Animals and children

I see that 100% of people think that pets are good for children. Well, perhaps we should also wonder whether children are good for pets. It is wonderful when children are taught about the needs of animals and how to care for them properly but so often kittens, puppies, goldfish, guinea pigs and rabbits (these are the commonest) are bought for amusement or as "toys".

Animal charities are burdened by the cast-offs and no responsible adult should try to give an animal as a present for Christmas, or without the child or parent being consulted.

Just a thought.............having helped with an animal charity, I find it distressing to see how some children abuse their pets and how their parents are too lazy or ignorant to intervene.

From the topic:

11. Pet Politics - Rights, Ethics, Re-homing & the RSPCA.

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14 May 2007 16:21

Sarah Spencer

i totally agree with this. we know that animals are good for people but i am not so sure it works the other way round! it is such a shame that animals are brought for kids, who may or may not play with and look after them for a few weeks / months and then they just get forgotten and the parent who brought the animal doesn't have the time or just cannot be bothered to take over. it really makes me angry when people take on an animal with no real means of providing the things that animal needs to lead a healthy and happy life!

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14 May 2007 09:06

patricia savage

i totally agree with you,some children can be very cruel to animals,even if it is just tormenting them.i keep a close eye on my grandchildren and would never allow rough treatment,

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09 May 2007 21:33

Rosie R

I agree with what you're saying Pat, in part. Children who abuse pets are often the offspring of parents who did exactly the same when they were young. Even worse, they cannot see that they are doing wrong.Sadly, this is one of the more unsavoury facts about society today. Interestingly, one study has shown that children who abuse animals go on to commit serious crime in adulthood.
However, these children are in the minority and most youngsters value pets and animals in general.
I totally agree that animals shouldnt be bought as presents without a parents knowledge or agreement because, at the end of the day, it may be the childs pet but it's the adult who is responsible for its welfare NOT the child.
I was impressed in the run up to Christmas to see that Pets at Home were selling gift tokens instead of live animals, to prevent impulse buying.
Animal/human interaction is a two way thing. I believe that my animals get as much out of their relationship with me as I do with them. I believe we are good for each other.
However, having said all this, anyone who abuses animals should have the book thrown at them & no second chances.

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