Not going to bother myself with quoting multiple posts but I would like to state that wonderwhiskers, your view of pet shops over here being gleaming and wonderful is naive to say the least. I could find multiple links and anecdotes but unfortunately don't have the luxury of an extended period of time.
Here is one to give you an idea -
Green Fields Rescue - Caring for rabbits and Guinea Pigs
Were you aware that one of their main suppliers of rodents was a breeding farm? They breed for pet shops and reptile food, simple as.
British laws governing pet shops are archaic. The Pet Animals Act was written in 1951 and in even in light of modern legislation such as the Animal Welfare Act pet shops are still not required to follow the same standards as a private owner. It is
not illegal in the UK to sell cats and dogs in a pet shop and nor is it a sign that pet shops care more about cats and dogs - it's just the requirement for additional paperwork involves a lot of time, effort and money that these corporations do not care to invest.
There are plenty people here, too, with pet monkeys. There is a rather large problem with people keeping marmosets and capuchins as pets so just because you don't hear about it on the television or see it in the tabloids doesn't mean it doesn't exist as a problem. British people on the whole ALSO lack respect for animals. But it doesn't mean that you or I don't care. Would you care for us to be judged on a similar way that you are judging people from the US?
I've been on this site for more than 4 years now and I was never judged by my nationality, just my attitude. Perhaps take note of that.