[Akitakt]

To those of you who wonder why someone might not shop at Petsmart or Petco even though these stores don't sell dogs, here is a good explanation why. I apologize for the lengthiness. The entire article can be read at: http://www.avianwelfare.org/issues/a...s/ppadvant.htm

PETCO & PETsMART: Animal Welfare Advocates — or Antagonists

by Denise Kelly, Co-Founder & President, Avian Welfare Coalition


In April 2005, PETCO took a bold first step in promoting a more humane corporate policy by discontinuing the sale of large parrot species and improving the standards of care for small birds, mice and rats that will continue to be sold in the stores — a decision that will go a long way towards the establishment of working relationships with the avian welfare community. PETsMART, however, has yet to indicate their intention to take similar action. Nevertheless, it is time for animal advocates to step back and consider the impact PETCO and PETsMART's policies regarding the sale of live animals has in the bigger picture.

Over the years, the two giant retail chains have made genuine contributions to the cause of animal welfare. By refraining from the sale of dogs and cats, these chains have helped curb pet overpopulation. What's more, PETCO and PETsMART have extended an open door policy to rescue groups by allocating space in their stores for pet adoption programs and providing funding from their charitable arms to support spay/neuter programs. Of course, the two chains have capitalized on these positions, reaping goodwill and publicity among the animal welfare community and the public at large — publicity that has undoubtedly contributed to the growth and financial success of both companies.

Unfortunately, PETCO and PETsMART's sales policies regarding animals other than cats and dogs are far less progressive. These corporate policies have made the situation worse for exotic birds, reptiles, rabbits, and other small mammals by mass marketing them in increasing numbers. For those who are dealing with abandoned or relinquished animals of this sort — many of them originally sold through PETCO or PETsMART — the picture isn't as rosy.

...

How Many Animals Do PETCO and PETsMART Sell?

The answer is we don't know. Despite the fact that Both PETCO and PETsMART are publicly traded companies, they have yet to disclose any information as to the actual numbers of animals sold annually. In addition, both companies have failed to provide figures such as animal death rates, animal illnesses, store closures as a result of illnesses, numbers of unsold and "surplus" animals, or any specific statistics on veterinary expenses or the total cost of maintaining animal sales operations.

What we do know is that even PETCO and PETsMART investors are given vague information about animal sales. Upon close examination of the annual reports of both companies, statistics related to animal sales are buried under categories such as "Pet Supplies and Small Animals" (PETCO) or "Non-Pet Food Sales" (PETsMART).

...

True, both companies have supported humane societies and rescue groups by providing funds and by sponsoring the adoption of homeless dogs and cats as opposed to selling them — policies that raised PETCO and PETsMART's status in the animal protection community. They should be commended for their efforts to curb pet overpopulation and provide assistance to animals in need.

But we are sending mixed messages when we tell the public not to support mass breeding and to reduce pet overpopulation by not shopping at stores that sell puppies and kittens, yet continue to advocate for two companies that are building a mass merchandising operation for birds, reptiles, rabbits, and other animals based on the very same conditions we've been opposing for years. Despite the sterling example that PETCO and PETsMART have set for dog and cat welfare, the bottom line is that they are in essence engaged in the very same distasteful retail practices that treat live animals as merchandise and encourage the very conditions that lead to pet overpopulation. Visit http://www.avianwelfare.org/issues/a...s/ppadvant.htm to read the entire article