If I recall correctly, the pets group was not designed simply to group any pet threads together to find easily.

It was actually designed so that pet owners and animal lovers had somewhere to request advice, opinions from those more experienced, and to share their stories and photos of their much loved pets without getting attacked by the anti-pet members of the forum who didn't appreciate reading pet related threads in the general discussions section.

Understandably, some members of the forum didn't want to sift through large amounts of pet threads in the general discussions section and we often received some negative responses from those who didn't like pets.

Forming the pets group clearly worked, whilst we still got differing opinions (which is always good) more of the responses were on topic and, to some degree, helpful.

In order to respect the views of those who dislike pets or threads about pets, the majority of pet owners choose to post in this group and those who don't realise there is a pets group get their posts moved to here by hard working moderators who work to keep the forum, and it's separate groups a helpful, informative place to be.

However, recently I've noticed that respect doesn't appear to be going two ways and whilst I wouldn't refuse anyone the right to use the pets group regardless of whether they had a pet or not, we've had a fair few people who clearly are not into pets, straying into the group and posting less than helpful responses. Some, such as pictures of dead rabbits on a pet rabbit thread are simply offensive and others, such as people accusing dog owners they've never met of not clearing up are just rude.

All of these posts have absolutely no need to be here and it seems to me a total lack of respect from people who's lives should be made easier by the pets group being here to contain all those threads they disapprove of.

So a word of advice - if you don't like pets, or pet owners - just don't bother clicking on the 'pet owners' group and you won't have to deal with any of us!

So a word of advice - if you don't like pets, or pet owners - just don't bother clicking on the 'pet owners' group and you won't have to deal with any of us!

What about people that use the new post function, they may not like dogs but still come across posts that they want to comment on, you wouldn’t want to exclude people just for not being pet lovers would you

No Malky,

As said above I wouldn't exclude anyone from the pets group... however - I find it very rude when someone is asking for advice on a certain topic and gets totally useless responses about something completely irrelevant.

Bear in mind that anyone bothered enough to read the pets group is more than likely going to pick up after their dogs and when I posted for advice on a pet rabbit, I received a link to a photo of piles of dead rabbits.

That's just plain offensive. It's not a problem for people to use the pets group when they're not pet owners but keeping it on topic and refraining from causing offence deliberately would be nice :)

I think you have missed the point that some may never visit the pet group as I explained although that doesn’t explain pure vindictiveness.

What about people that use the new post function, they may not like dogs but still come across posts that they want to comment on, you wouldn’t want to exclude people just for not being pet lovers would you

But this is the pet owners group, and not the pet haters group, plenty of threads for all of that on the main boards.

Ok, apologies - I take your point, I've never used the new posts function.

As you say, it doesn't explain (nor excuse, imo) pure vindictiveness and there are breadcrumbs along the top (which I assume are viewable when you access the post via the view new posts function) to show that it's in the pets section and therefore obvious that it's a pet lover asking the question.

But this is the pet owners group, and not the pet haters group, plenty of threads for all of that on the main boards.
i dont like cats, but that doesnt mean i hate them....

i hate little dogs like yorkies, chewawawa's, toy dogs etc, but wouldnt say so...

hate jack russels..but each to there own

i dont like cats, but that doesnt mean i hate them....

i hate little dogs like yorkies, chewawawa's, toy dogs etc, but wouldnt say so...

hate jack russels..but each to there own

Perhaps so but you don't join threads just to say so without adding anything other than bile, most of the time people post just to get a rise out of the group which I am getting rather tired of lately.

Perhaps so but you don't join threads just to say so without adding anything other than bile, most of the time people post just to get a rise out of the group which I am getting rather tired of lately.
i know lots of people said they hated snake and wouldnt go near one, yet had never seen one or knew anything about them, same with spiders etc. i wouldnt mind if they hated them, after actually seeing one, thats fine, but i see it in many other places, that people who keep snakes etc are wierdo's etc etc. not normal...and snakes are the work of satan etc.

i just dont like little dogs, never have...as i like DSH and big stuff. thats just me, but some people like little dogs.

If I recall correctly, the pets group was not designed simply to group any pet threads together to find easily.

It was actually designed so that pet owners and animal lovers had somewhere to request advice, opinions from those more experienced, and to share their stories and photos of their much loved pets without getting attacked by the anti-pet members of the forum who didn't appreciate reading pet related threads in the general discussions section.

Understandably, some members of the forum didn't want to sift through large amounts of pet threads in the general discussions section and we often received some negative responses from those who didn't like pets.

Forming the pets group clearly worked, whilst we still got differing opinions (which is always good) more of the responses were on topic and, to some degree, helpful.

In order to respect the views of those who dislike pets or threads about pets, the majority of pet owners choose to post in this group and those who don't realise there is a pets group get their posts moved to here by hard working moderators who work to keep the forum, and it's separate groups a helpful, informative place to be.

However, recently I've noticed that respect doesn't appear to be going two ways and whilst I wouldn't refuse anyone the right to use the pets group regardless of whether they had a pet or not, we've had a fair few people who clearly are not into pets, straying into the group and posting less than helpful responses. Some, such as pictures of dead rabbits on a pet rabbit thread are simply offensive and others, such as people accusing dog owners they've never met of not clearing up are just rude.

All of these posts have absolutely no need to be here and it seems to me a total lack of respect from people who's lives should be made easier by the pets group being here to contain all those threads they disapprove of.

So a word of advice - if you don't like pets, or pet owners - just don't bother clicking on the 'pet owners' group and you won't have to deal with any of us!

:clap::clap::clap:Well said Lotti :clap::clap::clap:

I totally agree with Lottie on this one. I have noticed more and more over the last months that threads have become more nastier and their is so much more arguing than there ever used to be.

I cannot even be bothered to post half the time if i am honest as i get so sick of arguing with idiotic people for instance the thread today that Lottie refers to. I felt very strongly about what had been said and was appalled at the responses from some posters but knew if was fruitless posting as these people were completely ridiculous and to narrow minded to listen to any other points.

I think it is a shame our board has been taken over by people asking the same questions all the time (where can i get this? where can i board my animal? where can i get it groomed? use the search function and if you need to ask further info no problem but people don't even try to look and it makes us look unhelpful where we are just sick of the same old questions), people always arguing over stupid stuff or just replying in an aggressive manner where it is not needed and also (last rant) people not listening properly or taking on board other peoples opinions.

Tis a shame i used to really enjoy the pets group and hope we can get back to a more fun and supportive group!

Ok, apologies - I take your point, I've never used the new posts function.

.

I am not trying to make excuses I am just stating how someone could find themselves in the pet group inadvertently.

I once found myself in a heated debate about parent and child parking and was soon put in my place by members of the parenting group, I now know to tread lightly when on “someone else’s patch”

Totally agreed Lotti.

I don't know if it's because I am taking more notice of things, having recently being asked to become Group Leader, or if it really has got worse in the last couple of weeks-but there are a couple of people who persistantly and blatently try and annoy people, and IMO that's not acceptable.

I agree that discussion is a fab things, and I hesitate to use the word "provocative" in a bad way, as making someone think and respond accordingly is not always a bad thing, but when it's pure and simply to get a negative reaction, that's when it gets out of hand, is difficult to control, and makes other uses not want to come back. I don't want it to go any further, as I truly believe in this group-there are so many wonderful people, adn in the end, this is what keeps me coming back!

i agree with Lotti . if i visit any section on the forum and see a thread i cannot add to constructively or that im not interested in i simply dont read it

I'd like to send a message to forum users.

We will not tolerate needless stirring in the groups. The groups are run by forum users for forum users and they are intended only for interested people to comment and discuss relevant issues.

If you wish to stir, hurt others or belittle people's opinions then the groups are not for you. If you do so you're very likely to find your account repeatedly suspended, leaving you trying to explain to the Helpdesk why you feel it is necessary to break forum rules without learning from what is tolerated and what is not.

So please, if you aren't a pet owner or pet lover, don't do it.

I've read this thread with interest, and am pleased that Forummers have voiced their opinions on the topic of antagonistic posters.

I'd like to think that we're all open-minded enough to debate sometimes controversial subjects, but as with many topics, they can be quite emotive. It's understandable that sometimes there's conflict and heated debate arising, but am also fully in agreement that Forummers who deliberately make ascerbic and insulting posts should not be tolerated.

Just adding something to what CoolJules mentioned earlier.....there are many animals I adore, but I'm terrified of spiders and snakes. In my case it's not irrational as I was bitten by a South Columbian boa constrictor when I was eleven, and have had some pretty scarey experiences with domestic spiders since birth. Over the years I've attempted to face my fears with the help of friends with snakes and tarantulas as pets, and improved to the point where I can now look at a photo of a snake without passing out, but at no point have I ever felt compelled to be disrespectful towards owners of these animals.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is that there seems to be a certain breed of Troll on SF which specialises in causing the highest level of distress and offence to Forummers for no better reason than their own amusement.

Healthy debate and discussion is productive, even when we agree to disagree, but spiteful Forummers have no place in educated, compassionate and intelligent society.

I totally agree with lotti!! There has been times when iv been on asking advice about a certain animal and whilst most replies have been great there have been the odd nasty, sarcastic, heartless comment which not only Ps me off but just shows had much time certain people have on their hands to even comment on something they have no interest in!!!

So yeah i totally agree with lotti only people who want to genuinely give help or advice should visit this bit!!:)

xxxxx