'Whimsical' purchase of pet is error of judgment

By trodaway

I am writing to express my disgust at the comments written by editor Sam Holliday in his article 'Buy a hamster or a tiger' in the Chronicle of June 18.

In this article Mr Holliday explained how he helped a child under the age of 16 to purchase a hamster from a pet shop in Trowbridge.

I would be very interested to hear how Mr Holliday ensured that the welfare of this hamster was considered and that he made sure the child had parental consent to have such an animal.

The Animal Welfare Bill 2008 states that no child under the age of 16 may purchase an animal and if a pet shop were to do so they would be at risk of prosecution, a fine of up to £20,000 or even a jail term. The Bill also states that the accompanying adult must ensure the new pet is cared for properly.

By helping this minor to purchase the hamster, Mr Holliday is in breach of the law; something I'm sure the pet shop would be horrified to hear.

Small pets do not necessarily come with small vets' fees. Did Mr Holliday make arrangements to ensure the hamster received veterinary treatment in the future?

For example, a routine course of antibiotics can cost in the region of £40; a child who has had to save for a long time to purchase a cage is very unlikely to have the funds to ensure its long-term welfare.

Would Mr Holliday be writing the same article if a minor asked him to help him purchase cigarettes or alcohol? I sincerely hope not.

However, the sentiment is the same and to make light of it in a newspaper is simply irresponsible.

You only have to turn to page 25 of the very same paper to see the horrific outcome of animal cruelty.

How can one paper applaud the work of the RSPCA on one hand and then advocate the whimsical purchase of pets by an underage child?

Having worked in animal rescue for many years, including working previously for five years as head of small animals at Bath Cats and Dogs Home, I can state with confidence that the homeless small animal crisis is getting worse and the numbers looking for new homes is shocking.

The most common reason these animals are given up for adoption is down to children getting bored with their new toy.

This is the very reason the legal age to purchase a pet was increased from 12 years to 16 years in 2008.

I would like to ask anyone considering getting a small pet to visit their local rescue centre rather than visiting a pet shop and I would also plea that Mr Holliday thinks twice before making such an error of judgment in the future.

ADAM ROGERS Elmdale Road Trowbridge