I recently decided to purchase a new hamster and trusted a reputable store - Pets At Home. I made this choice believing I was receiving expert advice, purchasing from an ethical source, and getting a suitably-sized cage for my new pet. After doing some personal research, I discovered that the cage I bought was smaller than the minimum requirements set by animal welfare organizations like PDSA and BlueCross. These groups recommend cage dimensions of at least 100cm x 50cm for the health and happiness of pet hamsters.

However, when I sought to return my now realized inadequate cage to Pets At Home, I was told it couldn't be refunded - even when I was willing to buy a larger one from their store. They claimed that a used cage could not be resold. I believe cages of such small size should not be sold in the first place.

Countless pet owners may unknowingly keep their pets in spaces too small for their needs, negatively affecting the animals' wellbeing. It is critical we enforce rules that protect our small pets and hold establishments accountable for promoting adequate living conditions for all animals they profit from selling.

Let's urge Pets At Home and other pet stores to only sell cages that meet the minimum size requirements set out by animal welfare organizations. Ethical pet ownership starts with informed decisions. This measure will help ensure that hamsters and other small pets can lead healthier, happier lives within our homes. Sign this petition to demand that pet stores prioritize animal wellbeing over profits.