Went to Petco for some animal supplies and just happen to check in the snakes....

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fb4ab9a18d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0b86ffc243.jpg

This is flipping disgusting!!! I’m going to blast their corporate office with some of these pictures!!!! There’s 6 BPs in ONE tank and most to all have really bad stuck sheds, along with 100% neglect, emaciated snakes, the list goes on with not just the snakes but baby dragons living in total filth!!! God save them after I’m done with them!!!


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...i thought the body on the far right was dead; that second picture hurts to look at. :( holy heck, that is just deplorable. i would absolutely raise heck.

:( That's heartbreaking.

The last time I went to PetCo I saw a ball python (in a ten-gallon tank with about three other ball pythons) curled up in an emaciated, wrinkled-skin heap behind some fake leaves in the back corner of the tank. I'm not sure it was alive. I didn't want to look too long. I just bolted out of there, I couldn't stand the sight.

There's two locally-owned pet shops near me, and they do a terrible job at keeping reptiles as well. In one of them, there were two leopard geckos sitting there an absolute skin-and-bone mess, stick-thin tail, with NO source of heat on them. I did check for a heat mat. No lighting on them.

I can't even think about it. It's so ungodly terrible. How do these pet stores live with themselves.

I did research a little bit after that jarring sight. In my state, animal welfare laws don't really extend beyond cats and dogs...

I ran into petco this past weekend getting some quick supplies for my GTP and I was actually impressed with their husbandry. Granted they had multiple reptiles in cages but that was about the worst I saw. Well the price gouging for fancy ball pythons or what ever they are calling morphs. I guess some of these stores are better than others but if they can't create a standard of care and stick to it, none of these stores deserves to sell reptiles.

My inner empathy begs me to just adopt those poor reptiles just to relieve their suffering, but I know that once these animals are bought, the store buys more to replace them and continue the horror. I can't support that kind of business.

Yea all I️ wanted to do was save them all, but rationally thinking I can’t save everyone....it’s horrifying and I’m not letting this go!


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Oh man, my stomach turned looking at that second pic. Poor thing. Hope you're able to get some attention to them. While i would not purchase these animals either, so as not to perpetuate the cycle, it does absolutely tear my heart to ribbons seeing them like this.

This is horrible. The petsmart near me isnt this bad, and Im glad they arnt. I wouldnt be able to go because I'd want to take them all home :(

Post it to their facebook site. If that is possible..

That is disgusting. They should be ashamed, do they honestly expect to sell those animals ? ugh..

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Originally Posted by zina10

Post it to their facebook site. If that is possible..

That is disgusting. They should be ashamed, do they honestly expect to sell those animals ? ugh..

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I️ would if I️ had a Facebook, I️ stay away from social media, but hey by all means take these pictures and let’s blow them up on twitter or FB!


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Do you know what agency licenses "pet dealers" in your state? These agencies have to do regular inspections. I would find out who does the licensing and call / email them. When you do, be specific (talk about living conditions, physical signs of distress, etc.).

I would let the agency know and see if they will do a surprise inspection. You could alternately take that info and approach the local petco manager (as well as contacting corporate) and tell them that you will inform the licensing agency, etc.

Finding out what local animal welfare laws apply to will also help and if you can, report them to animal control (or who ever oversees that).

If we want to complain to their Headquarters, we need the location of this Petco.

Anyone who wants to tell them their feelings about this, please remember...presenting one-selves respectful and leaving "emotion" out of it, is the best way to go. I'm angry as well and would like to rip them a new one (esp. that store manager and employers), but we are not going to be taken seriously if we approach this with "hot and heavy" ..

Very sad, sickening to say the least. But then many people go thru snakes like a bad stamp collection. Getting rid of “normals” so they can go after “better morphs” or “friendlier snakes”. Sure it’s your right to resale or rehome, but the photos should not surprise anyone who has been doing this as a hobby for a long while. There are warehouses full of neglected reptiles, and people just don’t always treat them humanly as they should. And to beat the horse, if nobody purchased from them, then they wouldn’t sale them.

They do have a Facebook and they do allow customer comments (well, not sure if they "screen" the posts first, or if they delete what they don't like).

Just be prepared, most people don't like snakes and will probably post snarky comments, but PETCO head quarters should pay attention.

Do you have more pictures or was that it ?

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Originally Posted by zina10

If we want to complain to their Headquarters, we need the location of this Petco.

Anyone who wants to tell them their feelings about this, please remember...presenting one-selves respectful and leaving "emotion" out of it, is the best way to go. I'm angry as well and would like to rip them a new one (esp. that store manager and employers), but we are not going to be taken seriously if we approach this with "hot and heavy" ..

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Here’s the address 3201 Vineland Road
Kissimmee, FL 34746


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by zina10

They do have a Facebook and they do allow customer comments (well, not sure if they "screen" the posts first, or if they delete what they don't like).

Just be prepared, most people don't like snakes and will probably post snarky comments, but PETCO head quarters should pay attention.

Do you have more pictures or was that it ?

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Sadly that was it, cause I️ was then being watched after the second picture....they knew what I️ was doing


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Originally Posted by Sonny1318

Very sad, sickening to say the least. But then many people go thru snakes like a bad stamp collection. Getting rid of “normals” so they can go after “better morphs” or “friendlier snakes”. Sure it’s your right to resale or rehome, but the photos should not surprise anyone who has been doing this as a hobby for a long while. There are warehouses full of neglected reptiles, and people just don’t always treat them humanly as they should. And to beat the horse, if nobody purchased from them, then they wouldn’t sale them.

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No, its not surprising. But as a store manager, esp. of a petstore, you should have some pride in your store and you should have some care about neglect and cruelty in your own store. If they aren't really set up or successful in sales of snakes, well, they should stop offering them for sale. Problem solved. If enough people (respectfully) complain to chains such as that, they may actually listen up and consider some other resolution.

Buying those animals doesn't help. But pointing out the issues, again and again whenever observed, might eventually bring some change. Maybe not, but what has one to loose by trying?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zina10

No, its not surprising. But as a store manager, esp. of a petstore, you should have some pride in your store and you should have some care about neglect and cruelty in your own store. If they aren't really set up or successful in sales of snakes, well, they should stop offering them for sale. Problem solved. If enough people (respectfully) complain to chains such as that, they may actually listen up and consider some other resolution.

Buying those animals doesn't help. But pointing out the issues, again and again whenever observed, might eventually bring some change. Maybe not, but what has one to loose by trying?

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This isn’t my first complaint for them, I️ did call them one time about the constant humidity issue with their snakes before and I️ was called back and told that it was corrected....I️ went in a week later.....NOTHING changed


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Aerries

This isn’t my first complaint for them, I️ did call them one time about the constant humidity issue with their snakes before and I️ was called back and told that it was corrected....I️ went in a week later.....NOTHING changed


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That is because you have to go to Headquarters with your complaint. The store manager obviously couldn't care less...

Are you willing to talk to Headquarters about this ? I can post on Facebook to get some public awareness, but it will only allow one picture. And then..it may get deleted or not even posted.
I would like to add to the post that the person that observed this (you) is willing to go into more detail about the incident. I want your permission to say that, though, before I post.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zina10

That is because you have to go to Headquarters with your complaint. The store manager obviously couldn't care less...

Are you willing to talk to Headquarters about this ? I can post on Facebook to get some public awareness, but it will only allow one picture. And then..it may get deleted or not even posted.
I would like to add to the post that the person that observed this (you) is willing to go into more detail about the incident. I want your permission to say that, though, before I post.

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Zina you have my FULL permission to use any type of pictures or post, I️ want this addressed ASAP. I’m actually not able to do anything atm so all help is appreciated!!!


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When you have large breeders dumping their over stock to these chain stores, legislators who consider reptiles the devil, and a complete lack of attention because they are not cute and cuddly in the eyes of the general public, you have this going on.

Until we regulate the breeding of reptiles, ban wholesale flipping of them, and restrict ownership to anyone without a clue what they are getting, we are going to have this problem. The problem is there is no control at any level outside of personal responsibility which decreases as soon as money becomes part of the equation. What do you think someone like Brian Barczyk does with his normal BPs and leopard geckos he can't sell? Someone like him doesn't cull them, he sells them to pet chains.

I get this is a horrible thing to have happen but until we stop just treating reptiles like objects and start giving them the basic respect that they need, this is going to continue and no amount of writing to corporate is going to put an end to it because to them these are just cheap things to make a buck on. For every serious reptile keeper, there are 100 irresponsible ones who see a cheap starter pet that they don't care if it dies. You have even worse situations where someone has a big heart but either does not have the means or the time to realize they are taking care of this pet wrong.

Education needs to go so much farther than proper husbandry, it needs to be exposed that the vast majority of the reptile pet trade is an order of magnitude worse than any puppy mill and far too many people blindly perpetuate it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zina10

That is because you have to go to Headquarters with your complaint. The store manager obviously couldn't care less...

Are you willing to talk to Headquarters about this ? I can post on Facebook to get some public awareness, but it will only allow one picture. And then..it may get deleted or not even posted.
I would like to add to the post that the person that observed this (you) is willing to go into more detail about the incident. I want your permission to say that, though, before I post.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Aerries

Zina you have my FULL permission to use any type of pictures or post, I️ want this addressed ASAP. I’m actually not able to do anything atm so all help is appreciated!!!

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thank you both for helping give those animals a voice. :) it's worth a shot to reach out.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Aerries

Zina you have my FULL permission to use any type of pictures or post, I️ want this addressed ASAP. I’m actually not able to do anything atm so all help is appreciated!!!


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Of course, it won't let me post... I could possibly post it as a "comment" under one of their posts, though, I'll try..

Can you email them at Headquarters ? Describing the issue (that you tried before, the baby dragons, etc...) and adding the pictures? That should help!

By the way, here is Petco's "Code of Ethics"... https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/content/P...thics-2014.pdf

Here is the part pertaining to "Animal Care"

"Animal care

As Petco associates, it is our responsibility to promote the health,
well-being and humane treatment of animals. We must do the right thing
as a Company and as individuals to ensure animal well-being without
jeopardizing human safety. We must consistently deliver safe, skillful and
compassionate care to all animals entrusted to us. While animals are
in our care, associates constantly monitor their health and well-being,
beginning with regular checks during business hours conducted according
to guidelines created by experts. These checks are supplemented
by further reviews and audits by regional and support center personnel.
Whenever you walk down the aisles of a Petco store, whether you are on duty
or shopping for your pet, take a moment to verify that all animals are properly fed,
watered and housed. If you believe the care of an animal may be in question,
it is your responsibility to take the initiative to communicate your concern and
make sure that appropriate action is immediately taken to resolve the concern."

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SDA

When you have large breeders dumping their over stock to these chain stores, legislators who consider reptiles the devil, and a complete lack of attention because they are not cute and cuddly in the eyes of the general public, you have this going on.

Until we regulate the breeding of reptiles, ban wholesale flipping of them, and restrict ownership to anyone without a clue what they are getting, we are going to have this problem. The problem is there is no control at any level outside of personal responsibility which decreases as soon as money becomes part of the equation. What do you think someone like Brian Barczyk does with his normal BPs and leopard geckos he can't sell? Someone like him doesn't cull them, he sells them to pet chains.

I get this is a horrible thing to have happen but until we stop just treating reptiles like objects and start giving them the basic respect that they need, this is going to continue and no amount of writing to corporate is going to put an end to it because to them these are just cheap things to make a buck on. For every serious reptile keeper, there are 100 irresponsible ones who see a cheap starter pet that they don't care if it dies. You have even worse situations where someone has a big heart but either does not have the means or the time to realize they are taking care of this pet wrong.

Education needs to go so much farther than proper husbandry, it needs to be exposed that the vast majority of the reptile pet trade is an order of magnitude worse than any puppy mill and far too many people blindly perpetuate it.

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This is very very true, but the greatest movements started with the smallest of acts, I️ can only hope that this chain becomes something more....


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by zina10

Of course, it won't let me post... I could possibly post it as a "comment" under one of their posts, though, I'll try..

Can you email them at Headquarters ? Describing the issue (that you tried before, the baby dragons, etc...) and adding the pictures? That should help!

By the way, here is Petco's "Code of Ethics"... https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/content/P...thics-2014.pdf

Here is the part pertaining to "Animal Care"

"Animal care

As Petco associates, it is our responsibility to promote the health,
well-being and humane treatment of animals. We must do the right thing
as a Company and as individuals to ensure animal well-being without
jeopardizing human safety. We must consistently deliver safe, skillful and
compassionate care to all animals entrusted to us. While animals are
in our care, associates constantly monitor their health and well-being,
beginning with regular checks during business hours conducted according
to guidelines created by experts. These checks are supplemented
by further reviews and audits by regional and support center personnel.
Whenever you walk down the aisles of a Petco store, whether you are on duty
or shopping for your pet, take a moment to verify that all animals are properly fed,
watered and housed. If you believe the care of an animal may be in question,
it is your responsibility to take the initiative to communicate your concern and
make sure that appropriate action is immediately taken to resolve the concern."

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This is was irked me big time “As Petco associates, it is our responsibility to promote the health,
well-being and humane treatment of animals. We must do the right thing
as a Company and as individuals to ensure animal well-being without
jeopardizing human safety. We must consistently deliver safe, skillful and
compassionate care to all animals entrusted to us. “


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Well, that was fast...

Here is their reply

"Animal care is our top priority and we take their care very seriously, thank you for bringing this to our attention, Lucy. Please send us a private message with your phone number and which store in Kissimmee, FL. We'll have our team look into this further. Thank you."

May I message them your name and number ? It will be a private message, so noone will see it on facebook but me and Petco. You can also private message me that info here on this website, rather then just posting it..

Awesome job. I still feel animal cruelty laws needs to extend to reptiles in all 50 states. Hopefully this will start happening and it will pressure chains to start taking either a better stance on care or get out of selling animals all together.

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Originally Posted by SDA

Awesome job. I still feel animal cruelty laws needs to extend to reptiles in all 50 states. Hopefully this will start happening and it will pressure chains to start taking either a better stance on care or get out of selling animals all together.

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Talking to Store managers directly often doesn't help. They are in their store every day.
They KNOW what is going on in their store, and obv. this one just doesn't care about the reptiles.

Going to Head quarters and Corporate helps more. But making some pictures public, may just be the push thats needed to make THEM take this serious. I'm not for a public witch hunt. Everything needs to be done calm and professional, if we are to be taken serious. But those pictures NEED to be seen! There are some people that may not be fans of snakes, but still don't like to see any animal abused like this..

omg. That is absolutely horrible. These big chains seem not to give a fudge about their animals. There's only one store in my town that has snakes. It's a local owned one and one of the employees is a herper so they are kept in great condition. I support them more than any other petstore. Currently eyeing up the Orange Ghost that they have.

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https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/UU7atNa.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/puQBGSM.jpg
Unfortunately, I ran into a similarly depressing situation when I went to a flea market last weekend. I reported them to animal control but I doubt they'll do anything. That Sav looked like it was at deaths door.

Unfortunately this isn't a PetCo-restricted norm. Here's some pics a few weeks ago from the local PetSmart -- and I wanted to take that poor guy in the first photo home, but I knew they'd only replace it with another. That and I have no room to quarantine, so I couldn't protect Maze from any potential piggy backers the little guy might have been carrying.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...afwo1_1280.jpg

He didn't move once, and I couldn't even tell if he was breathing.

And this one just reflects how little they know about how to keep snakes. Yikes. (There were at least five in there)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...afwo2_1280.jpg

Just to give you all a heads up I️ did actually go to my local
News website and they have an option for submitting pictures for potential news stories, this is what I️ said “I was at a local Pet Co and it’s only been open a few months but THIS is what I️ found! They have numerous amounts of Ball Pythons that are malnourished, horribly stuck sheds, over crowding 6-7 ball pythons in one enclosure. (Mind you they have multiple empty display cases that have been empty for weeks) this truly animal neglect on their part. Not only that but there are baby bearded dragons that are living in their own filth...their enclosures haven’t need maintained properly. I️ would love to see some light shed on this, these big name animal supply chains do not have the proper training in handling reptiles. It is apparent in just this photo alone! This snake probably won’t make it the week with how emaciated it is.” Spectrum News 13 for Orlando...and I️ posted that second photo...I️ hope I️ get their attention!

Oops I️ have horrible typing skills didn’t see I️ said “haven’t need” hahahah
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Petco has also gotten back to me after they got the info. Saying they will look into this and get back to me, again.

Here's to hoping.

It would be nice if they were open to suggestions. Perhaps just for them to put their heads together and come up something they could use across the board (all stores). Implement a certain training sessions all Managers and employees need to complete. Where they learn the basics (important basics) of the reptile species they keep, and proper caresheets and setups.

Perhaps they should find and offer resources to all stores. Where store managers and employees can use those resources if they need help, have questions, need suggestions. (a link to this forum would work ;) )

Anything, really. If they would be at least willing to think about some things to make things better. They could strive to be the first chain petstore that actually knows and cares about their reptiles.

Well, one can only hope ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zina10

Petco has also gotten back to me after they got the info. Saying they will look into this and get back to me, again.

Here's to hoping.

It would be nice if they were open to suggestions. Perhaps just for them to put their heads together and come up something they could use across the board (all stores). Implement a certain training sessions all Managers and employees need to complete. Where they learn the basics (important basics) of the reptile species they keep, and proper caresheets and setups.

Perhaps they should find and offer resources to all stores. Where store managers and employees can use those resources if they need help, have questions, need suggestions. (a link to this forum would work ;) )

Anything, really. If they would be at least willing to think about some things to make things better. They could strive to be the first chain petstore that actually knows and cares about their reptiles.

Well, one can only hope ;)

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Naturally I more then likely wont hear anything from them till tomorrow if at all...but yes I hope something does come of this.

Yet people keep wanting to "rescue" or in reality PURCHASE animals from these chain stores.......
It does nothing but remove an animal from their location to make room for another AND show a demand for these animals from them.

Not wanting to be too cynical, mind you, but, perhaps, just perhaps, there's truly "a method to the madness." :-(

I'm so thankful that my Petco doesn't have the animals in these conditions.

I don't support Petco in terms of buying animals (I am guilty of buying toys for my gerbil there however) but every time I check on the animals they all look fairly healthy. I mean of course there's usually too many in the tanks, but aside from that, husbandry (temp/humidity) is exactly as it should be. I'm also quite surprised that when I ask about the animals (for the most part) the worker has fairly accurate info, it's strange seeing pictures of other Petco's who don't do things even remotely right, but then there's others that do. It's really a shame that Petco doesn't monitor all it's stores and that it's left up to the workers to care for the animals well being at whatever they deem fit.

The Petco I've got only re-homes cats with a small fee. They have a cat room that only cats who have been brought in (not from mills, but from caring owners/shelters) are allowed to be given away in. Sometimes the cats will be specified that they need to go as pairs (due to previous home) and always have a description such as that they are a mellow cat that needs a quite retirement home or the opposite of course. I go in there quite a lot (at least once a week) and I've never even seen a kitten once. I quite like this way of "selling animals" re-homing an animal is way better then selling an animal from a mill.

One of my favorite things in the store is that they have all the birds with various descriptions about their personalities, like what their favorite toys are and the ways they prefer to "play". As well as whether or not their super loud birds or tend to be more on the quite side.

The store seems fairly well rounded (though not the company itself) I mean all the workers really seem to care for the animals.

Can anyone tell my extreme confusion at some of these places? My Petco sounds like a dang heaven compared to some of these ones:tears:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FuzzyCupcakes

I'm so thankful that my Petco doesn't have the animals in these conditions.

I don't support Petco in terms of buying animals (I am guilty of buying toys for my gerbil there however) but every time I check on the animals they all look fairly healthy. I mean of course there's usually too many in the tanks, but aside from that, husbandry (temp/humidity) is exactly as it should be. I'm also quite surprised that when I ask about the animals (for the most part) the worker has fairly accurate info, it's strange seeing pictures of other Petco's who don't do things even remotely right, but then there's others that do. It's really a shame that Petco doesn't monitor all it's stores and that it's left up to the workers to care for the animals well being at whatever they deem fit.

The Petco I've got only re-homes cats with a small fee. They have a cat room that only cats who have been brought in (not from mills, but from caring owners/shelters) are allowed to be given away in. Sometimes the cats will be specified that they need to go as pairs (due to previous home) and always have a description such as that they are a mellow cat that needs a quite retirement home or the opposite of course. I go in there quite a lot (at least once a week) and I've never even seen a kitten once. I quite like this way of "selling animals" re-homing an animal is way better then selling an animal from a mill.

One of my favorite things in the store is that they have all the birds with various descriptions about their personalities, like what their favorite toys are and the ways they prefer to "play". As well as whether or not their super loud birds or tend to be more on the quite side.

The store seems fairly well rounded (though not the company itself) I mean all the workers really seem to care for the animals.

Can anyone tell my extreme confusion at some of these places? My Petco sounds like a dang heaven compared to some of these ones:tears:

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A good manager can make ALL the difference! I used to manage a store (although it was a Victoria's Secret..no pets..LOL) and it's all about if you take pride in your store and associates. One has to "give a bowel movement" so to speak.

Apparently the store manager of the Kissimmee location does not. And Corporate should know about it.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by zina10

A good manager can make ALL the difference! I used to manage a store (although it was a Victoria's Secret..no pets..LOL) and it's all about if you take pride in your store and associates. One has to "give a bowel movement" so to speak.

Apparently the store manager of the Kissimmee location does not. And Corporate should know about it.


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Manager of a Victoria's Secrets !!

Now that deserves its own thread surely , spill the beans :)


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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Manager of a Victoria's Secrets !!

Now that deserves its own thread surely , spill the beans :)


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The storys I could tell, the people I have met...:rolleyes:

LOL

But that is for another time and another thread.

My point was just, a GOOD manager can make all the difference. If the manager doesn't care (and obv. the Petco one doesn't) the the employees won't give a hoot either. That is probably why there are some better locations then others. Surely some of them have to have managers that take pride in their store and how the animals are taken care of and presented. They probably try to do their best with what they are given (and what they know).

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Originally Posted by zina10

The storys I could tell, the people I have met...:rolleyes:

LOL

But that is for another time and another thread.

My point was just, a GOOD manager can make all the difference. If the manager doesn't care (and obv. the Petco one doesn't) the the employees won't give a hoot either. That is probably why there are some better locations then others. Surely some of them have to have managers that take pride in their store and how the animals are taken care of and presented. They probably try to do their best with what they are given (and what they know).

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So me and the hubby have to go out again today and pick up more supplies for the reptiles (uth) guess where I’ll be going?!
I️’ll be asking for their manager so I️ can properly educate them on some Florida statutes
(2) A person who intentionally commits an act to any animal, or a person who owns or has the custody or control of any animal and fails to act, which results in the cruel death, or excessive or repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering, or causes the same to be done, commits aggravated animal cruelty, a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.
I’m done with trying to do this from a computer but just know that corporate will be also getting this email as well. I️ woke up with this gut wrenching feeling that I️ can’t explain.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Aerries

So me and the hubby have to go out again today and pick up more supplies for the reptiles (uth) guess where I’ll be going?!
I️’ll be asking for their manager so I️ can properly educate them on some Florida statutes
(2) A person who intentionally commits an act to any animal, or a person who owns or has the custody or control of any animal and fails to act, which results in the cruel death, or excessive or repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering, or causes the same to be done, commits aggravated animal cruelty, a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.

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Bear in mind that the animal control officers whose job it is to investigate reports of neglect and/or cruelty are uneducated about proper husbandry for many exotic species. They are good with animals that are either cute and furry or livestock, anything with scales or feathers, not so much.

This is not a slam on the ACO's since it takes training to recognize correct husbandry and conditions for the various species, and many localities simply don't have the resources for it.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Bear in mind that the animal control officers whose job it is to investigate reports of neglect and/or cruelty are uneducated about proper husbandry for many exotic species. They are good with animals that are either cute and furry or livestock, anything with scales or feathers, not so much.

This is not a slam on the ACO's since it takes training to recognize correct husbandry and conditions for the various species, and many localities simply don't have the resources for it.

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I actually know an ACO and didnt even think to get in contact with him...you just reminded me of that...him and i grew up together so maybe i could have some influence on that potential situtation.

ACO are a good resource, especially if you DO have the cuter/furry animals they're used to and are known for caring for them well. The local Petco/Petsmart isn't TOO bad (objectively, beyond my displeasure they stock more than one or two at a time in colonies) because we have a local exotics convention, a local privately owned small business, and thus, a fair number of opinionated owners.

Nagging does work.

However, I can tell you this: make sure to get names of who you're speaking to when you call the numbers on the Petco website. Not the person who picks up the phone, but the manager. That first point of contact can't give you their full name for safety's sake. The calls are not taken by actual Petco employees, and these are people who are not hired even to specifically take Petco calls and Petco calls only. Ask clearly for a manager, don't bother with whoever picks up the phone. Good people, but all they can do is throw a form in blind to corporate office.

Don't waste your time and escalate the call immediately, be firm and polite but make sure to expressly say you want to speak to a manager and the associate taking your call isn't going to be able to help you. This lets them move you along quicker without getting in trouble for doing so quickly and spares them the stress of dealing with a customer they're unable and untrained to be able to help. Especially due to temps for the season's increased call center activity.

You'll have to nag corporate to get any traction but your repeated calls will leave a paper trail and be logged. You're more liable to get someone who actually can talk to the people at corporate. Shows you're persistent, rather than acting on a kneejerk reaction in the moment that'll fade away if they just don't engage you fully.

Similar with the social media, last I knew.

Believe me or not, given the information I'm able to provide. Hopefully it's specific enough.

This makes me sick! The last photo, I can't believe it, poor poor thing...this is disgusting, pure neglect, these animals should be at a vet, not FOR SALE.

This seems like a good URL to share here, it's another PetCo snake neglect story: https://imgur.com/gallery/CcqYE

Quote:

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Originally Posted by savora

This seems like a good URL to share here, it's another PetCo snake neglect story: https://imgur.com/gallery/CcqYE

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This, this is exactly what needs to happen, with me living in Orlando, just imagine the impact us speaking out could have on this community! Orlando is huge I️ know that this isn’t going away! Persistence is key! These little guys will get the justice they deserve!


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Omfg! Which Petco is this? I will call them tomorrow! That is uncalled for and wtf! This is beyond neglect! City and address and I'll do the rest!

And yes...everyone should call Corp as well and their FB page. You can also report on Petco.com if you don't have FB.

Hey y’all, so the management team at the store did call me today....just got off the phone with him. He said that the three BPs in question were taken out of the tanks and actually fed....yea what a surprise there.....he continued to say that they keep strict feeding records but couldn’t tell me the last time they ate, he also goes on to tell me that he’s not sure how this could have happened. IT TAKES TIME for this kind of neglect to happen.....it was all typical PR bs. Give me answers and I’ll shut up and be happy....not likely, I️ will be going in doing random checks just to make sure they’re doing their bloody job, I’ve already got a hold of two organizations for animal cruelty, one being the aspca and I’m in contact with a ACO that’s a childhood friend that might be able to look into it. We will see


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