Letter from Deirdre Moss (Ms), Executive Officer SPCA, Straits Times Forum 1 Mar 08;
WE REFER to the letter, 'Hamster fad a worrying trend' (Feb 22), by Mr Retnam Thillainathan and thank him for his concern.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) also read with concern the article, 'Rodents are favoured pets in Year of the Rat' (Feb 20).
Getting a hamster or any rodent because it's 'their' year may translate into many being discarded later on.
They may not take up much space at home and probably are much cheaper to maintain than a cat or dog, but keeping a pet requires commitment that most impulse buyers do not realise or are willing to provide.
Statistics last year showed that more than one rodent was surrendered to our shelter every single day.
To prevent hamsters and mice from breeding, the SPCA advises that males and females be kept separately.
While the rest of the rodents enjoy the company of their fellow furry friends, the Syrian hamster does not. Any attempt to put more than one in a cage may result in fights which can lead to them killing.
If all necessary research has been done before getting a rodent as a pet and preparation has been under way to bring one or two home, please remember to adopt rather than buy.
Our shelter is a temporary home to many abandoned rodents like the ones mentioned above. You can be the one to give our furry friends that loving home they need.
Visit our adoption gallery at http://www.spca.org.sg/adoption/adoption.asp to check them out.
