I don't believe this article gives a fully balanced amount of space to the breeder. Any time you allow the word "nemesis" into an article, it immediately requires an equal amount of room for a reply.
The first 2/3rds of the article is devoted to the viewpoint of the Margulieses, with some good "general glider information" peppered here and there. It would be better to write a more informative article for future of the sugar gliders, those rescued and those in good homes. Instead, we read the negatively-charged comments and accusations with more than 200 words and 10 more lines of the article devoted to this viewpoint.
Although the article gives Mr. Larkin a chance to reply, it is only a chance to defend. Luckily we see several comment to this piece confirming Mr. Larkin as a respected and conscientious breeder. But it's almost too late. The fist sugar gliders were imported to the US less than 20 years ago, which should emphasize the need for consumer education regarding these pets.
Why not talk about educating owners? .. better stating the needs of the exotic pet? .. the comparison between rescues of exotic pets vs. rescues of common pets and why people give them up? .. the common thread that animal shelters are overflowing with adoptable animals?
There was so much more to say about an exotic pet, educating owners, the specialized care and the future of this type of animal. Unfortunately, this is an opportunity missed.
I don't believe this article gives a fully balanced amount of space to the breeder. Any time you allow the word "nemesis" into an article, it immediately requires an equal amount of room for a reply.
The first 2/3rds of the article is devoted to the viewpoint of the Margulieses, with some good "general glider information" peppered here and there. It would be better to write a more informative article for future of the sugar gliders, those rescued and those in good homes. Instead, we read the negatively-charged comments and accusations with more than 200 words and 10 more lines of the article devoted to this viewpoint.
Although the article gives Mr. Larkin a chance to reply, it is only a chance to defend. Luckily we see several comment to this piece confirming Mr. Larkin as a respected and conscientious breeder. But it's almost too late. The fist sugar gliders were imported to the US less than 20 years ago, which should emphasize the need for consumer education regarding these pets.
Why not talk about educating owners? .. better stating the needs of the exotic pet? .. the comparison between rescues of exotic pets vs. rescues of common pets and why people give them up? .. the common thread that animal shelters are overflowing with adoptable animals?
There was so much more to say about an exotic pet, educating owners, the specialized care and the future of this type of animal. Unfortunately, this is an opportunity missed.