I swore I was not going to read this when I first saw it posted. I knew for sure it would be upsetting and I had every hope that it would just "drop to the bottom." I see however that it has held the interest of many and at this point, feel compelled to reply.
I find it in very poor taste to discuss this topic. in this context, so light heartedly on a pet forum where the subect of disscussion, the item on the menu, is a creature that many, many people here cherish as members of their families, including myself. This was not a rallying cry to elicit outrage, or bring to our attention animal abuse. or even to be informative but rather, to shock. Yes, many people here are not vegetarians and eat a host of animal products. But it is the insensitivity with which this is being discussed that is troubling to me.
And no guinepiglover, you were not mistaken about them being exported to the U.S. for consumption.
The 1,000 guinea pigs shipped out weekly — mostly to the United States — each weigh nearly 2 1/2 pounds, said Dr. Lilia Chauca, head researcher of the breeding project.
Thank you bringing this to my attention for this is surely something, as a guinea pig rescuer, that I will be looking into.
Yes, I remember the reply you posted on that Pet of the Day thread Sirravhed; that was unconscienable. I don't care where on earth it is common practice to consume guinea pigs, cats, dogs or horses or whatever animal, that's not the point. THIS is a forum for animal lovers, not a recipe exchange for tasty pets. Would you dare to post an article discussing and describing the slaughter and consumption of cats, post photos of dogs hanging from meat hooks in Korean markets, then tell us all how much you enjoyed eating them?
In defense of your reply to the guinea pig Pet of the Day you wrote:
I posted that long ago when I first joined the board and have since apologized. I hadn't felt out the dynamics of the board yet
Did you really need to "feel out the dynamics" of the board before deeming whether that remark to be tasteless and cruel? That's where I have the problem; not so much in discussing the topic intelligently, for gaining some insight into what goes on in other parts of the world, but in your motive which was neither.
Did you REALLY think the family would find that funny? It bothers me that you seem to find something humorous in all of this. I could care less what you choose to put on your plate for dinner or poison your body with. But when on this board, why not show a bit of sensitivity for others and keep your dining preferences to yourself when it comes to our pets? Or perhaps you just enjoy getting a rise out of people? You surely must have known it would.
There are a lot of " cultural practices" that are considered acceptable in some parts of the world, but considered highly offensive and immoral in others and you might want to take that into consideration when posting here.
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