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  Straits Times Forum Online 17 Jan 06
Pets are not toys. Don't turn hermit crabs into ornaments
Letter from Liao Shuxin (Ms)

I write with reference to the 'Ha Ha Hermit Crabs' sold at Junction 8.

Animals should never be treated as living toys. It is disturbing to convert crabs into walking ornaments for our pleasure by putting them into painted shells.

Doing so teaches children to view animals as mere playthings with no dignity and it cheapens animal life in the eyes of Singaporeans.

Granted that the seller provides information on these crabs and how to keep them alive, there is no guarantee of humane treatment for these crabs.

I read that hermit crabs can live up to 15 years and they require delicate treatment and extensive knowledge to keep them. Their needs are complex. They require huge living spaces and moisture.

Selling them in the manner that Ha Ha does could attract individuals who just want something cute and disposable and not people who are serious about keeping crustaceans.

How many of these coloured crabs would end up in the bin alive after the novelty fades? Can we really trust people who enjoy looking at decorated animals to take care of them for 15 years?

We need to rethink our treatment of pets because how we treat animals has implications for how we treat fellow human beings when laws do not dictate our behavior.

Liao Shuxin (Ms)
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