How long ago did this happen? I was at Petsmart just the other day and they had tiny babies on crushed walnut or something similar. I wonder if this policy will take some time to filter down to each store, or maybe you were lied to.
Guys, reptile carpet is not a new policy at PetSmart. It has been company policy to keep juvenile desert reptiles on carpet for YEARS. No particle substrate is approved for any juveniles. Calcium sand may be used for adult specimens (but usually isn't). No other dry particle substrate is approved. If you are really at a PetSmart store (again, there are sound-alike competitor names that are confused surprisingly easily) they are not following policy, and they know they aren't because it is not a new policy. If they don't respond to complaints at the store call the corporate number that's posted in every store.
I just signed the petition! I am a fisrt time beardie owner. I bought my baby at petco in April. I listened to the salespersons, and bought calcisand and a reptiglo light. Thankfully I found BeardedDragon.org and now have all the right things my baby needs. She has grown alot already!! Chris
It's been a few days since I read the petition and you can ignore this if it's already been addressed but you should put in a suggested limit to the number of dragons in a habitat. I just saw at our local chain store 10 to 15 hatchlings in a maybe 10 gallon enclosure. I saw the same at a petco in Kokomo a few days ago. today one of the poor guys was laying on the carpet and i thought he was dead. but unfortunately (and yes i said unfortunately cause i know he was miserable in pain and i could clearly see his spine and know he's in pain. I wish i could afford to take him home but it just wasn't possible) i could just see one side of his chest breathing. that worries me too cause i couldn't see signs of breathing on the other side. makes me so angry!
Jennybud,
I did update minimum tank size and quantity of babies so thanks for pointing it out.
That story is so sad and yet so similar to what I saw which is why I started this petition in the first place and I have to say everyone on here has been a terrific help.Thankfully Diamc was more then happy to help edit because sometimes I type a little faster then I think and it tends to get a little messy on paper so BIG thanks to her for everything she has contributed and hopefully this will help put a stop to some of their outdated practices but still need ALOT more sigs before that can happen but we're gettin there
Another 'worldwide' signature for you (I hope it worked) - after all the help you've given me I had to show my support... luckily the pet shop I had issues with has now been closed down... last time I was there was the day I 'rescued' Kazi... and if id had more room and a decent set up there would have been a water dragon home with me too (he also brought tears to my eyes) so its only right that I support your cause across the pond in doing something for these poor reptiles!