These people...

[PheonixKingZ]

There are many that getting a tank with fish(s) is nothing more than just a passing whim. Then when the fish die, they shurg their shoulders, put the tank out in the garage and think, guess we will have better luck with a parakeet.

Exactly, people don’t care because fish are disposable. Would they do that same thing to a dog? Of course not.

 

[mcordelia]

eh, I just think the step for doing that to a dog is a little bit bigger than mistreating fish, but thinking about all the purse dogs, or dogs that are just chained up outside all day, I don't think either can really exhibit their normal behaviors and often live reduced lifespans as a result too. That's not even considering dogs who are actually abused. In most places there are laws against mistreatment of "higher forms" of life, and I think it's just a matter of lack of resources that fish don't get the same attention, since even mammal abuse has to be pretty horrendous before someone actually gets fines or jail time for it. Some people just suck, some people are ignorant and goodhearted, and some people start out with good intentions and then life gets the better of them.

kind of like @Jamesthecat said, the older I get the more nuances I see in why things go a certain way. Big picture, it's hard to find good people (in any facet of life) - when you do, stick to them.

 

[Jamesthecat]

eh, I just think the step for doing that to a dog is a little bit bigger than mistreating fish, but thinking about all the purse dogs, or dogs that are just chained up outside all day, I don't think either can really exhibit their normal behaviors and often live reduced lifespans as a result too. That's not even considering dogs who are actually abused. In most places there are laws against mistreatment of "higher forms" of life, and I think it's just a matter of lack of resources that fish don't get the same attention, since even mammal abuse has to be pretty horrendous before someone actually gets fines or jail time for it. Some people just suck, some people are ignorant and goodhearted, and some people start out with good intentions and then life gets the better of them.

kind of like @Jamesthecat said, the older I get the more nuances I see in why things go a certain way. Big picture, it's hard to find good people (in any facet of life) - when you do, stick to them.

Exactly. Now when I say this people may take a step away.. there’s a thread about why you started this hobby and I enjoy it as it helps me with some ‘ addiction‘ problems. I recently spent 2.5 years in custody - people find out and cross the road etc. Whilst there I did a maths BSc and taught over 100 people how to read and write So they could write home to family etc.

My point is its never black and white - everyone has a story and sometimes people make mistakes.. So if I meet someone who bought unsuitable fish and they died, I don’t lecture them I try to help and offer support.

what I hate about forums is when everyone jumps on the bandwagon when someone makes a mistake, it’s better to offer help. If they don’t want it fine, but at least you tried

 

[EllRog]

It's a shame that people wanting to venture into the hobby weren't offered good advice from knowledgeable employees

 

[PheonixKingZ]

It's a shame that people wanting to venture into the hobby weren't offered good advice from knowledgeable employees

It is. The owner is more knowledgeable than the guy that was there last time I went. I hate the new employees there, because they don’t know anything...