Bad Rat breeder
A friend of mine just lost her brand new pet rat (he was about 9/10 weeks old, she had had him for three days).
He died of what I believe to be megacolon, although I can't be sure. It just happened now. She found him this morning, freezing cold (despite having warmth int he form of blankets etc). He has shown no particular interest in food since she got him, although he did nibble on this and that. In the end he had no thrive, couldn't eat, had no strenght and was breathing only once every 20 seconds or so.
My theory is this: having come from an unregistered backyard breeder, and sold in a private business owned by that breeder, I believe that the rat's line carries some genetic pre-disposition to megacolon. I want to know if it is possible to take legal action against someone who knows nothing abou genetics and proper animal care. All breeders should know that their job is to eliminate these problems by not allowing the strains to continue.
What can we do?
Answers:Even good breeders can have MC in their lines. Sometimes, we just don't realize two rats are MC carriers until a litter is born. There can be generations and generations of no MC and suddenly you have an MC litter. However, if they ARE a backyard breeder and you fear they are breeding indiscriminately, please contact the ASPCA in your area and let them know they are selling animals that may be ill. Also, if they are running it as a business, please contact the Better Business Bureau and report them. If they are unlicensed, you could possibly get them shut down for tax fraud (unreported income). Please don't sue over a rat. Even with pain and suffering, you're looking at more in legal fees and attorney fees than the case would ever bring you. Next time, your friend needs to research the rattery and contact references for the breeder.
?? =S
I would suggest that your friend go to a pet store and buy another rat. Most have a lot of rats and they're fairly healthy, but remember, you're talking about a rat and not a pure bred dog. When rats are bred, it's for the purpose of feeding a snake.