I'm going to become a murderer....

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   Shanna11posted 11 years ago

   Over the Spring and Summer I asked permission of my apartment complex for fish. I had a ten gallon tank and a half dozen fish and all was good. I planned on taking care of them until they died.
   
   Fast forward six months, and my apartment decides to crack down on pets of all kinds, charging 400 dollars for violations. So I have to get rid of my fish. I have literally begged everyone I know to take them (and I'm offering a free tank, filter, gravel, decorations, automatic fish feed, water conditioner, net and food-- EVERYTHING you would ever need) for free and even people who can take them (they live in a house, etc) can't.
   
   I'm now offering them on Craigslist for free, but what if no one wants them? I'm having to face the possibility that I'm going to have to kill these fish who've kept me company. Call me over-dramatic, but I work with animals every day, I love animals and I'm a total softy. I've called local fish stores and pet stores and they won't take them, even though the six I have are in good health.
   
   Are there any other options left that I haven't exhausted yet? It'll be a crappy few weeks for me if I have to kill them.

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      Gordon Hamiltonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi, Shana
      
      Here in the UK, we have the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Is there a US equivalent? Perhaps they could help?
      
      Hope you find an acceptable option.
      
      Good luck!

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         Shanna11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         I didn't think of that! That reminds me that I haven't contacted local shelters either. Maybe I could work something out with them. Thank you!

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      SimeyCposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Do you have their permission in writing? If so you may have a legal case against them?

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         Shanna11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         It wasn't in writing, unfortunately. It was the verbal permission of two different employees.

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      A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      There's an auction this Saturday at the Great Salt Lake Aquarium Society.
      
      http://www.gslas.com/

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         Shanna11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Omigosh! You're a life saver. I'm up in SLC this weekend and if I could find someone there, that would be amazing. Thank you!

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      livewithrichardposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Why don't you call a local daycare and ask if they would want the tank and fish... kids love looking it fish tanks.

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         Shanna11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         That's also a good idea. Hah, I'm going to be calling a lot of businesses this weekend....Thanks!

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      Ann1Az2posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      This may be a long shot, but if you offer to set everything up for them, maybe a veterinarian in the area might take it for a display in their waiting room. My vet has one. Or maybe a doctor's office, dentist, etc.

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   psycheskinnerposted 11 years ago

   If you PM the fish you have and your location I might be able to find someone from the aquarium forums I am on.  Or you could try them yourself (aquariumnetwork is a good one).
   
   If you are in the area of Chicago and can drop them off I will take them.
   
   Otherwise you can euthanise them painlessly using a product like finquel.

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3. 96

   wildernessposted 11 years ago

   Is a fish tank "pets" or "decoration"?

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      psycheskinnerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      It sort of falls in between which can cause a problem.  I have a tank at work despite their being a no pets policy.  But others set the precedent.

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      Shanna11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hah, I was debating putting the fish in bags (with water of course!) for a few hours while they check the apartment in our monthly cleaning check, and then just saying the tank was decoration, but there's too many risks.

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4. 90

   Theophanesposted 11 years ago

   Our local Humane Society mostly does cats and dogs but it does occasionally get gerbils, bunnies, and fish. If you don't have proof your landlord allowed you the fish I'd try this. Hope that helps.

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      Shanna11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I don't have proof, unfortunately. I'm kicking myself about it, too. Definitely going to call the Humane Society.

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5. 83

   psycheskinnerposted 11 years ago

   Another thought--many pet stores will allow you to take back the fish if it is healthy.  No refund but they will take it off your hands.

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      Shanna11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I called all the ones I could find and they all declined. I'm literally giving this away and no one wants them. I live in Utah County in Utah, and I've offered to drive anywhere in Utah County to drop them off if needed.

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6. 84

   kathleenkatposted 11 years ago

   Forseeable options:
   
   Pay $400.
   
   Donate to a dentist office (my mom did that with her fish when she had to move).
   
   
   Please don't kill the fishies! I find it ridiculous that they would crack down on fish. Fish are essentially houseplants. Actually, houseplants can be messier.

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      Shanna11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hmm. I didn't think of that! I'll have to make some more phone calls to places with tanks.
      
      I really will probably not even be able to kill the fish if it comes down to it. I can't afford a 400 $ fine---every month. It's recurring. I could potentially hide them during cleaning checks, but I've got his paranoia that they'll search my shoebox room and find them and charge me anyway.

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   kathleenkatposted 11 years ago

   Disguise the fish tank inside a box wrapped in gift wrap and a bow. Tell them NOT to touch your extremely heavy present for a friend.

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      Shanna11posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      HAH! That may be the most genius idea I have ever heard. They would be violating my privacy if they opened that package up. I may /actually/ do this! Thank you!

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8. 75

   Shanna11posted 11 years ago

   Ah! A friend of a friend who is a fish rescuer has agreed to take them in, and I feel they'll be in good, capable hands. Thank you all for the help and suggestions!

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      kathleenkatposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Try hiding a fishless fishtank in a box and catch them snooping.

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      psycheskinnerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Glad to hear you found someone to take them

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      Gordon Hamiltonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great news, Shanna. I'm sure that will be a big weight off your mind. I hope that you find yourself in circumstances very soon that you can have whatever pet you wish by your side

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   DrMark1961posted 11 years ago

   Hi Shanna I do not know you and I do not want to sound presumptuous but I was so upset reading this thread yesterday that I had to ask "Why is she even living there?" I can understand if they do not want you to have a pair of Presa Canarios but a fish tank? That is the most ridiculous thing I have heard of. If you are on a lease and cant move I apologize, but if the owners actually lied to you and told you it was okay, and then will not even allow something so gentle as a fish tank, I really think you need to find another place to live.
   If someone tried to tell me I could not keep my dog I would move.

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      Melissa A Smithposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with DrMark, and I'm glad you found a home for your fish. This pet hate has gotten out of control. I can't live without mine.

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