Sugar gliders are not good pets; in fact, they are exotic animals that can put families at risk. Furthermore, these animals often suffer from neglectful and poor living conditions, “Marsupial vendors at Sailfest tout animals’ attributes, but PETA disagrees,” (July 12). Purchasing an animal at a festival is an impulse buy, and most people lack the knowledge and resources to provide them with proper care.

Sugar gliders are nocturnal and should be left undisturbed during the day. They may require supplemental heat and can suffer from a variety of illnesses related to malnutrition. Finally, they are social animals and should be housed in colonies.

Some states and municipalities have banned the sale of sugar gliders. Unfortunately, Connecticut is not among them. PetSmart and Petco will not sell them because consumers typically cannot meet their needs - and because the commercial breeding conditions can be cruel and stressful, analogous to puppy mills.

It is consumer demand that drives these shady industries. Please do not purchase exotic animals so we can end the cruel exotic animal trade.

Rosamund Downing

Connecticut District Leader for The Humane Society of the United States

Stonington