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We do not show our animals!
Why not ?
- We feel that showing animals causes unnecessary stress to the animal. Imagine an animal that is mostly a creature of habit
and likes familiarity, being packed up an driven across the country to be put on public display for a day or two, risking
being poked and prodded by people it has never met.
- We do not take our animals to unfamiliar environments, possibly putting it’s health at risk by exposing it to animals
of unknown origin. Rather than exposing our animals to various parasites, viruses, bacteria, various types of fungi or potential
injury, we have decided that it is in our animals’ best interest not to bring them into a show ring. We would gladly
give up a few points, or a title of champion in exchange for knowing that we have done everything we can to ensure that our
animals remain healthy.
- Most shows are held in the USA and it is very difficult and expensive to bring hedgehogs into the USA. Some people do
bring hedgehogs into the USA but you do need a permit, which can be costly and time consuming. If you bring a hedgehog into
the USA without letting customs know you are SMUGGLING, it is a criminal offence, not only do you risk prosecution but you
also risk having your animal confiscated and possibly euthanized. Before you consider bringing any animal into a foreign country
be sure to check all municipal, provincial/state and federal laws. Be sure you have all the necessary documents. Most countries
have laws regarding the restricted movement on all animals. These laws are in place, not only for the safety of people but
also for the safety of the environment and indigenous species.
- To us, animal shows, are (for lack of a better word) Hokey. They are not that different than a social beauty pageant.
The animals are judged by a few select groups of individuals (club members) who are supposedly the people who know what we
should all want our own animals to look like. Those few individuals pick a standard usually based on their own animals and
then they judge it on looks. They do not judge the breeders or his/her commitment to the species nor do they judge the effort
and care they provides to her animals outside of the show-ring. Unfortunately, these judges do not have the resources to go
around to judge each member or to inspect breeders and their breeding records to see how these animal are housed and cared
for outside of the show ring. Except for the obvious, congenital defects and overall health conditions are seldom visible
on a show table.
- We have been enjoying the hobby of keeping and learning about hedgehogs for a long time. After so many years spent, dedicated
to improving our breeding herd and working closely with people who also share our interest, if we really need a judge to tell
us we have nice animals then perhaps we should not be breeding. Although we are always learning and willing to share our experiences
and do realize that there will always be people who feel that showing animals is their life long goal, we feel there is so
much more to breeding then to show animals. Putting an animal on public display to be judged on looks alone, is just something
we don’t agree with.
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