I suppose this could have been predicted (and, in fact, it was, back in 2001). Harry’s popularity and Hedwig’s beauty being what they are, children have been asking for and receiving owls as pets. They are, of course, a little more to deal with day to day than one of Arabella’s tabbys. Defrosting the mice every night for the next day’s breakfast, chores like that. Owl Rescue habitats, consequently, are filling up with abandoned Potter Pets. And the folks who provide the owls for the movies are having their troubles, too.
Wands make a better gift than an owl. Hard to train, but docile and very little mess, even if they have a mind of their own. And they can be purchased online from a host of vendors without registering with the Endangered Species Ministry.
Truly a story about how parents should be more responsible than their children & better think out the consequences of an action. Or if they make a mistake, like we all do, be prepared to take responsibility for it. As usual, it’s the animals that have to suffer. Sad.
Revgeorge has put it quite well. I don’t understand people who don’t do their research on these things (there’s a Hermione moment!). These folks need to understand that wanting something is insufficient justification for having it. And that is not JKR’s fault in the slightest– owls fit in the magical world, but it doesn’t take a lick of sense to know that our owls don’t really want to be mail carriers.
~Nzie
Defrosting mice? Hah! The kitties get *fresh* mice every day only in the form of kibbles. No food in this house that can be held by a tail.
People bought Dalmations by the drove after seeing 101 Dalmations. These high-maintenance animals, which tend to deafness, are nice to look at, difficult to own. Thus abandoned, spotted dogs deluged shelters.
Only a bird-brain would buy an owl for a pet and that may be insulting birds.
Are orange tabbies also now popular because of Crookshanks? Now *that* would be humane and sensible. Kitties make great pets, are quite happy with central heating and air, and easily negotiate hallways and laps. And your airspace is mostly safe.
Mrs. Fleasley, Pawin’, Ninny and Fled & Gorge are nodding their little orange heads in agreement…
I guess this means that hippogriffs are off the list, too? Nagini look-alikes? And Giant Squid sales are gonna bottom out!
Now what if your child is having trouble with their, “Crumple-Horned Snorkack” ? Or their baby Hungarian Horntail Dragon?
Call those two in to the RSPCA in London and see how many eyebrows get raised!
Sigh. I suppose I can’t breed the Blast-Ended Skrewts I bought off a shady character.
Oh, well, the kitties never liked them…
OWL problems? Really? My Welsh Green’s doing just fine. The gnomes on the other hand…