humane society calls for boycott of Petcetera stores
Pet store’s decision to sell more animals causes unnecessary suffering, says society
On the eve of Petcetera’s grand opening this Saturday (September 26) the Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is calling for a boycott of the pet store chain because of its decision to sell more animals.
Petcetera, which went bankrupt earlier this year, is reopening a number of stores in the Lower Mainland with an expanded list of animals for sale, including a range of reptiles. In the late 1990s, after pressure from animal welfare groups, the chain agreed not to sell exotic animals.
“Petcetera’s decision to sell reptiles ignores the fact that these animals, even if they are captive-bred, suffer in captivity,” said VHS spokesperson Peter Fricker. “As with all pet store animals, many will be bought on impulse, then neglected or abandoned once their novelty wears off.”
VHS also objects to Petcetera’s continued sale of rabbits, given the overpopulation problems caused by the release of pet rabbits in several areas in B.C. “Richmond, Kelowna and the University of Victoria have faced major rabbit overpopulation problems,” said Fricker. “This has not only unnecessarily exposed rabbits to starvation, disease and predation, but also creates costly and controversial dilemmas for communities on how to stop the overpopulation.”
VHS is urging the public to look to animal shelters and rescue groups if they want to give an animal a home – and only if they have the time, resources and commitment to permanently provide the animal with an appropriate environment.
Letters can be written to:
Mr. Dan Urbani
President and CEO
Petcetera
Suite 285, 4611 Viking Way
Richmond, BC
V6V 2K9
Fax: 604 244 7388
Tel: 604 244 7387
