From: "Janet Morrow" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>The majority of people here have already taken one side or the other.
***** That's not the case IMHO. But even if so -- times change and new
info comes to light about a tough problem. For example, your idea below
about shipping by bus is one I haven't seen discussed.
>Is it possible to find a way to bring all members together? What is we
tried to work with a number of delivery services. For example UPS or
Federal Express. At this time neither of these companies is willing to
transport live animals. Is there a way to write to these, and other
companies as well, to see is there is some way to set up an humane way to
ship animals.
***** I'd guess all the companies and USPS have a form letter reply when
someone suggests changing the regs. The problem isn't new. Also remember
that the companies and USPS must satisfy humane societies and animal
rights activists too. Gerbil shipping isn't a major revenue source so
...
You might get more response by contacting ASPCA and others. Ask under
what conditions they would endorse shipment of gerbils. If you can
negotiate that, then you have a chance of changing the regs.
Re major revenue source: Did you see last night's GML post by M. Negishi
about specialist pet shippers? You can ship your critter from UK to Japan
for about $500.
>For many who love gerbils and wish to breed them shipping presents a
major problem. The market is very limited in many rural locations. On
the other hand we often hear of breeders and others seeking gerbils, but
not finding them in their area.
*** Exactly. New breeders already must decide what they will do with
pups. If there aren't enough potential buyers locally, they must decide
whether to ship. In order to decide, they should have facts rather than
just cheerfully expecting that there is a nationwide market, and that
shipping always works.
I'll repeat: Some gerbils are special enough to ship, and some breeders
can do it with minimum risks. That isn't true for all gerbils and all
breeders.
Just BTW -- one of the breeders of very special gerbils has been
Elizabeth Heckert, who won't ship but will drive two hours (one way) to
meet someone who wants one of her clan. Elizabeth also succinctly decided
me when I was wondering about keeping some gerbils together when they
might not get along. Elizabth said, "Why take the risk?"
>I have spoken to our local bus line, and they have agreed to ship my
gerbils for me. They would be transported inside of the bus to guarantee
their safety.
*** That is a creative good idea, Janet, and I wouldn't hesitate to use a
bus either. With additional conditions: I personally hand the gerbil
package to the bus driver, along with a baggie full of homemade cookies as
thanks. The recipient personally meets the bus, maybe with more cookies.
And I'm sure that the gerbil rides the same bus all the way, or I can find
someone to handle it at any changeover places even if it's only a busline
employee who loves animals.
Similarly I wouldn't hestitate to find a transcontinental airline
passenger (maybe someone's businessperson parent) who would escort gerbils
as carry-on baggage. The big safety problems arise when there are busy
package handlers and delays IMHO.
Please remember that your live gerbils normally will travel in bellies of
airplanes and in the backs of trucks. Those are conditions that often
kill larger animals such as dogs.
