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Posted by George FL
on 4/20/2009, 11:05 am, in reply to "Re: 'Pasture Ornaments' "
69.180.88.25
Joyce,
Admittedly, there are instances where wild animals have been out of control, improperly cared for, neglected, etc...and there are surely times when it has unfortunately cost an animal's life. However, one could argue this happens with higher frequency with domesticated animals. For domestic animals, there is very little financial investment, virtually no regulation, and therefore very little forethought. If we want to run numbers, I would image the percentage of animals euthanized in shelters is a thousand percent higher than an occasional accidental death of an exotic animal. This is really veering off course into a more philosophical debate. I understand you are probably harboring some guilt from Tiffany. You need to realize you did the best you could for her, and forgive yourself. Unexpected things happen...That's life, and I'm sorry for your circumstances.
On the other hand, there have also been tremendous success stories with people raising wild animals. As I previously noted, while no one is expecting to 'domesticate' wild animals; the breeding lines of most animals raised on farms are already many generations removed from a true 'wild' environment...(feeding routines, predators abated, etc...) This has been proved to provide some buffer from true, 'wild-captured' stock.
I agree that having to tranquilize an animal just to provide routine care is excessive. If this is an animal that has not been worked with and handled, then it constitutes neglect. And I don't know of anyone who would condone that. I would recommend a book to you 'Wild Covenant', which is a nice little essay on domestication of animals. While I do not speak for everyone, I believe most that use this forum are well-intended and capable. Personally, I am of the type who is relentless in pursuit of success, and patient enough to wait to see the results.
Maybe none of us are experts, but I believe should encourage responsible ownership and care, instead of the blanket statement that it's not worth the risk. The first part of success is believing. The rest is hard work, love, and dedication...and more hard work.
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