Unpopular Pet Opinions

Any old, super original readers who may still be out there might remember a series of posts entitled 'Things I Hate About...' or maybe even from further back than those the 'Opinions of a Housewife' posts. Many see me as overly pessimistic and most of my opinions against the majority, or 'unpopular' and something I evidently feel very passionately about is animals hence today's post.
Below you will find a list of just a few opinions I have about pets; mine and in general that may be unpopular...

Adopt Don't Shop

The biggest one and something I will always advocate for. People try to justify their breeder and puppy mill purchases by saying they wanted a specific breed or something that would be 'safe' around their kids. However, if you look into multiple shelters you are more than likely to find most breeds, ages and temperaments. Not all dogs up for adoption have behavioural problems, some are born in shelters when their mother is rescued pregnant etc. Don't be so quick to 'buy brand new' when so many innocents are waiting for a home.

Breeding at Home

Continuing on from my point above is breeding. I don't agree with it on any level and especially not by average families getting together with their friend to breed their dogs and make quick money from a litter of puppies, kittens, bunnies or anything else. There are arguments from the 'for' side that breeding is necessary to preserve bloodlines and keep the species going, but with so many designer breeds and all of the accidental litters, I believe domestic pets won't go extinct any time soon.
Health defects from interbreeding/overbreeding is another point, but I could go on forever. 

Wild Caught

Contradictory to saying no to at home breeding I'm a no to wild-caught pets, specifically reptiles. Of course, this is much more common in other countries where they are sold on, shipped overseas or bred to have more to sell. This is inhumane and unnecessary. Then how come I have reptiles? Mr H actually had 4 of our 5 when we met, 1 of which was a rescue and the addition we welcomed together was also a rescue - are all captive-bred. As much as I adore many species of animal I do think there are those who should not be kept as pets, this applies to reptiles too. We have reptiles because they were already a part of the pet chain here in the UK and we are able to care for them better than so many others have or would.

Living Outside

Nope! Don't bother adding a dog to your family if they are going to be shoved outside in a kennel or not allowed indoors, what's the point? In the UK specifically, weather is too sporadic and ranges dramatically through the year to extreme temperatures etc so keeping small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs outdoors is more complicated than just sticking them in a hutch. Unless you have the means to house them suitably, regulate the temperature and keep them safe when you can't see them try to keep them indoors...or don't get them at all.

Being on the Sofa

Why do people not allow their pets on furniture but they let kids? Exactly.
If you have a fur baby there is going to be fur around, get used to it or again...don't get them!

Solo Small Animals
This doesn't apply to all small animals obviously, because the likes of Syrian Hamsters need to be kept separate.
But for those who do thrive in a pairing or group should be kept as so.

Extendable Leads

Extendable leads when used correctly are fine, not that many people do use them properly. They are a good tool to use when your dog has no recall or cannot be let off the lead, to allow them a little freedom at the park or beach. When on paths and near roads they are stupid! I wish people would have them shortened and secured or use a normal lead instead of letting the dog wind around peoples legs, trip people over, run into roads or be so far ahead that they cannot control them.

Cheap Treats

Not cheap inparticular, but many of the treats sold in budget stores fall into this category. Dogs may be dogs and eat whatever you give them but that doesn't mean they should. Things like rawhide goes through a terrible process to be made and contains a lot of bad stuff. Even some well known or more expensive brands are no good for your fur babies. Check the ingredients. Look into cleaner options!

Outdoor Cats

Maybe the most controversial item on this list is that I completely disagree with cats being allowed to be outside. Apart from the risk they pose to our wildlife, the dangers for them themselves are exponentially greater in this day and age. From attacks from other animals and even evil people to roads and cars, the risk is not worth it.

Spay/Neuter

It is not cruel, it does not 'take away their manhood'. It is necessary to stop adding more numbers to the growing shelter population as well as helping to prevent some illnesses.

Shock and Prong Collars
I was disgusted to hear some pet bloggers/vloggers preaching for these medieval, torturous practises. 
There is no excuse, no need, no anything to justify using any 'behaviour correcting' equipment. 
Be a good owner, do the research and take the time and effort to actually compassionately train your dog 

Pets for Kids
This one is short and sweet.

Living beings are not toys.

Designer Breeds/Morphs
These are getting out of hand! Be it the breathing problems caused by the short nose of the Pug or the neurological issues of the Spider Ball Python, making breeds is cruel. Scientifically breeding cats so they are 'hypoallergenic or lizards to be certain colours is all pointless in my opinion.
There are so many mixed breeds that have come to be known as designer breeds such as the Labradoodle or Cockapoo who are literally just mixed breeds buy are bred in excess and sold for thousands to meet the want of those craving anything that is 'in style'. Conversely, my dog Baker is a Border Collie Lurcher cross yet is classed as a mutt or mongrel. Why isn't he a Clurcher or a Lollie?! 
Exactly!

Well, that's it for now. I don't think there is anything written up there that is too offensive but I guess...apologies if you are offended? These are unpopular opinions after all! 
To sign off I'll just say - Let your dog on the sofa, bring your guinea pigs inside when it's cold, spay and neuter your cats and most importantly ADOPT DON'T SHOP!
Thanks!

Until next time...