Would it be cruel to have a pet capybara?

[trina_x]

I live in Wales. It's obviously very different to the lovely south American climate capybaras are used to.

But fuck they're cute.

Would it be okay to have one or not?

Im not making thus a poll cause i want some reasons

[purplepoppy]

Zoos keep them outside and allegedly there's a wild population in Hertfordshire.https://www.times-series.co.uk/news/4664966.surge-of-capybara-sightings-reported-in-barnet/

and Essex https://www.independent.co.uk/news/essex-capybara-world-s-biggest-rodent-stops-play-at-north-weald-golf-course-a-long-way-from-native-south-america-9325556.html

A quick Google shows they can survive down to 4 °C so I'm assuming the wild one are finding shelter. But it does prove they can survive in our climate.

However, cruelty isn't just about temp. look into their needs and ask yourself if you can provide them as you any other pet. for example they're a water mammals so can you provider them with a suitable swimming area?

So I wouldn't say it was cruel but I think you should do a lot of research on husbandry first. https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/can-you-keep-a-capybara-as-a-pet.html states you will need a licence.

[trina_x]

i will be obtaining da capy liscence

[bean2k21]

You guys are trolling or mental, yeah? Those things breed 3 times a year and eat all the aquatic vegetation. You might as well have a pet Gremlin. Shoot them onsite.

[trina_x]

@bean2k21 you're insane i want one

[bean2k21]

@trina_x Oh, actually I confused it with a Nutria, sorry. Nevertheless they will probably erode your riverbanks. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutria

[trina_x]

@bean2k21 those aren't nearly as cute as capys

[bean2k21]

@trina_x A rodent is a rodent. No wonder you people have issues with monkey pox and the plague.

[Agape93]

Not really, they're very social animals and love attention

[Paulychicagoluv]

I'm not sure the odor they have would be kind for the indors

[Paulychicagoluv]

Thank you