymore.

You need to apologise then - because it's not you I was talking about (in fact I've supported quite a bit of what you've argued in the past so I wonder why you think it is?

).

I didn't really want to say what I was mainly referring to but I can see now that I have to - whilst at work a week or two back I watched someone on another forum get ripped to shreds for daring to voice an opinion that differed from the - well I won't call them "rescue squads" because I think most people who rescue do it for the right reasons and not to pat themsleves on the back for it - but I'm ashamed to say that term did pop into my head to describe some of these people.

I guess, in light of what you are thinking Hanlou, I need to provide the link - I'm just ashamed I didn't stick up for the poor girl (I didn't have time at the time) and it's too late now as you aren't allowed to resurrect old thread on this particular forum - she doesn't go there anymore now, at least I haven't seen her

I can't find it and I'm cooking tea - will look after. I'm sorry if you thought I was referring to you, Hanlou - I absolutely wasn't and I hope my link will show you what I meant. I think it's possible to be passionate about what you believe without being self-righteous and looking for a pat on the back - sadly not everyone can do that and I admit it, I am irritated about how I and some other people who've bought from petshops have been made to feel at times.

Matty Day · 03-10-2008, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spud's Mum

well the current chairman is Andrew Bryan - [email protected]

I think you would need to make suggestions as to how it could possibly be implemented, and think of possible arguments/challenges and how these could be overcome. you would need to ensure that you could show that the scheme would lie within the aims of the NHC.

Not a small task Matty!

well for somone who write six essays a week of 4 diffrent subjects it shouldnt be thougth i might like some help.

Basia · 03-10-2008, 11:23 AM

Quote:

[quote:mimdx8xw]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hanlou

I'm afraid if I am one of the 'self-righteous people' you describe Julie (and I cannot think who else you mean in the light of recent threads, though if I am wrong I apologise wholeheartedly) I don't know if this is a forum I feel I want to be a part of anymore.

I expressed my views (and indeed tried to explain them further still later on) but did not in any way belittle those who *do* buy from pet shops. I just stated why I do not wish to do so personally. Everyone has a right to their own choice.

[/quote:mimdx8xw]

Hanlou, please stay with us on HC. It is one of the few forums where it is possible to hold different viewpoints. I personally feel that not buying animals from petshops will make no difference and I have had a lot of people that have disagreed with me on here in the past. There are not many forums that I would actually dare say this as I would be 'shot down in flames'. As you say everyone has their own choice.
I have felt a little sad recently when new people have joined and apologised in their introduction because their hamster came from a petshop. I think there is a groundswell of opinion on here that babies should either come from a 'good' breeder or rescue.
I hope you do decide to stay, I value everyone's opinion and can see your point of view, I just don't agree with it.

**Spuds Mum** · 03-10-2008, 11:24 AM

Matty, I'm happy to look through it just to QA it before it goes off if you like, but as I think a little differently about it, I wouldnt be happy to contribute as such.

I think it is laudable that you put it out there as a suggestion though, and will be interested in the response.

PS - there is no need to go anywhere I am sure Hanlou - your views will always be listened to, as we would all expect ours to be. And just for the record, Julie did refer to the other forum's post in a PM to me before you posted, so I am confident she did not mean any disrespect to you!