items inappropriately sold for guinea pigs

[fi.cantillon]

I have been speaking with the local council regarding pet shop regulations and responsibility of selling items and providing information.

They very predictably suggested contacting manufacturers direct but helpfully pointed out that unless there is scientific research to prove it is harmful then nothing will change.

It leads me to ask how do we know that the guinea pig ball will cause injury? How do we know that certain food colourings can cause illness? etc..

Please note I am not suggesting that they don't but wondered where this information started from?

 

[KingBoris&HisFollowers]

i think it would have come from the many unfortunant deaths of piggies from these things

 

[fi.cantillon]

Thanks but I need actual evidence. I have been told that this has happened but have no proof to take to companies

 

[Laura-CCC4]

This is the precise problem and it is one that will be a total nightmare to get round, I really feel for you and know exactly where you are coming from.

The only thing we can really actively do is discourage the use of them in as many places/to as many people as possible and hope word of mouth brings the sales figures right down - the companies only manufacture them because people buy them!

 

[nutmeg]

Is it something to do with the position and movement of the spine being unatural for pigs when in one of those ball things? xx

 

[fi.cantillon]

I totally agree but not sure legally in my educational talks if I can state that they are dangerous.