20/08/2024
It has been brought to my attention that there is a post going around discussing the ethics of breeding and how show breeders are the cause of Australia’s over population of guinea pigs.
I want to be clear at the end of the day, unless you have actually taken the animal from a neglected situation, adoption is still purchasing an animal.
In my years of cavy keeping it has been my rescues and misfits that have had the poorest health. I lost my beloved Piggy Eilish at 2 and a half years to a splenic tumour rupturing. Dental problems, cancer and bladder stones have also been common which have been very distressing experiences. I personally don't find it ethical to put cavy through multiple surgeries or procedures for them to be able to live. I will be honest, as I don't have anything to hide, some of my longs did have heart issues when I first started breeding. I made a committed effort and choice to select breeding cavy for vitality and longevity whilst also studying the pedigrees. This active choice in ethical breeding has resulted in healthier and happier cavy.
People who know me, know I do not support backyard breeding of cavy. That is the real problem and the major cause for overpopulation of guinea pigs in Australia. Every litter and cross must be to ensure and uphold breed standards or genetic diversity. No one should breed, just to see what happens or because babies are cute. If you want to breed, join your local club, get a mentor, educate yourself and then breed with the best and healthiest stock available.
Ethical purebred breeding prioritises animal welfare, genetic health, and breed preservation. We focus on producing animals that meet breed standards while improving health and temperament. Every registered cavy breeder in Australia is active in the show scene to a certain extent. To be registered with a prefix we must be a part of our local cavy club. If there was no pedigree breeding of cavy in Australia, they would all very quickly become pointy nosed scraggly things with mismatched coats and poor health. Purebred breeding ensures that my cavy are predictable in type, temperament and health.
So here is a photo of my purebred alpaca babies next to my purebred dog. A dog whose breed I specifically selected for their predictable gentle temperament so my beloved guinea pigs, mixed breed or pedigree, would be safe.
Also absolutely no one is in the cavy fancy for money or profit. As my ex so kindly stated “I have never known anyone to spend so much money on a hobby.” 😅🤣🤣
Edited to add: this is not to say all rescues are bad etc. This post was made to state why responsible and ethical breeding of cavy is so important and needs to be maintained in Australia.
Adopt or Shop Responsibly. ☺️
