Acute problems

Your report “SSPCA appeal after ferrets abandoned” (21 October), is just one instance involving the abandonment of unwanted “small furries” – rabbits, guinea-pigs, rats, chinchillas, gerbils, ferrets etc.

These animals can be bought cheaply in pet stores with little information given to the purchaser regarding welfare, accommodation, exercise needs, feeding, life expectancy, vaccinations and, in particular, neutering.

Rescue centres in the Borders are overwhelmed with casualties of these “easy come-easy go” impulse buys. One centre even has a waiting list of people wanting to rehome their unwanted pets.

Just this weekend we were looking for accommodation for a number of rabbits bred for sale in pet shops and which were living in foul conditions, after the breeder had moved. But they may have to be destroyed as it becomes increasingly difficult to rehome them.

Many of us believe that the only answer is changing the law so that pet shops cannot sell live animals and birds, cutting immediately “pester power” and the impulse buying of “cute” little creatures. Surely no-one wants to see hundreds of healthy small animals killed every year because the purchaser gets bored?

ALISON PEARSON

Secretary, Border Beasties

Peebles