Tuesday, 7 October 2008

Hamster Jam?

It seems that animals including chicks and hamsters have been deemed 'dangerous pets' (http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/oct/07/children.health.pets) for young children (who are likely to kiss them and to pop their unwashed hands in their mouths) by the American Academy of Paediatrics as they carry disease (e.g. Salmonella) and can be prone to 'bite, scratch or claw'. I personally don't think that 'traditional pets' (cats, dogs and parrots) are actually notably safer. It would be a pity, in my view, to limit children to a very prescribed list of acceptable companion animals. Perhaps better control of child-pet interactions is more appropriate?

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