Pet store with inadequate care

[dufay]

I am not sure where to post this, but I am very upset! There is a relatively new pet store in a strip mall- "Totally Pets" - that not only sells puppies that I'm sure must come from mills, but pigs and one poor rabbit. I went in today and asked what bedding they were using, and why the pigs (who are in the window) had no shelter. They use pine, and didn't care that I told them that was not healthful as was aspen, and then the stupid manager (who looked like a kid) said they did NOT HAVE THE RESOURCES to get them huts. I told them they had NO business selling pigs if they didn't know proper care.
I want to sic the SPCA on them. Do I have a case?

I hate that Petco and Petsmart sell animals, but having been originally stupid and bought my first 2 there (who are old ladies of about 6) before getting rescues, I can tell you that their pigs are in Carefresh and there are huts.

[krittercrazy]

Unfortunately this is typical of pet store. There a few things you can do.
-First and foremost do not by anything from them. Encourge friends and family to do the same.
-Call the SPCA or Animal Control whoever it is that investigates complaints in your area.
-Call your state veterinarian. Generally they oversee inspections of pet stores.
http://www.peteducation.com/article....&articleid=390
-Call your local newspaper and convince them to do an article, inform the public.
You may get the run around, but the more complaints received the more likely some one will do something about it.

[auburnmare5]

this is the case with many petstores. You can't really build a case out of it because they can't do anything for it. based on what you told me, they are doing everything they SHOULD be doing. The provide a shelter out of the elements, food, water, a clean cage, etc...Although the care provided is not what many prefer, it is still care. Petstores a battle that we cannot win.

[RainKindle]

Everything that kritter and auburn said I second.
I just wanted to add that you can report them to the better business bureau as well.
I had a similar experience in which the petstore people responded exactly the same, and "they were following regulations, and they've been breeding rabbits and such for year and know alot more than me."
I was so mad, I was also a rabbit rescue volunteer, and I knew very well that those small animals should have had hay. None in the cavies and none in the bunnies cages. But it isn't in the regulations.
Anyways, topics like this go in the kitchen because they evoke heated emotions. I wouldn't worry about it, a mod might stop by and move it for you. You could write one and ask them to move it.
Good luck on the reports!