Today I visited a pet shop to get some food and toys for my two pet rats. I was pleased with everything except for the pets I saw on 'display'. People around were in awe at the small, cute rodents. However, I definitely was not. Firstly, the rodents were trying to climb up the walls but could not as the cages were flat metal with a glass window for people to see, not good for climbing. They were also clawing and biting at the lock on the cage obviously trying to escape. Also, the climbing toys were pointless as the rodents couldn't even reach a single one of them as they were meant for bigger rodents (as the lady at the pet store explained to me when I complained about their unsuitability.) Even more so, they had 2-4 rodents in each small cage (and a LOT more in the cages for the rabbits and guinea pigs), but the cages were barely big enough for one rodent, let alone four! I also did not see any adult animals there, which makes me wonder what happens to them if they don't sell before they stop becoming cute baby animals...

I would really like for the government to consider debating this in Parliament as I believe it is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. It was really awful seeing the animals in that state I felt sick and I still feel horrible knowing they're there now still in distress.

Please note that by signing this petition you're helping make many, many animals live more happy and healthy lives.