As a young child, I had to witness the mistreatment of betta fish at our local pet stores. Their confinement in small containers for extended periods is a form of animal cruelty which continues to deeply upset me. These vibrant creatures are denied their natural tendency to explore their habitat, restricted instead to containers not fit for the beauty and vitality they possess. This inhumane practice is followed by Petco and Petsmart, two pet companies with substantial reach and influence.

Research indicates that betta fish require at least 2.5 gallons of water to live healthily, far more than what pet stores currently provide. In these cramped enclosures, they often live shorter lives marred by disease and stress, exhibiting unnatural behaviors as a sign of their undue struggle (Pet Care Advisory, 2021). This practice has been left unchecked for over a decade, contributing to the suffering and deaths of countless betta fish.

We urge Petco and Petsmart to end the sale of betta fish in small containers and to take a stand for the ethical treatment of all pets in their care. Present and future generations of bettas—and the children who grow up witnessing their conditions—depend on our collective action. Join me in this initiative for better pet treatment and demand change now. Sign this petition to lend your voice to the bettas. Together, we can make a difference and put an end to this cruel practice.