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Post by neonxvintage on Oct 16, 2006 15:35:57 GMT -8
I went to a pet store with my friend to look for guinea pigs, and we ended up at a tiny store filled with hundreds of animals. I saw some rather large brown gerbil-ish looking creatures, more than 10 to a 20 gallon. I looked them up, and saw they were degus. There was one weel, too small to even let a gerbil on, but one adorable degus was trying its hardest to run on it. I'm assuming this isn't exactly a normal way to keep the degus. They looked completely miserable, and I'm also positive there were not seperated by sex. What I want to know is if I should alert an animal cruelty society about how these animals were treated. I'm assuming I should, because I nearly cried after seeing a dead baby jird that looked like it'd been dead for several days. Needless to say, my friend bought a guinea pig (also kept in too many a cage) from the store in an attempt to rescue it.
After saying that, I'm tempted to go rescue some by buying them. I was wondering exactly how much they are expected to cost, if they're good pets, and what sort of living conditions do they need?
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Post by neonxvintage on Oct 16, 2006 15:39:39 GMT -8
Agh, I just found out that degus is the plural, not both. So for a couple of those, insert the word degu.
I hate seeming ignorant. :/
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Post by doomgerbiluk on Oct 16, 2006 15:51:57 GMT -8
The trouble with 'rescuing' these animals is that the shop has then acheived its end and will get more animals in. Effectively your encouraging them to keep and sell animals in these conditions. You need to discuss the conditions with management and with local animal welfare and possibly health and safety. I obviously understand the desire to help those individual animals. But if it means suffering for further animals is it really helping? Another issue is that you could end up with emotionally disturbed animals or animals in ill health. With degus this is a particular problems, they are sugar intolerant and bad diet leads to big health problems and possibly high vets bills. Degus also have long memories and live to around 15 years. they are very vocal animals and many people find them hard to live with. They are incidentally very much on my wish list  Please consider your next actions very carefully. |
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Post by naomi on Oct 17, 2006 0:16:18 GMT -8
I've taken in many guinea pigs in the hope I was actually "rescuing" them but the sad fact of the matter is (as doom rightly pointed out) you're only making room for them to get more in. The only way to protest against animal neglect is to NOT BUY ANYTHING - it's really hard I know but in taking one or more you honestly are just making room for more, which is too sad to even think about.
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Post by angielouise on Oct 17, 2006 5:33:49 GMT -8
Oh boy - yes, I agree with Doom and Naomi. Buying them is too tempting, but in effect is causing more problems as the store will get more in to replace them.
I personally think the best way forward is to alert the authorities as soon as possible, and keep nagging them until you see something is done.
Good luck xxx
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Post by neonxvintage on Oct 17, 2006 16:06:14 GMT -8
Oh. Yeah, I'm aware that buying two wouldn't actually save them. I was just considering it anyway, because they seemed very sweet. Actually, I'm probably just going to call the SPCA. I'd be a bit too afraid to talk to the owner, because I'm afraid he might pull out a shotgun on me.  |
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Post by angielouise on Oct 18, 2006 0:01:18 GMT -8
Hiya, Yeah, go for it. Call them and get the ****** in trouble. I hope it all goes to plan. Keep us informed please!  Angela |
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Post by tyrolink on Feb 17, 2007 8:45:51 GMT -8
I was trying to get degu's...*sniff* but someone already took them. I actually had a dream about that sort of situation, and I was so angry that anyone could be so inconsiderate to a living creature. I say tell the ASPCA pronto!
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Post by AndreaS15 on Feb 17, 2007 12:57:19 GMT -8
I have 5 Degus, all rescues. And yes they need ALOT of room.
I would definetly call the SPCA and tell them what you saw, and how you are worried about the animals. I would even maybe write the paper, or another animal rescue organization and see if you can get them involved.
It's so sad people treat pets so badly.
A sallready mentioned if you buy the animals, then they can buy more. It's a win win situation for them, but an aweful situatiuon for the animals living it.
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Post by gerbilluv10 on Feb 19, 2007 16:55:07 GMT -8
are they a type of gerbil? (of course they look like a big mongolian) -VERY CUTE- but are they really?
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Post by Shooting Star on Feb 20, 2007 7:31:35 GMT -8
No, they're in the same suborder as chinchillas, cavies, and New World porcupines. Gerbils, mice, rats, and squirrels are in a different suborder. The order Rodentia (all rodents) splits into the suborders Hystricognathi (chins, cavies, degus, etc.) and Sciurognathi (mice, rats, squirrels, gerbils, etc.).
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Post by girlrazor on Feb 23, 2007 8:09:35 GMT -8
The classification of Degus and Chinchillas is still being debated, they may in fact be their own sub-species. But anyway, I own two degus and believe me there are hundreds out there looking to be adopted/rehomed from welfare associations. If I were you I'd file a complaint to your national animal welfare society (Humane Society / RSPCA / SPCA etc). They can do more than you can - whilst making your complaint make it known to them that you would be willing to rescue a few for them, that way both parties "win" as such. The problem with these people is that they see animals as commodities rather than living things. It's terribly sad.
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