This is a headline on the CBC this morning. What is wrong with people? Firstly, if an animal or a plant aren't already living in an area -- they don't belong there! You can't just dump it because you don't want it any more! Secondly, if you think you're setting it free, you're not. It will likely die a terrible death of starvation or be preyed upon by the animals that do survive where you've dumped it. But often, like with rabbits and the fish that the story referenced, the poor creature has time to mate and produce offspring that screw everything else up. Finally, when you buy a pet, you're responsible for it. Before you bounce off to the pet store (and you shouldn't get a pet from a pet store -- get a pet from the SPCA -- they have all sorts of animals, not just dogs and cats -- or from a reliable breeder), really think about whether you are willing to commit yourself to pet ownership. Dogs live at least 15 years, cats 20 (if you keep them inside so they are safe and don't prey on songbirds), some birds can live as long as a person! (Orlando, my brave little cockatiel, lived 30 years!) So you should think about it as seriously as you think about getting married or buying a house or what career you want.
And don't get an exotic pet. They are stolen from the wilderness often at the cost of many others who die in the capture or in transit. A dog is a great pet. They're smart and loyal and loving and they encourage you to get exercise and they are therapeutic and a good companion. But you get what you put into it. You have to make an effort. I have never had a cat but my sister had her cat, Topper, for over twenty years and she loved him and he was beautiful and sweet and provided her with a great deal of joy. And they have lots of cats at the SPCA.
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