What do I do in this situation?

[alwaysamess]

Today I was making a transfer at Sindorim station (line 1 meets line 2). I saw a woman crouched down in front of Face Shop with a small box full of barely walking tiny chicks and a bigger box with a makeshift lid on it (later a bigger chick jumped out so it was ful of bigger chicks). Then I see that between those boxes are two mangled looking tiny kittens laid out on the dirty subway station floor. They are sleeping, but they look oily, almost wet and not sleeping like a kitten would. They also look too young to be away from mom. I froze. Several people had stopped to "admire" how cute these guys were. It was not a cute sight at all. I was just dumbstruck. I couldn't move. The woman obviously just wanted some cash, picked up these chicks and kittens somewhere and decided to sell them.

I didn't know what to do. I refused to buy them. I didn't even ask how much she wanted for them, because I'm not giving anyone like that anything! I just stood there staring at the scene in horror. It's just so wrong. I got tears in my eyes behind my sunglasses. The thought crossed my mind: I visualized stealing them, but then I'll get caught and that wouldn't be pretty. I also imagined me dropping the box of chicks and the things scattering like spare change all over the subway station.

I stood there for a good 10 to 15 minutes. The woman didn't even look my way. People came and went. I was standing there thinking about what to do. If someone bought them, then the woman gets money and will do it again. But if no one bought any, then the animals suffer. It's a catch 22/22. Finally, I felt defeated, but not before I made a statement. I know Korean well enough to say something, I thought. Even though the people obviously weren't going to buy them, I turned to the 7 or 8 people looking at the animals.

I said, "Don't buy them. They are sick." And I walked on with tears still in my eyes.

I can't stop thinking about it. Did I do the right thing? What should I do in this situation?

I don't think chicks should be pets, period! Not in some person's apartment. What happens when they get bigger and they grow into bitter mean roosters and chickens. Or what if they are quail or some other bird? And what about those poor little kittens?!

And imagine my surprise when I show up at my private and they introduce me TO THEIR NEW CHICK!!!! This chick thing is a new trend. I almost broke down crying.

While I was there, I tried to teach them how to care for the chick. They keep it in a box on their patio with food but no water. I'm not chick expert, but I made sure they put some water in there. Honestly, though, I know nothing about chicks. What should I do?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Sara]

Oh my goodness. I completely know that feeling that you described of just standing there - frozen not knowing what to do. It's the worst feeling in the world. You are right, if you bought the kittens, then this lady would most likely become a repeat offender - maybe she already is? But if you don't buy the kittens, then they suffer. To me it is the definition of frustration. As hard as it is to say, I think you did the right thing - I am saying this with the ideology that a few must suffer to benefit the greater good. I hate that though, the fact that ANY of them have to suffer is messed up. I guess that is the kind of world that we live in. So freaking depressing huh?

I would have felt horrible walking away too, but I think that you made the right choice. Is there any way to try to approach her if you crossed paths with her again in the subway? Not about adopting the kittens or chicks, but maybe to give her some humane educational material etc... perhaps? Just an idea...

[Karen]

Hi Alwaysamess,

I agree. I think you did the right thing. There is not much you can do in that situation except try to educate people. The last time I was at the train station I saw this woman selling puppies from a box. One family bought one, put him in a bag and walked away. I can't imagine that was a planned purchase, and how can they even know what size that puppy is going to grow to? I didn't know what to say and didn't do anything except gawk and feel terrible.

As for the chicks, I've seen them for sale every season since I got here in 1997. Then they used to be dyed pink and green. I remember my twin girl students coming to class wearing clothes the same colour as their chicks. I couldn't believe it. I sometimes hear chicks chirping in my apartment complex, but I never see a full grown pet chicken of course. The babies probably don't last even a week. My guess is that farmers sell the male chicks that they don't need and keep the only the females for laying eggs.

I've never had my camera with me when I've seen the boxfuls of chicks, but here's the perfect picture from someone else's blog: http://janesdailyblah.blogspot.com/2007/03/animal-rights-in-korea.html

What happens to male chicks in North America is of course much worse. Here's a graphic photo, don't click unless you're feeling strong today: http://www.factoryfarming.org/gallery/chicks01.htm

What has been on my To Do list for a year or more is to make a lesson plan for elementary students about which animals make good pets, and what those pets need to live long, happy, healthy lives. I hope I will find some time in the upcoming weeks to put those lessons together.

Ideally, if the kids know better they will stop buying chicks for a week, but where do the unsold chicks go?

OK, this topic is extremely depressing. One really awesome book the offers solutions (and therefore will make you feel better) is The Power And Promise of Humane Education. (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0865715122?tag=eslheadquarte-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0865715122&adid=1PGTZBKZ5RRPQP8FEA56&) That's the best I can do to end on a positive note.

[alwaysamess]

Thanks so much. I read your responses and I feel so much better. I do feel now that I did the right thing, though hard to digest.