AIBU to think releasing a pet is cruel?

[SnailTrailtoFreedom]

We have a pet snail. He came to us on a lettuce leaf when he was so small his shell was translucent and he could fit on the nail of my little finger. He is now nearing the end of his life span. We are going on holiday in a couple of weeks and I haven't yet found someone to have him - our usual pet-sitters are themselves going away at the same time.

One member of the family (YABU) thinks we should release him into the nearby forest, or garden so he has a taste of freedom before he dies by being eaten by something

The other (YANBU) thinks this is cruel. He has been kept inside since he was a baby, his food and water falls from the sky and he sleeps outside of his shell. He wouldn't last a minute in the great outdoors. We could ask the neighbours, even if we don't know the parents all that well, the daughter plays out with and is in a class with my DC; or smuggle him into the hotel with us (travelling by car, not leaving the country). Or ask the hotel. He's in a box, he doesn't need to be taken out of it. But I don't know if snails like travelling?

Take him with you

Does he need looking after? Can't he just be left with enough food and water?

I wouldn't do it with most pets but a snail seems like one that doesn't need specific day to day care.

Take him with you. No one will notice.

How long are you away for? Can you put him in a big box with some living weeds / lettuce in plant pots and leave him to it?

Agree with Itsthelookitsthelook - take him with you.

Just take him with you.

@LoisPlane I'm not sure I can leave enough water for the whole time I'm away. It's hot, his box will dry out. Although I don't know what snails do outside in the heat? Do they go into a summer hibernation?

Is he a garden snail?

Is this a joke?

You already know it’s cruel to release anything into the wild that’s been living in captivity.

Either find an animal sanctuary or kill it (which will happen anyway).

If this actually is supposed to be a joke perhaps you could volunteer in an animal sanctuary to see just how hilarious it is to deal with that people are dumping because they got bored, can’t be arsed, novelty has worn off and then you’ll see just how unfunny you are.

Unless he's a giant land snail with a ginormous tank then I don't see a problem with taking it with you,

I'd just take him if I thought the hotel would be ok for him (not too over air conditioned etc).

however, what would a snail need if he was just left home alone? Can't you give him enough food & water for the duration?

how old is he?

do you not have a friend you could ask? I'd happily have him come & stay while you're away. (And assuming, as we're friends, I'd know what he needs by now)

Do not let DH 'set him free', you're right, he wouldn't last 2 minutes in the wild now!!

Not real surely?

I also say take him with you, but don't tell the hotel, and remember the air holes in the box (it will probably need to be hidden in a bag from the car to your hotel room.

By the way, what is the average lifespan of a snail plase - if it doesn't get eaten first by man or beast?

Sorry op but it's so lovely you're being so kind about a snail, every little creature matters.

I don't have an answer I'm afraid but just wanted to say that.

Pet service? We used one for our giant Africans, they’d never cared for them before (usually cats) but we met them a few days before, went over all that needed to be done, wrote instructions and left them out and met them again the morning we left. All was well, they went every few days and took photos and sent updates. They had a blast on their social media updating followers on their unusual new clients lol. Sadly the snails are no more but we still use to the service for our Guineas

He's a year and a half, garden snail. Oh, I hadn't thought about the air conditioning. Maybe he would be better off at home? We'll be gone for nearly two weeks though. All of DC's friends are away at the moment.

Sleeps outside of his shell? Sorry but that part intrigued me!

Awww this is so heartwarming!

What a lovely person you are op to have such compassion for a tiny animal. And what a fantastic example you are setting to your DC. They (and snailie) are lucky to have you.

I'd just take him. Have a lovely holiday. We need more people like you in this world.

Are you alright?

How do you go from, it’s cruel to release an animal into the wild, volunteer at a sanctuary to “kill it”

It sounds like you’re more on the wind up than Op.

There is no way DH will let me spend money on him for a pet sitter 😂 I'd buy a gift for whoever looks after him. @TheLadyofShalott1 I think it's about 2 years.

Snails can live for 4 or 5 years apparently, can you put the box outside it might prefer it water would last a week I can't Imagine the drink much. I can't work out if this s joke or not

If the snail is sleeping outside of its shell, does that make it L'ess cargo?

As a baby. He seemed too small to put outside