Reporting Animal Cruelty

[kevincease]

I don't know if this kind of information is posted anywhere on this website, but I thought I should just put this link here, maybe it could be a regular hotlink somewhere? (just a suggestion if it's not already)
I know what it's like to walk into a pet store and see upset ash colored beardies unfed and on wood chips, and get really upset. This is a form of animal cruelty and should be stopped. here is a link to an animal cruelty FAQ in case anyone has questions on what to do if they feel they should report something. Remember, sometimes the result isn't necessarily in anyone getting arrested, but instead getting an education. Mistreating animals is wrong and something needs to be done to help get the message across to these chain pet stores in order to make a difference. You can always report anonymously if needed. I also wanted to say that I absolutely love this website and I am glad that I get to become a part of this helpful community of animal lovers. Thanks!

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_faq#crueltyincomm

http://www.animalliberationfront.com/Practical/Shop--ToDo/Activism/SignsofAbuse.htm

 

[RioReptiles]

IMO, I think pet stores should be required to give correct care info about any animal they sell, I wish there was a way to enforce this. And I think when they sell an animal, that the person buying it should sign adoption papers or something saying they agree and have received the care info instead of taking advice from whoever the store hired last week. From a marketing standpoint, even the big companies could capitalize by advertising that they are responsible pet sellers. I'm sure someone has probably posted something like this. I believe all pets deserve equal consideration, from fish to dogs.

 

[dolphinsilversea01]

I work for Petco, and when someone purchases an animal, or even adopts, they have to fill out a form stating that they are taking full responsibility for the animal including care and what is needed to properly care for the animal, and that they have received a caresheet about the animal purchased or adopted. The problem with this is what we already know - the caresheets contain improper information and are usually outdated. The fact of the matter is is that people need to educate themselves about the animal they are interested in purchasing, are going to purchase, or have purchased. I tell customers myself, and other associates that they need to inform customers that their info on care doesn't stop at the store - they need to look beyond and after they walk out those doors.

 

[NegativeCreep]

I work for Petco, and when someone purchases an animal, or even adopts, they have to fill out a form stating that they are taking full responsibility for the animal including care and what is needed to properly care for the animal, and that they have received a caresheet about the animal purchased or adopted. The problem with this is what we already know - the caresheets contain improper information and are usually outdated. The fact of the matter is is that people need to educate themselves about the animal they are interested in purchasing, are going to purchase, or have purchased. I tell customers myself, and other associates that they need to inform customers that their info on care doesn't stop at the store - they need to look beyond and after they walk out those doors.

The problem is.. that we all know those caresheets are wrong.. yeah. For one, it seems like it is misinformation. Someone goes into a store and buy an animal, along with $200 worth of things they end up throwing in the garbage and spending $200 more just to keep them healthy.
Yes, I agree that it is an owner's responsibility to educate themselves about proper animal care, but most people trust that these petstores to give them reasonable information. No offense to you, as I know you can't change the world, but even the 'reptile guy' at our petco is a good friend of my fiance's, and he doesn't know jack! He's a good guy and means well, but some of the things I have heard him tell customers are reckless. I have tried to fix that, but he doesn't listen to me. He was 'trained'...

 

[kevincease]

I think whats important is to start with reporting the petstores first to get the corporations to actually have incentive to learn what is needed if they want to continue their business. Then naturally that will get passed allong to the customers.

 

[Elora]

The only thing I have a problem with is going to the petstore that Is nearby and seeing the baby bearded dragons all housed together with the large crickets crawling all over in the tank and on top of the bearded dragons. They are feeding the HUGE crickets to the baby bearded dragons - and leaving the extras in there. Ughh and the poop. Their poop is always all over the cage and its just gross in there. And then theres the iceberg lettuce...sigh The girl that was there when i was buying a bulb suggested that I "put the tanks side by side and have them share the heat lamp" ........

.....
......


/facepalm


Well idk what to think because they just pay these people minimum wage and theres no training on how to care for all the animals required. So I cant blame the employees. It needs to go beyond that and be a state law that all petstores train their employees about each animal.
and pay them more (but thats another topic!)

 

[kevincease]

well what you saw IS animal cruelty and must be addressed.

There are two general categories of animal neglect: simple neglect and gross, willful, cruel or malicious neglect. Simple neglect (failure to provide basic needs) is not always considered a criminal act, and can often be resolved by the intervention of local animal care and control or humane agencies, which may be able to offer resources and educate offenders on how to provide proper care for their animals. However, a growing number of states make a distinction between simply failing to take adequate care of animals and intentionally or knowingly withholding sustenance. Accordingly, “willful” neglect is considered a more serious, often prosecutable offense.

Neglect can also be an indicator of “animal hoarding,” the accumulation of large numbers of animals in extremely unsanitary conditions, often resulting in the death of many animals and potentially serious health consequences for the people who are living with them. In many cases, individuals charged with animal abuse and neglect in hoarding situations have been found to have children or dependent adults living in the same conditions as the animals who are suffering.

For concerns about animal cruelty in pet stores, please contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). You can contact its headquarters at (301) 734-7833, visit http://www.aphis.usda.gov/, or send an email to [email protected]. The USDA will direct you to the appropriate regional department to which you will be asked to submit your complaint in writing.

 

[dolphinsilversea01]

I apologize for the fact that I didn't make myself clear as to exactly what I meant, I guess I left out some things that were in my head - just didn't put them in what I wrote before.

It is the responsibility of all those involved when a pet is obtained. We are trained, sometimes not effectively enough, sometimes without all the proper information. We have to take hold of what knowledge we are given and let the customer know it. Even though alot of the info on the caresheets are wrong, it states on the caresheet that it is just a guide. I take it upon myself to point out to the customers that it is just that - guide to get them started. I point out, the best way I can without losing my job, that some of the info is outdated - things change, new info about care comes out all the time, it would be very difficult for Petco to keep up with it (although yes I think they should).

Cruelty is just that. It needs no specific defintion in my mind. If we see something that isn't right it needs to be pointed out. Some of us have done this and have gotten reactions of plain rudeness, but we have kept going and kept informing and changes have started. Maybe the next change is to have a law that ALL pet stores, even ma and pa places, have to have certain standards - if this is already the case then it needs to be updated!

We, the associates that really do care about animal care, listen to customers when they say something isn't right. Some things we can change immediately, and others have to wait from the higher ups (like the carpet for the beardies). We can only do so much though. Sometimes we get customers who all the correct info is given, I even tell them about this site and inform them of things I didn't know until becoming a memeber here and they still do not care for the animal as suggested by me. It is their responsibility as people interested in getting or who already own an animal to do further research into its care.

Its unfortunate that it is the way it is. I feel as though I am one who teaters on a balancing beam with these issues. I understand fully where you and others are coming from, and in the matter of animal cruelty I agree, but you have to understand that when it comes to corporate owned businesses their is only so much an associate, even a store manager can do. You will find throughout here a petition for Petco to change some of their ways, I have signed this petition and am responsible for the change to carpet in my particular store. This change came about with people pulling together and voices being heard - it just needs to continue.
It does start with the company- change corporate and we will be better knowledged employees who then give this better knowledge to customers.

That picture with the kitten is true. I had a personal experience of an example, but I need to go to bed and maybe I will share it tomorrow. Ignorance is of plenty, it is everyones responsibility to take hold and change the ignorant into the knowledgable.

Thank you for posting this. I see things myself and wonder if it is worthy of reporting but I never really knew where to begin and you have given us all that information.

 

[kevincease]

yes, its about the corporation, they are the ones who train the employee. It's not hard for a pet company to have standards for raising an animal. I understand the bearded dragons are still being discovered as to what they really need, but it's not that difficult for a store who specializes in animals to have to learn how to house them and then continue to train their employees. If a call is made, corporate will be the one who hears about it. Thats wonderful a petition is here online, how many signatures, where is it, and can i help get hand written signatures for it?

 

[kevincease]

ok i found it, I signed it, i donated, just let me figure out how to get some paper signatures to link with this as well.