Children under five shouldn't be allowed to "own" any animal. But that is all just semantics, isn't it? The parents are responsible for it and ultimately do the "taking care" of it, even if they work WITH the child on how to care for their pet. And if the parents are that involved with the care and responsibility of the animal, then what does a child's "ownership" have to do with it? A parent can TELL the child the hamster or turtle "belongs" to the child....but the reality is it belongs to the parent and is their responsibility.

Articles like that are rediculous scare tactics that it seems our society is thriving on. I should also throw away all my purses. Have you seen the studies on how much germs are on the bottom of all our purses??? It's enough to scare anyone into a bubble, I tell ya!

Besides the lack of facts that back up the true risks and dangers of salmonella from certain animals, these sorts of ramblings also leave out the most basic theme of personal responsibility and common sense in caring for and handling them. Sheer and utter stupidity, if you ask me.