Regarding the mice topic, here's a link:

www.nspca.co.za/page.aspx?Id=121&CateId=...121&SubCategory=Live Prey

thank you very much!

"animals" means any equine, bovine, sheep, goat, pig, fowl, ostrich, dog, cat, or other domestic animal or bird, or any wild animal, wild animal, wild bird or reptile which is in captivity or under control of any person.

So it would appear that we are alright with roaches and crickets, then, otherwise we

shall, subject to the provisions of this Act and any other law, be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding R4 000 or in default of payment to imprisonment for a period not exceeding twelve months or to such imprisonment without the option of a fine, or, where any such act or omission is of a wilful and
aggravated nature, to a whipping not exceeding six strokes or to both such a fine and such a whipping or to both such imprisonment without the option of a fine and such a whipping.

Wow, I never knew that! What is the source of this, Hrothgar?

I have particular problems with giving live mice on any age to T's, as it's a slow and agonising death for them. Whoever got bitten by a T', may have had a glimpse of the pain that will curse through the entire body of the unfortunate rodent while it gets repeatedly pierced and envenomed. If you say it's just a rodent, think again of your standards of morale, I beg you:S

The source, Marula, is our law! I think the punishment laid out here may be a bit severe for a mere mouse homicide, but the lawmakers always know better.

From personal observation, the mice die very quickly from a single bite - research into taratula venom shows that it seems to be more specific to small rodents than anything else - and they are the size that gets into the burrows. I think nature is the best judge...