#151819 - 01/24/08 06:55 AM
Re: PetSmart abusing animals - VIDEO
[Re: Cassie's_girl]
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 317
Kyrie
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Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 317
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I received a boiler-plate reply to my email to PetSmart. They link to a press release on their website. Interestingly, the press release doesn't mention Angel as one of their 2 main concerns, which were the neutering of the rabbit and someone stepping on a hamster to kill it. Looks to me like a speedy response by someone at corporate who hasn't even seen all of the footage, or isn't paying attention. Typical corporate damage control. Please write your letters to Petsmart if you haven't yet. Let's not let that baby cockatoo's death be in vain, there is no excuse for any human being to allow an animal to suffer like that. It is unconscionable.
Here is the response:
Thank you for taking the time to contact PetSmart. We're very concerned about some of the images in the PETA video and are looking into the allegations that have been raised. For all the details on the Rainbow investigation and PETA's other campaigns, please visit {our website}. We will be updating this site as more information becomes available.
Sincerely,
Customer Service Manager PetSmart
And the press release:
PETA's Campaign Against Rainbow Exotics
Updated January 23, 2008
PETA has launched a campaign against Rainbow Exotics, one of our major pet suppliers. The images, video and allegations are very disturbing.
Of all of PETA’s allegations, there are two that are of particular concern to us:
1. PETA alleges that some surgical procedures being performed at the facility are outside standard veterinary care. One particularly troubling segment of the video shows a Rainbow staff member conducting a surgical procedure on a rabbit.
It’s difficult to know exactly what was happening during this procedure, however, we are concerned that appropriate methods weren’t being followed. This is a serious concern to us and one we’re investigating fully.
2. The PETA video implies that a Rainbow staff member killed an escaped hamster by stepping on it. While the video is not completely clear and we’re not sure of the true facts surrounding this issue, we’re treating it seriously and are fully investigating it.
These allegations are troubling and we’re taking them very seriously, which is why we’re conducting an investigation. PETA also made other allegations that deserve a response:
Care and condition of the pets and facility PETA alleges that pets are housed in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions.
• PetSmart requires that our suppliers’ facilities must meet USDA requirements for animal care as well as our own high standards, which includes space requirements. We’re conducting a full investigation to make sure our standards are being met.
• The habitats are designed for cleanliness and safety, knowing the pets spend only a short time in these facilities before being shipped to stores. PETA’s images unfortunately portray only pets that are in various stages of being transported within the facility, when large numbers are grouped together for a few moments.
Medical care provided the pets PETA alleges that no veterinarian ever visited the facility during the two month investigation and that pets were cared for by untrained staff.
• PetSmart requires each vendor to have an attending veterinarian, and Rainbow has a veterinarian that is responsible for overseeing the medical needs of the pets.
Death and disposal of pets PETA portrays Rainbow as being insensitive regarding the disposal of pets that may have died in their care.
Even under the best circumstances, unfortunately some pets get sick and die. The loss of any life is upsetting, and while images of death are always difficult to accept, sadly it’s an inevitable fact of life.
PetSmart is committed to the exemplary treatment of pets, and we believe this is evident to customers who shop our stores.
We use only USDA-licensed breeding facilities for our pet suppliers, and we require that our breeders have a licensed veterinarian on staff. We expect our breeders and their veterinarians, including Rainbow, to be true to our high standards for pet care as well as those required by regulation. When PetSmart vets have visited Rainbow’s facility (including unannounced visits), they have found those standards in place. That’s why we’re so disappointed and disturbed by some of the issues that have been raised. We’ve launched a full investigation into this matter and we’ll take any and all steps necessary to make sure our pets receive appropriate treatment and care.
If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Service line at (800) 738-1385, ext. 2518.
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#151883 - 01/25/08 01:02 AM
Re: PetSmart abusing animals - VIDEO
[Re: EchosMom]
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 140
Elfhome
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Member

Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 140
Philadelphia, PA
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Tina, your questions are very valid.
But, there is a logical, although heartwrenching, answer to your question..."The needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the one". Sad, but true. That "one" baby, will hopefully save the lives of many others....IF we take a stand.
I'd make a terrible investigative reporter because I would have snatched that baby too! They've actually done a study on ethical dilemas. What they found was that sort of thinking causes a LOT of areas to light up in the brain. Logically, it should be easy. But as humans we find it very hard at times. It's a big issue for documentary makers and investigative journalists filming in tough situations. Or even situations when they face nature, and have to decide to interfer or not. For example, wolves killing a moose
Last edited by Elfhome; 01/25/08 01:03 AM.
"A Robin Redbreast in a cage Puts all Heaven in a Rage." ~William Blake
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#151907 - 01/25/08 09:01 AM
Re: PetSmart abusing animals - VIDEO
[Re: Kim & Lilly]
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 688
belle-ville
Lives Here
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Lives Here

Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 688
Miami, FL
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Here is Angels story in case you did not see it on the PETA website. One of the most heartbreaking things I have ever seen. Please, everyone write to Petsmart. We have to do something. This happens everyday, in pet smarts, petcos, pet shops all over the country. It is time to make a stand! http://blog.peta.org/archives/2008/01/petsmart_cruelt_1.php OMG couldn't watch this. ESPECIALLY not of a baby goffins' cockatoo. I don't shop at PetSmart/Pet Supermarket anyways, not even for pellets. I only go there as a last resort/emergency. I shop at the local bird store for pellets and toys, as it is by far the lesser of two evils.
-Amanda Les premiers combats ont commencées, La vengeance vient sûrement.
Résistons, amis! Créons!
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#151937 - 01/25/08 08:36 PM
Re: PetSmart abusing animals - VIDEO
[Re: Cassie's_girl]
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,398
Lori Conarro
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Lives Here
   

Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,398
Salt Lake City, Utah
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I didn't read all of each of your posts. This has been a very bad week for me and this has just been the icing on the cake, it's bothered me so much.
I wanted to say something about those not supporting PETA or ALF (although I don't know what that one is yet). I do support PETA for what they are doing, but I don't support them for the way they do it. Sometimes the shock value is just too much and can turn away those that in other, less shocking presentations, may be more accepting to the problem and help.
In my opinion that is what we are for. We need to get this out in a manner that touches people so that they want to help. Maybe you can call that playing it down a little. But shouldn't we, as mytoos and ftb's members educate ourselves on this situation and then get it out to others in our way, not the PETA shock way? I have posted several times on my weight watchers message board in an appeal to anyone who loves any animals, not just parrots.
PETA is over the top sometimes and very shocking, but I'm going to find a way to get this out so that even PETA non supporters will be willing to look at it and get involved.
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#183761 - 11/03/08 02:39 PM
Re: PetSmart abusing animals - VIDEO
[Re: Cassie's_girl]
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 131
karateka
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Member

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 131
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We have a pet store here in town, the next one is 40 min away, I buy most of my stuff online to avoid going there because they sell birds. I HATE the fact anyone would go in there and just buy an animal 'off the rack" like that. Makes me sick.
I will give them one "attaboy", not just anyone can walk in and get one, apparently (from someone who COMPLAINED about this) they grill you about your bird experience before allowing you to purchase one. They only carry small birds and the birds cages are, clean, FULL of toys and fresh food. I was told they are probably a better HOME for the few birds they have then most, if they would just stop selling!!!!
That being said, I DO NOT support them if all possible. 2 years ago we had a ice storm and I had to have bedding and cat food, they are 4 blocks away, I HAD to, no other options. I felt bad about it, but sometimes your stuck.
We have Several PetSmarts in the town near us (the 40 min away thing). I went there once, didn't buy a thing of course, but all their birds were in Quarantine??
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#183767 - 11/03/08 02:59 PM
Re: PetSmart abusing animals - VIDEO
[Re: gizzytoo]
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,346
TiKa's Dad
Lives Here
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Lives Here
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,346
Alberta, Canada
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Very sad, I was in a Pet Smart in CO. checking out the birdie things earlier this month & there were very few birds & not a lot of bird supplies either. They only had budgies & finches, maybe this is a good sign ??? Petsmart stopped selling large birds here too. It's like they want to punish the public by not carrying the supplies anymore either. They just figure the birds are sold and gone and washed their hands of trying to help the situation they were a major cause of.
John Another 24 hours down. Only a lifetime to go. God speed! ~AngiesArk~
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