Dear Rebekah,



Thank you for your letter informing us about Recycle A Rodent. I am
the Education Director at the Animal Welfare League of Qld (AWL Qld)
and your letter was passed onto me as I am know within the
organisation to have a special fondness and concern for companion
rodents.



At the AWL Qld we care for over 10,0000 stray, abandoned and injured
animals every year. A small proportion of those are small animals
such as guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, mice and of course rats. Of
all the small animals that we have surrendered to our Refuge, rats
are of the most concern to me. It seems that as you said in your
letter, they are easily discarded and abandoned, despite the fact
that they are as intelligent and affectionate as a dog or cat. It is
especially sad for me as I have kept companion rats all my life and
know what beautiful animals they can be.



I too am of the opinion that pet stores are irresponsible in their
carefree sale of these rodents, and am saddened by people's
attitudes that they are simply vermin like the rats on the street.
It is for this reason that I take special interest in each
surrendered rat case that comes through our Refuge. As a result many
of the rats that do come through the AWL do get rehomed. Having said
this, your website will be an excellent resource for us to use in
order aid our rat rehoming efforts, so thank you for drawing our
attention to it.



Thanks once again

J

Zoe Hermans B Ed (Grad), B Comn

Education Director

Animal Welfare League Qld Inc

Ph: (07) 5509 9032

Mob: 0431 021 531