Final Self-Reflection

Final Self-Reflection:

While doing this project I realized that hedgehogs are more well known for their pop culture stars, and few know about the actual animals themselves. Also, in Europe these animals naturally run wild, so some people eat them and others view them as friendly wildlife, as people in the United States might view a squirrel. When looking at the many different ways in which people around the world interact with the hedgehog, it varies to a great degree, even though hedgehogs do not vary much from one species to another. This can be said of any animal. Dogs are perhaps the most variable as they can be considered companions, partners, service animals, food, wildlife, and even pests. While I was aware of this, I did not know just how intelligent dogs and other animals are, which brings up issues of how we should treat them. Some animals, like the killer whale, may actually be smarter than us and experience more emotions than we do; I question the ethics of keeping such an animal in captivity for entertainment or any other purpose. Also, in order for one animal to bring us joy, it may cause so many others pain, which is the case for some dolphins, many puppy mills, and large exotic animals. Instead of focusing on what is right in front of us, humans need to look at how their actions impact animals, whether or not they care for that particular species.

Moral Vision Statement

Moral Vision Statement:

With so many interactions between humans and animals, one must ask themselves how they view these creatures. Do they have intrinsic value, or do they get all of their value from the emotional or financial investment a human places in them? Is it wrong for a pet cat to kill a pet mouse, but acceptable for the same cat to kill a wild mouse that has invaded the home? Many would argue that we should not kill animals at all since they are intelligent, emotional being who have wants and feelings, but animals still kill other animals, and many need to do so in order to survive. What we need to worry about, is not whether or not we should kill animals, but how we kill them. We should not end their lives unnecessarily, and if we must kill them, then we should make sure that they suffer as little as possible in the process. Even if we do not eat them, animals are still used in a variety of ways, and in using them we must be sure that we are giving them high quality lives. This might mean housing chickens differently, or euthanizing a dog in a shelter who is suffering psychological damage. While all species are not equal, all species can suffer from poor treatment, and need to be regarded. Animals do have intrinsic value, but the human-animal bond can make one animal even more valuable than other members of its species.

Compromise

Compromise:

Three concerns about keeping hedgehogs as pets

1. Welfare of pet hedgehogs

While care for these animals is not easy, they are in many ways easier to care for than a dog or a cat. The lack of research done on this particular animal makes hard facts difficult to find. However, a breeder can ensure that the person to whom they are selling the animal is aware of their specific requirements. When an owner knows what is required and what to expect, they can provide the animal with a high quality life.

1. Hedgehogs harming the environment.

These animals could very well pose a threat if enough of them were released in certain states. Though the threat to livestock is not great since importation of hedgehogs is already illegal, they could still survive very well in states like California, and should remain illegal in this state. If someone living in one of these states did want to own one, a permit should be available, but should not be easy to obtain. This would allow the animals to be kept track of while still discouraging owners who will not responsibly care for these pets.

3. Owners of hedgehogs being harmed.

While humans may be harmed from handling hedgehogs, the amount of harm is minimal when they treated correctly. Any pet poses some risk, and hedgehogs are actually less likely to bite than more common companion animals. Before purchasing this animal, one should hold them bare handed and check for an allergic reaction in the next few hours. Also, when selling the animal, the breeder should show the new owner proper handling techniques in order to minimize incidents of injury.

Sources:
http://www.peta.org/issues/companion-animal-issues/companion-animals-factsheets/inside-exotic-animal-trade/
http://www.pogstarhedgehogs.com/articles/wantahedgehog.html
http://www.smallanimalchannel.com/critter-experts/hedgehog/do-hedgehogs-make-good-pets-for-children-0910.aspx

Controversial topic-con

Controversial topic-con

Dear PETA,

Your concerns about exotic pet ownership are valid, especially concerning hedgehogs. These animals are not domesticated, and do not make good companion animals. Many of these animals are illegally imported into the United States after being taken from their natural habitats. During the journey, many will become sick or injured, which often leads to death. Even if they survive the journey or are bred in the US, many owners do not provide them proper care. When they are curled tightly into a ball, someone trying to unroll them can cause injury to both themselves and the animal. Additionally, a number of people who obtain hedgehogs are actually allergic to them. For this reason, or simply because they are difficult to care for, owners will often release them into the wild. In some parts of the country they will die from exposure or predators, but in other parts they can actually thrive, becoming an invasive species and spreading disease to other animals, including livestock.

Though some people are bonded to their pet hedgehogs, the satisfaction they receive from owning one is not enough to justify the suffering of that animal and many more like it. Thank you for taking a stand against owning this exotic animal.

Source:
http://www.peta.org/issues/companion-animal-issues/companion-animals-factsheets/inside-exotic-animal-trade/

Controversial topic-pro

Controversial topic-pro

Dear hedgehogs breeders of the United States,

Many are concerned that hedgehogs do not make good pets and therefore should not be bred for this purpose. However, hedgehogs can make very good pets for the responsible owner. When they are young, they must be handled often and given to owners who understand hedgehogs and how to care for them. When this happens, a very strong bond can form between the human and animal. Also, for many people keeping a hedgehog is much easier than caring for a dog or cat; since they have quills, these animals do not need to be bathed more than a few times a week. Also, they are often asleep during the day and active in the evening, making them the ideal pet for someone who has work or school during the day. Even children can benefit from having this creature as a pet since they rarely bite and the quills will quickly teach a child how to handle a hedgehog properly.

Though some are concerned about the welfare of these animals and the diseases they could spread to humans and livestock, a responsible owner has nothing to worry about. Thank you for breeding this wonderful animal, and I hope in the future you will continue to be legally allowed to do so.

Sources:
http://www.pogstarhedgehogs.com/articles/wantahedgehog.html
http://www.smallanimalchannel.com/critter-experts/hedgehog/do-hedgehogs-make-good-pets-for-children-0910.aspx