Yes some peopel dont know how to tell the difference. When A responsibel
breeders charge "alot" for an animal, they still are "loosing" money becuase
they spend alot of money of the best food, vet care etc. The "mill"
breeders though cut corners, using cheep food, inadeqate housing that is
unsafe, dirty and too crowded and euthanizing animals (or sellign them sick
and hiding this info from buyers) instead of giving them vet care. Thsi is
how they "make money" at it.
Fortunatly, i have seen more peopel are getting the word out (eg: online, in
newspapers even) on how to recognize a "responsible" breeder and to
recognize an "irresponsible" one. Infact one of the articles int he first
issue of a magazine Im working on for RMFE (new rat/mouse club) has a full
length feature article about this. Really- just as we say here that us
breeders/rescuers should be interveiwing interested adopters/buyers.... so
shoudl those peopel be interveiwign the shetlers/breeders!!!! (Infact, I
consider that as part of my interveiw- giving a "plus" point for them in my
head if they interveiw me and ask the "right" questions *s*- Thsi helps
signal to me that they are interested in makign sure they are getting a
responsibly bred and raised animal and have the right info for caring for it
properly once they get it)
The contract about what to do with animals that cant be kept anymore is also
important (but unfortunately hard for those on the list under 18 or their
state's laws for legal age). I always place my animals with a stipulation
that if they cant keep it for ANY reason, to contact me first for the option
for me to take it back. If I cant take the animal, I will Help them find a
new home for it- if for soem reason they cant get in touch with me- then its
written that they will find a pet hoem themselves or find a shelter or
rescue group that will.
I think basically no ONE thing works best alone- you really need a
combination of as MANY things as possible to make sure animals go to good
homes... pricing is just one issue (esp when you have to weed out snake
owners particularily at a show where you have lots of distraction and cant
call to verify their vet etc.) plus contracts (if you are old enough to),
plus an interveiw (I have the sense most peopel here already do this!) and
also other requirements for buying- for example, requiring a vet refferal or
the change to "check up" on the pet once the pet is settled in the new home.
ag
>Since the topic of puppy mills and buying pets was brought up. I've
>noticed
>that some people believe that if they get an expensive puppy from a
>"Breeder"
> they think the puppy is magic..that it'll train easier, bark less, and be
>"perfect". I put breeder in quotes above because some puppy mill owners
>try
>to pass of as responsible breeders. What some people don't seem to
>understand is, it isn't the price of the pet that makes it better..but the
>time you put into it. As far as breeders they have more a guarentee on
>their
>animals health and temperment (to an extent). I think some people take
>that
>as the dog will learn quicker..behave better..etc. I think that's how some
>expensive dogs end up in shelters. Although I do think animal awareness is
>getting better. AOL even has a pet quiz and then a cat and dog one too
>help
>people pick the right breed for them. So anyway..I guess my point is..to
>make sure you feel comfortable with the person you sell to..I don't think
>price will make much difference. And if they don't want the gerbils
>anymore
>I think an agreement that the gerbils be given back to you, perhaps
>reducing
>the risk of them selling them to pet stores, snake fanciers, etc. So
>that's my 2 cents worth :)
>
>Angie
> <A HREF="http://members.aol.com/angh2715/index.htm">The Gerbil Guide</A>
>http://members.aol.com/angh2715/index.htm
>AGS Member
>Adorable ~N~ Gentle Gerbils
>The ANG Clan
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