Might be time to write that letter to the editor about not dumping ducks

[Amiga]

desertdarlene,

Super!

I hope we can encourage many people to put the word out in a number of media. Since it's often an impulse buy I think the types of public spaces we can post the plea not to dump animals need to be outside the usual animal people circuit.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I think taking it into the classroom would be good too, I think dd should become a speaker and share this at schools etc.

 

[Beka123]

I have 6 tortoises and as a member of tortforum .org (I don't know if that is considered advertisement or not, so in order to try not to get introuble I shortened the name and put a space in it- so sorry if I accidentally upset someone... Anyway I have seen this same problem over there too, it happens with everyone I guess, a tiny palm-sized tortoise that lives for over 2 years, or grows to 200lbs, or a 6 month old no-longer-baby duckling or chick that is louder than you wanted.... everyone impulse buys (especially me!) but it always is so much more sad when the animal suffers trauma or improper/lack of care bc of it! I hope if anyone writes in to newspaper or shelters that it does some good! Knowledge is always the key

 

[Amiga]

Thanks for your encouragement! I did it - sent in a letter and it's in this week's paper.

I hope others will find the time and save some heartache.

 

[DUCKGIRL89]

Celtic, we will be fine. We had worse storms then this. Our farm may floor again though. Lets hope the duck pen doesnt flood to baf this time. The anconas are pretty clode to the creek :/ ......

 

[DUCKGIRL89]

Oops! Wrong thread sorry!!!

 

[Amiga]

Oops! Wrong thread

sorry!!!

Always good to hear from you, DUCKGIRL89!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks for your encouragement! I did it - sent in a letter and it's in this week's paper.

I hope others will find the time and save some heartache.

Good for you Amiga, will you post it so the rest who may want to do this can have an example?

 

[Amiga]

Good for you Amiga, will you post it so the rest who may want to do this can have an example?

Okay. Here's what I sent:


Spring is coming! And among the dreams and temptations, perhaps more for those with children, will come the appeal of precious little chicks and ducklings and bunnies (a.k.a. kits).

I simply want to ask everyone to decide against getting any of these little critters if your plan is to release them to public fields, ponds or forests when they are grown, when you become overwhelmed with their care, the family tires of them, or they aren’t cute anymore.

Releasing pets is cruel, whether that is the intention or not. Those who try to help such released former pets use different words – abandonment or dumping.

Domestic animals are not equipped to protect or feed themselves. Sometimes they die quickly when they fall prey to other animals. Sometimes they slowly starve or freeze to death. Sometimes they die in agony from the infections that arise from injury or disease. It is awful to even contemplate.

If you want to have some of these small animals as pets, for their sake and yours, do a little homework before you take them home. Be sure you can handle their care, from the day they arrive through their adult lives. There are resources online, in print, and in the form of local individuals and organizations experienced with animal care.

Another option is to adopt rescued animals. They were raised as pets and then dumped. They could surely use a decent home where they are well cared for.

Springtime, for many, is a season for celebrating new life, redemption, and care for one another. Please don’t bring home any cute little fuzzy, feathered, furry “babies” only to abandon them to a cruel fate. That’s not what this season is about.

 

[BantamoftheOpera]

I just posted this on my facebook wall, feel free to quote or paraphrase:


With the Easter season approaching I would like to make a public service announcement, particularly to my facebook friends with families. A baby chick, duck or bunny IS NOT AN IMPULSE BUY! Animals are not something you keep until it doesn’t suit you anymore! Yes they are cute and I am getting a shipment of “Babies” myself this spring, but I have permanent housing, equipment, and knowledge to care for my new pets. You will not find me buying ducklings this spring because I don’t have the means to take care of them! You will not find me “Releasing” a DOMESTICATED animal into the wild to starve, or freeze. Please be responsible in your Easter basket purchases. These creatures make incredible pets and deserve our respect. IF you are planning on buying a little fuzzy for your kids or yourself this spring season please make arrangements for the long term, whether it be at your home or someone else’s, in advanced.