Urge Petland to Implement Three Basic Policies to Save Animal Lives

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Petland boasts on its Web site that its mission is "to match the right pet with the right person and meet the needs of both." However, the company has yet to demonstrate concern or responsibility in regard to the animals who are purchased from its stores. Approximately 6 to 8 million unwanted dogs and cats are turned in to U.S. animal shelters annually, and approximately half must be euthanized for lack of worthy adoptive homes. Petland contributes to the companion animal overpopulation crisis by supporting the breeding of millions of dogs and cats each year for profit.

As it stands, anyone can walk into a Petland store and purchase an animal with a credit card as frivolously as he or she might purchase a T-shirt. As a result, many animals are eventually dumped at animal shelters or returned to the store once the purchaser realizes the serious, 10- to 15-year commitment that caring for a companion animal entails. PETA has written a letter to Ed Kunzleman, the CEO of Petland, urging him to implement three simple policies that could make a difference of life and death for the animals the company sells and help curb the companion animal overpopulation crisis:

• Immediately disallow customers from using credit cards to purchase live animals. In addition to the cost of an animal, animal care and maintenance require funds. PETA routinely hears from people who have maxed out their credit card by charging the price of an animal and then can't afford needed vaccinations or routine or even emergency medical care for the animal as a result. Responsible guardians must be prepared to pay for their new animal's needs.
  
• Implement a 24-hour waiting period on live-animal purchases. This is a standard practice in the sheltering world and is designed to discourage impulse adoptions, as people who adopt or buy animals on a whim often change their mind when they realize that they're getting themselves into a 10- to 15-year emotional, financial, and practical commitment. This policy will simply require people to think about this serious commitment for just 24 hours, and then they can return for the animal once they have given the matter proper thought.
  
• Spay or neuter all puppies and kittens before release. As an "avid proponent of spaying and neutering," Petland should understand the vital nature of prevention. Spaying and neutering not only saves lives but also makes for a healthier, friendlier companion animal. As aware as Petland seemingly is of the companion animal overpopulation crisis—the number one killer of dogs and cats in the nation—this is a long-overdue step.

Urge Petland's CEO to take these three small but significant steps toward a kinder world for animals. Call on him to implement these basic policies regarding the purchase of animals from all Petland stores.

Please send your polite comments to:

Ed Kunzleman, CEO
Petland
250 Riverside St.
P.O. Box 1606
Chillicothe, OH 45601
1-800-221-5935
740-775-2575 (fax)