Caged animals

[lilmonkey]

Just been having this debate at work:
Do you think it's cruel to keep pets (birds, hamsters, mice, rats etc) in cages?

[wiggal]

Aslong as they have more then enough space, and everything they need, no, i dont really!

[B00]

I'd agree that it's cruel if they were taken from the wild and caged, however all of what you've said are captive bred and don't know any different, infact their chances of survival in the wild would be nil.

[mrknowall]

So fish are ok boo ? LOL ☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

[B00]

As in tropical and goldfish?

Yeah, most of them are captive bred too. Mine are anyway, ruddy guppies and tetras popping 'em out all over the place!

[ganesh]

Yes I do!
Especially birds when they can't fly more than a couple of feet. I think it's nicer to keep a cat that has the freedom to come and go as it pleases.Or a dog that wants to stay with you.(well usually)Hamsters-well,they're probably quite happy on their little wheels or whatever.
As for fish,well I've seen Finding Nemo!

[heathfield]

It's probably safer to keep them caged. That way you won't accidently stand or sit down on them!

[B00]

Urgh, squished hamsters underfoot.

Still, might be the basis of a new business that- hamster slippers!

[monty0703]

Animals and birds (and reptiles and fish) are not designed to be kept in confined conditons even though they have been captive bred. People should stop buying such poor creatures and help put an end to this type of cruelty. If someone wants a companion animal, there are plenty of unwanted cats and dogs in shelters around the country.

[leelapops]

montyo703 there will be yet more cats and dogs in shelters if you keep promoting the opinion that these re the only animals that ought to be kept as pets. These (especially dogs) take far more commitment on the whole than a hamster etc. would. And whereas hamsters live for around 2 years, dogs can live anything upwards of 10.

I don't think it's cruel, if it teaches people to love and respect animals. Unless, as has been said, the animal in question has been caught from the wild.
Lisa x

[monty0703]

I don't think that keeping any animal in a cage (even though it's let out now and then) teaches anything about love and respect towards animals. The pet trade is a shocking business and encourages animal cruelty from a broad spectrum whether it's the trapping of wild exotic birds/animals or puppy farms and pet shops here in the UK.

[what..the?]

If my pets were not caged they would have been eaten a long time ago.

I know that is the so called 'food chain' but my pets are as good as family members and well I wouldn't like them eaten like I wouldn't like my boyfriend eaten

P.s my brother is va ery annoying person so he's on the menu..lol.