Stop petsmart from selling live birds!

[jeepsterwannabe]

neglect/abuse of animals is criminal. destroying/vandalizing merchandise is criminal. I am not a fan of criminal acts, but I am in favor of civil disobedience.
Petsmart did not commit a crime when a feral/wild pigeon flew into their building. It was also not a crime to disallow a customer to try catching it. but the customer did destroy merchandise for no good reason.

[SmithFamilyLoft]

Originally Posted by xxmoxiexx

This is kind of pigeon related, well, maybe more DOVE related as i've never seen a pigeon for sale there, but, bird related nonetheless.
PETA is having a demenstration in Boston tomorrow, from 8:45 to 10 am, 200 boylston street in front of 4 seasons.
They are demonstrating there because PEtsmart is having a shareholders meeting, sorry about the late notice, but due to the nature of never finding out about these things until the last minute, it's short notice.
PETA is asking them to stop the sale of live birds and animals, all stemming from an undercover operation of petsmart and their birds and animal. Petsmart continues to promise that all birds and animal are cared for by vets, but the undercover operation proved otherwise.
The petsmart by my house, every time i went the last 6 months, they were not selling the birds because they were in quarantine. but all the birds were in cages where they are sold, not seperated, and everytime i told them, " that bird is shaking, that bird looks dead, that bird needs to be seperated," they promised me they would have a vet come. Never happened. Every time there were less and less birds. The diamond doves alone ALL died. The other birds, finches, parrots, some died also. They wouldnt TELL me that, but by the time they were being sold there were so low in numbers, and another cat shelter that adopts animals out of there on saturdays told me every saturday during this pathetic "quarantine," birds were being taken out dead. Never did they seperate them, and the cages of different TYPES of birds were not seperated, stuck side by side, disease spreading very easily between them. they also had the wrong type of cage for the finches, the bars were too wide and the birds were escaping into this little holding room behind the cages.
This is the same petsmart that got a pigeon in there before, and wouldnt let me try and catch it. They tried LASER POINTERS! Dummies. They ended up calling someone to get it, who, i dont know, i got kicked out. I would break open the seed bags and hide seed around the store for him to eat, so they caught me and kicked me out that day even though i offered to pay for the seed. pet stores are supposed to CARE about pets, and they do not, they are all about profit. It is very sad. And think of all the pigeons that need homes, and here they are trapping wild birds and bringing them out of their homes to sell for a buck, only to have half or more die along the way.
Here's the link to sign the petition. PLEASE sign it, i KNOW many of you feel the same way i do as this, so here's your chance to stand by your opinions and so called, "put your money where your mouth is"
THANKS EVERYONE!
I'm sorry there is a few sad pictures on this page, but ignoring the problem will only make it worse.
Please follow the links anyways, these animals at least deserve our acknowledgment of the suffering they went through.

http://www.petsmartcruelty.com/video.asp
http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/p...d_animal_sales

I don't know what the right answer is, and I don't know where such a "Movement" ends. Why not just outlaw the owning and keeping of all birds and small pets ? Then you have eliminated the possibility of any animal being
mistreated. Attacking any one particular chain of stores, does not keep these birds and animals from being sold. And then, I am sure that some people won't be satisfied untill every chicken or turkey is liberated, so outlaw the keeping of any bird. Which means of course that all of our food production will take place over seas. So, you will have to then outlaw the importation of any birds as food. So, where exactly does this end ?

Because we are then just a step away from outlawinng any animal use, for anything. And then we will have to address the issue of does a tree feel pain when you cut it down....or does an ear of corn feel pain when you pull it from it's mother stalk ?

In the mean time, we have young humans which are being abused in various ways, and who go hungrey at night. So, where should our energy and focus be ?

[Charis]

Originally Posted by SmithFamilyLoft

I don't know what the right answer is, and I don't know where such a "Movement" ends. Why not just outlaw the owning and keeping of all birds and small pets ? Then you have eliminated the possibility of any animal being
mistreated. Attacking any one particular chain of stores, does not keep these birds and animals from being sold. And then, I am sure that some people won't be satisfied untill every chicken or turkey is liberated, so outlaw the keeping of any bird. Which means of course that all of our food production will take place over seas. So, you will have to then outlaw the importation of any birds as food. So, where exactly does this end ?

Because we are then just a step away from outlawinng any animal use, for anything. And then we will have to address the issue of does a tree feel pain when you cut it down....or does an ear of corn feel pain when you pull it from it's mother stalk ?

In the mean time, we have young humans which are being abused in various ways, and who go hungrey at night. So, where should our energy and focus be ?

Warren, each of us has been gifted with some passion, a cause to advocate for, that gives our life meaning. For some it may be this cause for others advocating for abused children you spoke of. The passions are as diverse as we are. Personally, my passion extends to all living beings in pain and I will always extend myself to help in any way I can.
I feel very honoring toward moxie fro her passion in this cause and bringing it us us. I feel honor toward you for considering young abused humans. We all need to honor or passion and take action for the causes that touch our heart.

[SmithFamilyLoft]

Originally Posted by Charis

Warren, each of us has been gifted with some passion, a cause to advocate for, that gives our life meaning. For some it may be this cause for others advocating for abused children you spoke of. The passions are as diverse as we are. Personally, my passion extends to all living beings in pain and I will always extend myself to help in any way I can.
I feel very honoring toward moxie fro her passion in this cause and bringing it us us. I feel honor toward you for considering young abused humans. We all need to honor or passion and take action for the causes that touch our heart.

Well....the possible difference is, it's not that far of a reach to suggest that a bandwagon to stop XYZ from selling birds....may some day prevent SFL or some other lawful owner from selling birds...........or some form of regulation. In our state, such things are already highly regulated and patrolled by representatives of the SPCA. As with many well intentioned ideas, there is often a moral hazard, in that unintended things happen which were not anticipated.

I don't begrudge someone from making their life feel "fulfilled", or other wise give meaning and purpose to their life, as long as it does not interfere with what I consider my rights, or the rights of others. All I am saying, is that I personally feel uncomfortable with a "movement" to stop a pet store from selling pets, based on video of questionable origin. Especially since a single store chain has been singled out, and does not remind me of my local Pet Smart in the least. My local store seems to take great care and concern for the health and care of their pets. I am sure, many pigeon fanciers do not take as good of care of their pigeons, as my local store takes care of their birds.

[Charis]

Originally Posted by SmithFamilyLoft

Well....the possible difference is, it's not that far of a reach to suggest that a bandwagon to stop XYZ from selling birds....may some day prevent SFL or some other lawful owner from selling birds...........or some form of regulation. In our state, such things are already highly regulated and patrolled by representatives of the SPCA. As with many well intentioned ideas, there is often a moral hazard, in that unintended things happen which were not anticipated.

I don't begrudge someone from making their life feel "fulfilled", or other wise give meaning and purpose to their life, as long as it does not interfere with what I consider my rights, or the rights of others. All I am saying, is that I personally feel uncomfortable with a "movement" to stop a pet store from selling pets, based on video of questionable origin. Especially since a single store chain has been singled out, and does not remind me of my local Pet Smart in the least. My local store seems to take great care and concern for the health and care of their pets. I am sure, many pigeon fanciers do not take as good of care of their pigeons, as my local store takes care of their birds.

Warren, the real issue here is the way the store keeps the birds they sell. Many are sick when sold although I must say it's not just sick birds they sell but other animals too. Also, they don't educate the customer regarding proper bird care. All this is preventable. They take advantage of the animal they are selling and the customer. This really isn't about banning pet shops from selling birds or any other animals...it's about what I just said.
Taking advantage to make money is wrong.

[SmithFamilyLoft]

Originally Posted by Charis

....Taking advantage to make money is wrong.

I don't know that any of the "evidence" provided is true or not. I am sure the local manager of PetSmart would disagree with you. And somehow, I'm not convinced if this particlar business would make some possible policy changes, that it would satisfy those who made the video. The idea that a store owner would make a "profit" from sales of animals, seems to bother some people.

I'm afraid that your last comment in quotes above, is an indictment for the whole US economy. Everyone from my doctor, lawyer, banker, baker, bucher, plumber, farmer etc. are all out to take advantage of me in my time of want or need.

I am a tree care contractor...my job is wait till a tree falls on a home, and then I "Take Advantage" of the situation for money ! When the grand baby cries for milk, the mean ole farmer takes advantage of the situation and milks a cow...and for money no less !!!

Just having a little fun with you. May stop by PetSmart today, and see how the animals are doing. Then I'm going to go back to the racing Pigeon section, where I manage to get in less "trouble".

[Charis]

Originally Posted by SmithFamilyLoft

I don't know that any of the "evidence" provided is true or not. I am sure the local manager of PetSmart would disagree with you. And somehow, I'm not convinced if this particlar business would make some possible policy changes, that it would satisfy those who made the video. The idea that a store owner would make a "profit" from sales of animals, seems to bother some people.

I'm afraid that your last comment in quotes above, is an indictment for the whole US economy. Everyone from my doctor, lawyer, banker, baker, bucher, plumber, farmer etc. are all out to take advantage of me in my time of want or need.

I am a tree care contractor...my job is wait till a tree falls on a home, and then I "Take Advantage" of the situation for money ! When the grand baby cries for milk, the mean ole farmer takes advantage of the situation and milks a cow...and for money no less !!!

Just having a little fun with you. May stop by PetSmart today, and see how the animals are doing. Then I'm going to go back to the racing Pigeon section, where I manage to get in less "trouble".

I was personally taken advantage of when I bought Diamond Doves for my son. UN be known to me, they were sick when I bought them. Caleb had been wanting these little doves for the longest time and while I begrudgingly bought them, I knew they would be well taken care of with me.
I bought the birds, a flight cage for them and all accessories. I was told they were weaned which they were not. I could take care of that but the average consumer wouldn't have a clue. No mater what, the birds didn't thrive. They were puffed and lethargic which was heart breaking for little Caleb, with a tender heart, and myself. I took them to the vet but they didn't survive. They were both dead within a month of purchase. The vet figured they had a virus common to Finches, which they had been housed with. Birds, cage and vet...nearly $1000. The worst part was loosing them. Was I taken advantage of...I think so and on many levels. My story is not uncommon.
I have other first hand stories that are too graphic to share.
Now Warren...don't make me come out there and have a talk with you. I would be taken advantage of regarding the cost of airfare.

[spirit wings]

Originally Posted by SmithFamilyLoft

I don't know that any of the "evidence" provided is true or not. I am sure the local manager of PetSmart would disagree with you. And somehow, I'm not convinced if this particlar business would make some possible policy changes, that it would satisfy those who made the video. The idea that a store owner would make a "profit" from sales of animals, seems to bother some people.

I'm afraid that your last comment in quotes above, is an indictment for the whole US economy. Everyone from my doctor, lawyer, banker, baker, bucher, plumber, farmer etc. are all out to take advantage of me in my time of want or need.

I am a tree care contractor...my job is wait till a tree falls on a home, and then I "Take Advantage" of the situation for money ! When the grand baby cries for milk, the mean ole farmer takes advantage of the situation and milks a cow...and for money no less !!!

Just having a little fun with you. May stop by PetSmart today, and see how the animals are doing. Then I'm going to go back to the racing Pigeon section, where I manage to get in less "trouble".

they have a racing pigeon section?????...am I missing something?....anyway, animals should not be sold like inventory housed in mills, warehouses, ect, with the only people they can hire to clean up after them mostly don't care. I think making a profit is the American way, but just because that has been the case, with animals included ,for so long does'nt make it moral. maybe it is a character issue, but to me it is common sense and just fact...non emotional just is'nt right...IMHO

[Jay3]

Originally Posted by SmithFamilyLoft

I don't know what the right answer is, and I don't know where such a "Movement" ends. Why not just outlaw the owning and keeping of all birds and small pets ? Then you have eliminated the possibility of any animal being
mistreated. Attacking any one particular chain of stores, does not keep these birds and animals from being sold. And then, I am sure that some people won't be satisfied untill every chicken or turkey is liberated, so outlaw the keeping of any bird. Which means of course that all of our food production will take place over seas. So, you will have to then outlaw the importation of any birds as food. So, where exactly does this end ?

Because we are then just a step away from outlawinng any animal use, for anything. And then we will have to address the issue of does a tree feel pain when you cut it down....or does an ear of corn feel pain when you pull it from it's mother stalk ?

In the mean time, we have young humans which are being abused in various ways, and who go hungrey at night. So, where should our energy and focus be ?

I agree that it is horrible that children are being abused, and there are people to help stop that. But that doesn't mean that animals should not also be protected. What the hell kind of world would we live in, if any one could just abuse any animal any way they want to. And it wasn't just Petsmart, if you took the time to watch the videos about their suppliers, you might better understand what people are objecting to. Animals are NOT things. They are living, feeling creatures. They cannot speak out for themselves, or protect themselves. They DO deserve to be protected. They do NOT deserve to be abused and tortured. Anyone who thinks that this kind of treatment of animals is okay, or in any way justified, than that person is an unfeeling, heartless, empty non human. Many people who abuse animals are the same people who will abuse children or other human beings. And the inhuman treatment at puppy mills and mills for other animals has got to stop. Everyone is, of course, entitled to their own opinion, but those who feel nothing for these animals are missing a big part of their soul. It is called heart, compassion, caring. And it is ridiculous to compare the mistreatment of animals to an ear of corn. There..................I'm done!.................I think.

[Jay3]

Originally Posted by SmithFamilyLoft

Well....the possible difference is, it's not that far of a reach to suggest that a bandwagon to stop XYZ from selling birds....may some day prevent SFL or some other lawful owner from selling birds...........or some form of regulation. In our state, such things are already highly regulated and patrolled by representatives of the SPCA. As with many well intentioned ideas, there is often a moral hazard, in that unintended things happen which were not anticipated.

I don't begrudge someone from making their life feel "fulfilled", or other wise give meaning and purpose to their life, as long as it does not interfere with what I consider my rights, or the rights of others. All I am saying, is that I personally feel uncomfortable with a "movement" to stop a pet store from selling pets, based on video of questionable origin. Especially since a single store chain has been singled out, and does not remind me of my local Pet Smart in the least. My local store seems to take great care and concern for the health and care of their pets. I am sure, many pigeon fanciers do not take as good of care of their pigeons, as my local store takes care of their birds.

I think actually, that it is even more the suppliers of these animals that horribly abuse them. And a reputable pet store would not buy from these kinds of places. I know, for a fact, that there are pet shops who sell animals, who don't buy from these mills. They buy from local breeders of animals. Many buy from people they know, rather than huge warehouses for animals. It is these warehouses that treat animals like things without feelings. They do not care for the animals. Just the profit. And nobody is saying that pet shops shouldn't want to make a profit. We are just saying that they should also care about the welfare of the animals they sell.

[SmithFamilyLoft]

Originally Posted by Charis

I was personally taken advantage of when I bought Diamond Doves for my son. UN be known to me, they were sick when I bought them. Caleb had been wanting these little doves for the longest time and while I begrudgingly bought them, I knew they would be well taken care of with me.
I bought the birds, a flight cage for them and all accessories. I was told they were weaned which they were not. I could take care of that but the average consumer wouldn't have a clue. No mater what, the birds didn't thrive. They were puffed and lethargic which was heart breaking for little Caleb, with a tender heart, and myself. I took them to the vet but they didn't survive. They were both dead within a month of purchase. The vet figured they had a virus common to Finches, which they had been housed with. Birds, cage and vet...nearly $1000. The worst part was loosing them. Was I taken advantage of...I think so and on many levels. My story is not uncommon.
I have other first hand stories that are too graphic to share.
Now Warren...don't make me come out there and have a talk with you. I would be taken advantage of regarding the cost of airfare.

Charis,

Every time I try to get out, they drag me back in ! If you are a movie buff, you will know what I mean........anyway I was out there this afternoon, trying not to think of my idea to post on this particular thread, when I needed some gas and pulled in a local Rutters store, and BOY did I get taken advantage of !! I pumped my gas and got it for only $3.95 a gallon (thank you environmentalists) and then purchased a 20 oz. container of Gatoraid....and was I ever ripped off !! Worked out to about $8 a gallon !!! Now where are these evil Gatoraid company's making obscene profits and taking advantage of me !!! There ought to be an "excess profits", tax and get rid of those Gatoraid speculators !!

You were a victim of circumstances and poor management, that must not have been a pleasant experience. Did you approach management with your problem ? Were they given an opportunity to correct the situation ? If so, were you refunded your purchase price ? Did they offer to replace the birds ?

If the facts are as you state, then it is apparent that they are unqualified to manage the selling of birds. Their business model is broken, and I suspect they would soon leave the business anyway. The answer may be for buyers to do a little research on the seller of stock they wish to purchase. I don't know what the odds are, for the type of bird you purchased, for having a virus, and neither you or the sellers knew the bird was sick. I suspect only a vet doing blood tests could confirm this at the time of sale.

If I were to become a commercial seller of birds such as PetSmart, I would conduct business in a much different fashion. PetSmart apparently went by the "cheap" method....selling cheap birds, to people looking for cheap prices, and that is the value they received. My operation would have much higher standards and thus much higher prices. The market will change for PetSmart, if for no other reason, then unhappy customers tell more people about their unhappy experience. Chain stores come and go, pet shops come and go. Positive information to the public, as to how to purchase quality healthy stock, may in the long run, reach more people in a positive way.

In which case, instead of attempting to drive a portion of a company's business into the ground, have you considered helping them improve the quality of these animals lives while in their care ? If I'm not mistaken, the video clip was of a supplier and not PetSmart itself ?

Let's assume that you are successful in driving PetSmart out of the pet part of the business, and they simply become a pet grocery store. Assuming the demand remains constant, then people will go to another retail outlet to purchase their goods. They may be smaller, and much less visible. Now, instead of reviewing the conditions of a single PetSmart to see how the animals are faring, now they will be sold at maybe 120,000 other smaller locations. Maybe PetSmart was heaven compared to the hell's they may now be facing. Maybe bred in basements under horrible conditions, by do-it-at-home suppliers and the like.

I wish you well in your endeaver. My perspective is somewhat different, as I came pretty close from a "Farming" background, and I am sure that farm animals will someday be on your list. Because with PetSmart you are talking a tiny...tiny.. fraction of the birds which are produced in the USA for various purposes. For some reason your current focus is on this tiny fraction of the US bird population. I suspect at some point, your attention will be directed to the entire poultry industry...and maybe somewhere down the line, back yard lofts such as mine.

[David Ey]

Now, that makes a lot of sense.

[Charis]

Originally Posted by SmithFamilyLoft

Charis,

Every time I try to get out, they drag me back in ! If you are a movie buff, you will know what I mean........anyway I was out there this afternoon, trying not to think of my idea to post on this particular thread, when I needed some gas and pulled in a local Rutters store, and BOY did I get taken advantage of !! I pumped my gas and got it for only $3.95 a gallon (thank you environmentalists) and then purchased a 20 oz. container of Gatoraid....and was I ever ripped off !! Worked out to about $8 a gallon !!! Now where are these evil Gatoraid company's making obscene profits and taking advantage of me !!! There ought to be an "excess profits", tax and get rid of those Gatoraid speculators !!

You were a victim of circumstances and poor management, that must not have been a pleasant experience. Did you approach management with your problem ? Were they given an opportunity to correct the situation ? If so, were you refunded your purchase price ? Did they offer to replace the birds ?

If the facts are as you state, then it is apparent that they are unqualified to manage the selling of birds. Their business model is broken, and I suspect they would soon leave the business anyway. The answer may be for buyers to do a little research on the seller of stock they wish to purchase. I don't know what the odds are, for the type of bird you purchased, for having a virus, and neither you or the sellers knew the bird was sick. I suspect only a vet doing blood tests could confirm this at the time of sale.

If I were to become a commercial seller of birds such as PetSmart, I would conduct business in a much different fashion. PetSmart apparently went by the "cheap" method....selling cheap birds, to people looking for cheap prices, and that is the value they received. My operation would have much higher standards and thus much higher prices. The market will change for PetSmart, if for no other reason, then unhappy customers tell more people about their unhappy experience. Chain stores come and go, pet shops come and go. Positive information to the public, as to how to purchase quality healthy stock, may in the long run, reach more people in a positive way.

In which case, instead of attempting to drive a portion of a company's business into the ground, have you considered helping them improve the quality of these animals lives while in their care ? If I'm not mistaken, the video clip was of a supplier and not PetSmart itself ?

Let's assume that you are successful in driving PetSmart out of the pet part of the business, and they simply become a pet grocery store. Assuming the demand remains constant, then people will go to another retail outlet to purchase their goods. They may be smaller, and much less visible. Now, instead of reviewing the conditions of a single PetSmart to see how the animals are faring, now they will be sold at maybe 120,000 other smaller locations. Maybe PetSmart was heaven compared to the hell's they may now be facing. Maybe bred in basements under horrible conditions, by do-it-at-home suppliers and the like.

I wish you well in your endeaver. My perspective is somewhat different, as I came pretty close from a "Farming" background, and I am sure that farm animals will someday be on your list. Because with PetSmart you are talking a tiny...tiny.. fraction of the birds which are produced in the USA for various purposes. For some reason your current focus is on this tiny fraction of the US bird population. I suspect at some point, your attention will be directed to the entire poultry industry...and maybe somewhere down the line, back yard lofts such as mine.

Warren...do you know me to be one that is even capable of remaining silent if I feel an injustice has been made?
I did approach management and they were unwilling to do anything to remedy the situation. They refused to refund the cost of the birds or pay the vet bill. I didn't ask them for more birds as I figured we had been through enough heartache already. I did several months later buy a feeder mouse from them to keep another company. It was so badly infested with mites, it chewed it's own foot off. I couldn't figure out why it had done that and at first I thought the other mouse had been aggressive toward it. I took both mice to the vet and the one I bought had mites. They were very small and had burrowed into the skin, driving the poor mice crazy. Of course I took the vet bill back to Petsmart and told them. All I wanted was to have them treat the remaining mice. I found it deeply troubling that they should have to suffer.
You are a kind man and I believe most people that call this forum home are kind folks as well. This is about treating animals kindly because they are living beings deserving of our kindness and respect. It would take such little effort to do this and it makes no sense to me that the effort isn't taken.
As for animal farming, this thread isn't about that. It isn't about taking backyard lofts away either.This isn't about me stopping Petsmart from selling animals but if I were powerful enough alone to pull that one of...you know I would. Really, this is about ethics and doing the honorable thing.
I think it's a good thing we've had a sane discussion and if you ever want to have an off forum discussion about animal farming...I'M YOUR GIRL!

[SmithFamilyLoft]

Originally Posted by Charis

....You are a kind man and I believe most people that call this forum home are kind folks as well. This is about treating animals kindly because they are living beings deserving of our kindness and respect. It would take such little effort to do this and it makes no sense to me that the effort isn't taken.
As for animal farming, this thread isn't about that. It isn't about taking backyard lofts away either.This isn't about me stopping Petsmart from selling animals but if I were powerful enough alone to pull that one of...you know I would. Really, this is about ethics and doing the honorable thing.
I think it's a good thing we've had a sane discussion and if you ever want to have an off forum discussion about animal farming...I'M YOUR GIRL!

Well, truth be told, just to show you how far behind the curve I am, I didn't realize untill today that you are of the female gender. So, perhaps that means I am just a little on the slow side.

You keep doing the honorable thing, I just wanted readers to see another perspective. Who among us, can say we don't want animals given respect and treated well ? I never understood completely the idea of keeping wild birds inside your home in cages in the first place. And I am really surprized that after being ripped off by your purchase of sick birds which died, that you turned around and purchased additional animals from this place you now want closed. In a way, you and a few more million people like you, are who has created a market for these poor animals. Now that you have seen the light so to speak, you are upset, and I understand that now.

Hopefully, you will take some of this energy, and direct it towards public education. Pet stores and shops, have never been the place to purchase a pet. That was as true in the 1950's as it is today. Private, professional breeders, have always provided the fancy, with quality healthy stock. These "produce for the mass market at low cost" operations, have always been a nightmare for the birds and animals.

As far as animal farming, I wish to remain in the dark. I know in the back of my mind where a NY Strip steak comes from, and how it goes from hoof to my table, but I don't want to give that too much thought. That is the responsibility and burden we all must bear, for being at the top of the food chain, instead of being "what's for dinner" ourselves.

[Charis]

Originally Posted by SmithFamilyLoft

Well, truth be told, just to show you how far behind the curve I am, I didn't realize untill today that you are of the female gender. So, perhaps that means I am just a little on the slow side.

You keep doing the honorable thing, I just wanted readers to see another perspective. Who among us, can say we don't want animals given respect and treated well ? I never understood completely the idea of keeping wild birds inside your home in cages in the first place. And I am really surprized that after being ripped off by your purchase of sick birds which died, that you turned around and purchased additional animals from this place you now want closed. In a way, you and a few more million people like you, are who has created a market for these poor animals. Now that you have seen the light so to speak, you are upset, and I understand that now.

Hopefully, you will take some of this energy, and direct it towards public education. Pet stores and shops, have never been the place to purchase a pet. That was as true in the 1950's as it is today. Private, professional breeders, have always provided the fancy, with quality healthy stock. These "produce for the mass market at low cost" operations, have always been a nightmare for the birds and animals.

As far as animal farming, I wish to remain in the dark. I know in the back of my mind where a NY Strip steak comes from, and how it goes from hoof to my table, but I don't want to give that too much thought. That is the responsibility and burden we all must bear, for being at the top of the food chain, instead of being "what's for dinner" ourselves.

Warren, I'm not in the habbit of purchasing animals at all. Who would have thought a 49 cent feeder mouse would be sick too.It was to be a companion for a rescue mouse.
Believe me...I spend a good deal of time each day educating and advocating for beings that can't do so for themselves. I could give you a list. This is not about CLOSING the store but getting them to STOP SELLING BIRDS.