For the past two years, I have dedicated my life to saving betta fish. Through my TikTok page, “Savingthebettas,” I have shared the heartbreaking reality of betta fish kept in deplorable conditions at major pet retailers. With the help of my followers, I have rescued hundreds of sick betta fish, documented their incredible recovery journeys, and found them safe, loving homes. This transformative experience has shown me the tragic consequences of selling these beautiful creatures in cups. It is time for us to put an end to this inhumane practice.

Betta fish are often sold in tiny, plastic cups, where they are left to languish in murky water with little room to swim. This practice leads to immense suffering, where too many fish die due to neglect and inadequate care. This is not to mention the lack of adequate water changes they are subject to, and the disheartening levels of ammonia in these cups upon rescue. These vibrant aquatic animals are often marketed as easy-to-care-for starter pets, but they require much more than a small cup or a fish bowl without a heater or filtration to live healthy lives. In fact, a study published by the Journal of Fish Biology highlights that betta fish need at least 5 gallons of water and plenty of swimming space to thrive.

Major pet retailers continue to employ this neglectful method, prioritizing profit over the well-being of the animals they sell. The Humane Society outlines that betta fish kept in such conditions are prone to diseases, severely reducing their lifespan and leading to painful deaths. This unnecessary cruelty must be addressed by banning the sale of betta fish in cups at all pet stores.

We urge Petco, Petsmart, and other pet retailers to adopt humane practices by providing appropriate tank setups for fish. Enabling fish to live in properly cared for environments will not only improve their quality of life but will also ensure that potential pet owners are educated on the responsibilities involved in caring for them.

It’s time to act against this injustice and advocate for the welfare of betta fish. Your signature can help pressure these companies to change their practices and stop the sale of betta fish in cups permanently. Sign this petition today to give these magnificent fish the chance to live healthy, happy lives they deserve.