This post is in response to the one by Debi Christy.  I previously posted
my opinion on animals as pets being a "business".  I realize it was
flammatory towards one particular store chain and was not surprised to
find that it didnt' show up in the FML.  I will reiterate now, trying not
to flame anyone in particular.
 
[Moderator's note: I don't remember that post, nor rejecting a similar one.
Did you get a note from me about it?  Sorry if I just don't remember it
or if it didn't appear by mistake. BIG]
 
No one that has a true love for animals gives a rat's behind about what is
and is not "viable, cost effective or profitable" to a pet store chain in
caring for sick animals.  The lack of concern for a breeder's "defects" is
the difference between a legitimate animal breeder and large scale money
hungry animal factories that are pumping out babies for profits.  If a
breeder is not willing to take on the responsibilities of the sick due to
it's mass production, what makes you think that they will take the money to
humanely euthanize it's "defects".  The nature of the breeding business is
that some animals will require veterinary attention.  The breeders as well
as the pet stores have to take responsibility for this.  Lives are not
disposable.  Incidentally, the "big picture" here is that if it weren't for
these ferret factories, rescues and shelters would not be over run.  And
I'm sure that it's not only the breeding defects that are to blame here.
Four of my own personal ferrets are Marshall Farms and came to me defect
free simply because the owners were not educated on the care of the animal.
Ethical pet store is an oxymoron.  I do however commend you on rescuing the
kits who's fate would have otherwise been at the hands of a money hungry
profit monger and a heavy blunt object.
 
Kim Fox
[Posted in FML issue 3470]