Artificial Environments

I have been thinking about the moral side of rodent raising.
What are the absolute minimum standards for keeping caged animals and can we all agree on them?

When you contain an animal in an artificial environment, I
believe you have the following minimum obligations:

WATER

All animals should have access to clean water at all times.
Do not wait for a bottle to be empty, change it when it is low.

FOOD

Animals should always have food in their cages.

SAFETY/SECURITY

Animals should be protected from extremes of temperature
and from cage mates that would do them harm. Cages
should not be overcrowded. Stay below one half the
density specified in USDA shipping requirements.

A CLEAN CAGE

A cage clean enough to prevent illness or injury.

I believe these are the minimum things we owe our
animals when we place them in cages. When we cage
an animal, we have complete control over its health,
comfort, and survival. We owe the animal at least these
four minimum considerations.

However, it would be nice to take into account more
than just the basics.

BEYOND THE BASICS

Owners should avoid the "crash and burn" syndrome.
Do not have a number of animals greater than you can
handle (or afford) without neglecting them or your own
right to a balanced life.

Animals should have an enriched environment.

Animals should be appreciated and loved.

Animals should be bred only in numbers that are wanted
and needed.

Animals should be given medical attention as needed.

People should develop a relationship with their animals
and learn from them.

Your animals should be a source of pleasure and satisfaction.

By David Jordan: Mr. Jordan is an active member of the Northeast Rat & Mouse Club International

Article courtesy of the Rat and Mouse Gazette

Planet Pets is not responsible for content or opinions of contributing writers

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