Stop Maltreatment of Invertebrates
Stop Maltreatment of Invertebrates
The Issue
As a tarantula enthusiast and a human being with decency, the way the arachnids and scorpions (invertebrates) are kept at PetSmart is atrocious. The tarantulas and scorpions at all PetSmart establishments are housed in 3 by 5 plastic containers (THE SAME CONTAINERS THEY SELL AS "CRICKET KEEPERS") and stacked upon each other. The creatures barely have enough room to move. To exemplify the extremity of this, the photo of an Avicularia tarantula which is arboral tree/high elevation dwelling spider who needs a vertical tank of multiple feet to sustain and is being forced to survive in the aforementioned "critter keeper" solely acceptable for feeder insects.
On top of the inadquate enclosure issue, the creatures are housed in dirty, unsuitable conditions. There is substrate and excrement splattered on the sides that consistently remains uncleaned and the water dishes are too small and have bacteria filled sponges left in them. Additionally, the PetSmart company is giving out misinformation about these animals. Their premade pamphlets said to have been "researched and created by veteranians" are incorrect. They include unecessary equipment and procedures in order to stick their hand in your wallet. This practice more often times than not, can be fatally dangerous to the heath of the creatures.
When I confronted the company via the customer service e-mail and phone number, they had the local PetSmart contact me and explain it would take MONTHS for corporate to assess the situations; even then, it might not result in change. The manager also attempted to justify the action of mistreatment by saying "tarantulas cannot be handled" which is a mere excuse for improper care. If PetSmart employees are weary or too ignorant to take care of inverts and reptiles, PETSMART SHOULD NOT SELL THEM.
These creatures are suffering and do not have time to spare. Even if they are taken home, they are merely replaced by others who are sbjected to the same environment and deterioration. Please sign this petition in support of a crucial reprimandation of this company. Speak up if you see similar conditions at a local PetSmart or other pet store!!
Further reading/sources:
American National Tarantula Society: http://atshq.org
British National Tarantula Society: http://www.thebts.co.uk
Arachnoboards Forums: http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/content.php
The Issue
As a tarantula enthusiast and a human being with decency, the way the arachnids and scorpions (invertebrates) are kept at PetSmart is atrocious. The tarantulas and scorpions at all PetSmart establishments are housed in 3 by 5 plastic containers (THE SAME CONTAINERS THEY SELL AS "CRICKET KEEPERS") and stacked upon each other. The creatures barely have enough room to move. To exemplify the extremity of this, the photo of an Avicularia tarantula which is arboral tree/high elevation dwelling spider who needs a vertical tank of multiple feet to sustain and is being forced to survive in the aforementioned "critter keeper" solely acceptable for feeder insects.
On top of the inadquate enclosure issue, the creatures are housed in dirty, unsuitable conditions. There is substrate and excrement splattered on the sides that consistently remains uncleaned and the water dishes are too small and have bacteria filled sponges left in them. Additionally, the PetSmart company is giving out misinformation about these animals. Their premade pamphlets said to have been "researched and created by veteranians" are incorrect. They include unecessary equipment and procedures in order to stick their hand in your wallet. This practice more often times than not, can be fatally dangerous to the heath of the creatures.
When I confronted the company via the customer service e-mail and phone number, they had the local PetSmart contact me and explain it would take MONTHS for corporate to assess the situations; even then, it might not result in change. The manager also attempted to justify the action of mistreatment by saying "tarantulas cannot be handled" which is a mere excuse for improper care. If PetSmart employees are weary or too ignorant to take care of inverts and reptiles, PETSMART SHOULD NOT SELL THEM.
These creatures are suffering and do not have time to spare. Even if they are taken home, they are merely replaced by others who are sbjected to the same environment and deterioration. Please sign this petition in support of a crucial reprimandation of this company. Speak up if you see similar conditions at a local PetSmart or other pet store!!
Further reading/sources:
American National Tarantula Society: http://atshq.org
British National Tarantula Society: http://www.thebts.co.uk
Arachnoboards Forums: http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/content.php
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Petition created on September 16, 2014