Birds In Retail:

Many humane societies and rescue organizations tacitly endorse the retail sale of live animals by accepting funding and/or promoting pet shops that sell animals other that dogs and cats. For people who must deal with the displacement of growing numbers of exotic birds, reptiles, rabbits, and other small mammals — many of them sold through retail pet stores — that are now abandoned and relinquished to rescue facilities, endorsing these stores seems contrary to the goal of promoting humane and responsible policies for animals in our society.

Conflict of Interest?: An open letter to humane societies and rescue groups who partner with stores that sell live animals.

Dear Friend,

I invite you to join with Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute and many other bird, reptile, and small animal rescue groups across the country in raising awareness of the inherent problems associated with the retail sale of live animals. We hope that after considering the following information, your organization/rescue will opt to eliminate its association with retailers that sell live animals for profit.

One of the major problems with the retail sale of animals is that in-store care of animals in pet shops is always suspect, as store managers frequently face the conflicting responsibilities of store profits and animal care, even when the animals are sick. Since the cost of veterinary care can easily exceed the commercial value of an animal, it is apparent that a profit-oriented business strategy and animal welfare inherently conflict in a retail environment; animals must be treated like commodities for the store to realize a profit. Incidents involving substandard care of animals in pet shops are routinely reported to animal welfare organizations, but few are actually investigated by law enforcement. Often, the conditions, while cruel and inappropriate, do not actually violate any laws in the state in which the store is located.

For some animals, the misery does not end at the point of sale. Many species sold by pet stores require specialized care that few people are capable of providing — leading to a lifetime of suffering for the animals. Captive birds, for example, frequently suffer from captivity-related stress, leading to behavioral and physical problems. Reptiles sold as pets also often experience physical maladies, because very little is known about their dietary and environmental needs.

We understand that some rescue groups will not be willing to completely sever their ties with live animal retailers such as Petco and PETsMART since they receive donations from these merchants, have developed a good relationship with the local managers and staff of individual PETsMART and Petco stores, or because Petco and PETsMART locations provide much-needed exposure for their homeless animals. However, we strongly encourage that rescue groups at least avoid hosting special events and promotions at stores that sell live animals, thereby limiting the free publicity and positive public image given to companies that treat other animals like mere merchandise. Hosting special events in coordination with a pet supply store that does not sell live animals will give much-needed exposure to truly responsible and compassionate retailers. As an adoption venue for dogs and cats, stores that do not sell animals may prove more successful because there is no in-store "competition" from other (often less suitable) companion animals.

Please contact me at 916-447-3085 x210 if you have any questions about the retail sale of live animals or for ideas on how to help animals without promoting irresponsible retailers. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Monica Engebretson
Senior Program Associate