Empty cages. Were the small animals just abandoned?

My Paper, My Say
19th January 2009

NO SUCH THING AS CHEAP PETS
I REFER to the report, “Cheaper pet for bad times: Hamster” (my paper, Jan 14).

There is no cheap pet. A pet is a pet, regardless of its price or the state of the economy.

People are attracted to hamsters because of their appearance. Unfortunately, it is exactly their cute looks which lead to many people, especially children, buying them before considering the responsibility of owning a pet.

As part of a group of hamster keepers, I have come across many cases of hamsters which were dumped in bin centres or by the road.

We certainly hope that the article does not lead to a surge in the sale of hamsters just because times are bad.

Ms Suzanna Cheong