I am deeply passionate about caring for aquarium pets, and it breaks my heart to witness the appalling conditions they are subjected to at Meijer stores throughout Michigan and beyond. Recently, while shopping at my local Meijer in Port Huron, MI, I was horrified by the sight of overcrowded tanks, with many fish visibly sick or deceased. The neglect these freshwater fish endure is not just poor care; it is a violation of the dignity they, like all living creatures, deserve.

     On several occasions, I've documented these conditions with photos, capturing tanks with as many as 5–10 dead fish, others showing signs of illness like ich, and no apparent efforts by staff to provide treatment or implement proper care practices. These images will be shared with this petition to show what loyal customers are seeing. Such neglect would never be tolerated for other pets, and it is imperative that Meijer stores adopt humane standards for fish welfare in all their locations.

     I’ve also observed extreme overcrowding. Many tanks appear to house far more fish than is appropriate for their size. For example, a standard 20-gallon tank should contain no more than 10–12 small fish, depending on species and filtration. Overstocking leads to stress, aggression, poor water quality, and increased disease outbreaks—conditions I’ve seen firsthand in Meijer stores.

     As a customer, I shouldn’t have to brace myself to see suffering when I walk into a store. These fish are not disposable—they are sentient beings capable of feeling stress and pain. If Meijer chooses to sell live animals, it must also choose to care for them responsibly. Ignoring their suffering is not just bad business—it’s morally wrong.

     Each fish deserves respect, and as a caregiver who has successfully treated sick fish at home, I know that better practices are possible. Meijer, a leader in the Midwest retail market, has the resources and responsibility to set a precedent for fish care. They can implement regulated guidelines ensuring cleanliness, adequate space, and health checks for these aquatic lives, showcasing a commitment to humane practices.

     More and more shoppers are making ethical choices about where they spend their money. When we see neglect, we speak up—and we walk away. Meijer has the chance to earn trust and loyalty by doing the right thing.

     We call on Meijer Corporate to take immediate action. Establish and enforce a set of comprehensive fish welfare standards across all your stores. Proper staff training on care techniques, routine tank maintenance, regular health assessments, and adoption of a humane policy for fish mortality are essential steps.

     I believe Meijer can be a leader in compassionate retail. With enough voices, we can inspire change—not just for these fish, but for every animal in corporate care. Together, we can turn concern into action and suffering into reform.

     Join me in urging Meijer to recognize and rectify this unacceptable oversight. These animals depend on us for survival, and it is our duty to provide it. Sign this petition to advocate for better living conditions for the fish in Meijer's care, ensuring these sentient beings are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. Each signature adds to the voices demanding change. Let's make a difference together!