星期四 [ 2010-1-28 14:08:50 | watches1013 ]   In the bag The designer Byline: Jaya Narain THEY fit snuggly into the palm of a hand and are as cute as a button. And that's why the African pygmy hedgehog has - to the dismay of animal welfare campaigners - become the latest must-have handbag accessory. They are, apparently, the latest pet craze for the rich, including footballers' wives and girlfriends, ousting the tiny dogs that were once carried in handbags. Coach Tote Bag Bags In fact, women have told breeders the mammals are the perfect accessory because they require less regular attention than dogs. Owners also love the fact the hedgehogs come in a variety of colours, from albino to apricot, chocolate and salt and pepper. Some have even claimed they want to buy pets to match their handbags But animal welfare experts are furious that the creatures, which cost [pounds sterling]250 each, are being marketed as fashion accessories. Leanne Plumtree, of the RSPCA, said: 'Pygmy hedgehogs are undoubtedly very cute, but animals aren't accessories and promoting them as such is irresponsible. 'These are exotic animals whose needs are very difficult to meet in a household situation and where that's the case, the RSPCA does not believe they should be kept.' Janet Thornton, of North West Animal Welfare Centre, added: 'These are disgusting, deplorable people who swap and change their pets like their outfits.' Customers are travelling to Cheshire from as far afield as the Scottish borders to buy one of the tiny hedgehogs. Steve Birchell, owner of Cheshire Waterlife Wildlife Centre which stocks the creatures, said: 'Our business is based on respect for animals and we ensure that anybody who buys a pet from us knows and understands the importance of proper care for their pet. 'We've been astounded at the popularity of these cute Silver Set little creatures. 'Apparently they are all the range among the WAGS because they are cute. They love being handled and they will sit quite happily in a handbag. What's more they are also inexpensive to keep.' Diana Mather, a self-styled etiquette and style expert, said the animals were the 'perfect present' and increasingly seen 'gracing designer kitchens and peeping out from the handbags of our fashionistas'. FACTFILE The pygmy hedgehog originates from Egypt but was first bred domestically by the Romans in 4BC, who used their quills for writing. Most domestic pygmies are fed on a diet of cat food but will eat fruit, insects and worms. They are prone to 'wobbly hedgehog' syndrome - a genetic muscle disease which is similar to multiple sclerosis. They live around two to three years in the wild, or as many as ten years in captivity. Pet pygmies do not have fleas because they are bred in captivity. Fully grown, they are between five and eight inches long. Litters of between six to eight are common and babies are ready to breed at around two months of age. embroidered patches CAPTION(S): Must-have pet: African pygmy hedgehogs will fit easily in a handbag Other articles: http://www.boni8.com/Blog/View/?1444 http://www.zgljxxg.com/Blog/View/?658 浏览(626) | 回复(0)
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