Petsmart Nashville raided for animal cruelty

After all the horror stories we hear about the abuses at Petsmart and Petco, finally something is being done. I know this is not every store (yet) but it is a start. I am no fan of PETA and think of them as a crackpot terrorist organization but I guess even something like PETA can occasionally do some good.

Right now I am so happy to be in Tennessee, this state may have a lot of problems but they are taking the right approach toward animal welfare. While this may not have been directly reptile related, it still makes me feel good things are changing against these chain stores.

http://www.wsmv.com/story/37839300/o...rt-in-bellevue

Thanks for the article.

Glad our local petco seems to be pretty good with animals, even reptiles, I know that's rare though.

That’s great, wish my battle got media headlines lol oh well


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I couldnt read the article because of page hacking popup ads.
edit: I managed to read the article really fast before the popups interrupted and took over my browser

heres the article since that site is horrible on mobile:

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Metro Police and Metro Animal Care and Control raided a national pet store chain location Thursday after getting a tip about animal cruelty.

Metro Animal Control took away six rodents from the One Bellevue Place PetSmart store, including hamsters, mice and a guinea pig.

“They sell these as companion animals, and we strongly believe that these animals big or small that if there is a complaint, that’s what we’re here for. We’re here to investigate that,” said Lauren Bluestone, the Metro Animal Care and Control Director.

A PetSmart employee sent PETA and Metro authorities photos and video of the animals, alleging they were sick and not cared for by the store.

“These small animals, whether they’re reptiles, fish, hamsters, guinea pigs, they suffer the same as do dogs and cats, which most Americans are more familiar with and share their homes with,” said Dan Paden, a PETA representative.

The popular pet store is under investigation by Metro police and the district attorney’s office for animal cruelty, and those agencies will decide whether any charges should be filed.

“I shop here all the time. I won’t be shopping here now if this is the case,” said Brenda Post, a cat owner. “They have to have some type of evidence or else they wouldn’t have a raid.”

Customers said they were surprised and shocked to hear about the allegations from the new store location.

“That’s crazy. You wouldn’t think that there’d be such a big deal, but people really care about the animals which is great. It really makes me sad that that happened,” said Erica Van Tassel, a pet owner.

PetSmart Senior Corporate Communications sent News 4 the following statement:

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"We are always committed to putting the needs of the pets in our care first. We empower our store associates to do what’s right for all pets, which includes instruction to have any sick animal immediately seen by a veterinarian if needed. There is no adverse effect on a store team that takes every step possible to care for pets. We take these allegations very seriously, and are working closely with the Bellevue authorities to obtain the relevant facts. Additionally, we are investigating the validity of the video, given some of the footage is several years old.”

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The animals are now in the hands of a local veterinarian.

MACC said it asked for PetSmart's policies on animal care.

"Moving forward, we will use what we find today and work with Metro Law and the D.A.'s office to determine any potential charges," MACC said in a statement.

PETA's investigation also included stores in Florida and Arizona.

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i love how their "official statement" is some boilerplate drivel about how they care, but at the end try to point the finger away from themselves by denying credibility saying the footage is "old."

who cares how old the footage is when your company consistently allows these situations to happen EVERY DAY, RIGHT NOW.

baby steps...baby steps...

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Originally Posted by Aerries

That’s great, wish my battle got media headlines lol oh well

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from the article:

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PETA's investigation also included stores in Florida and Arizona.

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still working on it! reporters and camera's will be back in Florida soon for your interview! ;)

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Originally Posted by Ax01

from the article:

still working on it! reporters and camera's will be back in Florida soon for your interview! ;)

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[emoji33][emoji33][emoji33]


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Again I will say not all petstores are negligent. I would LOVE for any animal authorities to walk into my store right now and tell me my animals are neglected. In fact, the animal shelter animal control works out of have animals in my store for adoption.

It should be a case by case basis just as we do for breeders being raided or individual animal cruelty cases. Lumping all box box stores together is not right.

Am am I sticking up for that store? Nope...if they are cruel to the animals close that store down or fire all the employees. Have PROPER training from an outside company source.

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Originally Posted by Sunnieskys

Again I will say not all petstores are negligent. I would LOVE for any animal authorities to walk into my store right now and tell me my animals are neglected. In fact, the animal shelter animal control works out of have animals in my store for adoption.

It should be a case by case basis just as we do for breeders being raided or individual animal cruelty cases. Lumping all box box stores together is not right.

Am am I sticking up for that store? Nope...if they are cruel to the animals close that store down or fire all the employees. Have PROPER training from an outside company source.

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i just want to say i always value your opinion on the topics of big chain pet stores as you have an insight most of us don't. thanks for always sharing your viewpoint in these threads. [emoji4]

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Originally Posted by Sunnieskys

Again I will say not all petstores are negligent. I would LOVE for any animal authorities to walk into my store right now and tell me my animals are neglected. In fact, the animal shelter animal control works out of have animals in my store for adoption.

It should be a case by case basis just as we do for breeders being raided or individual animal cruelty cases. Lumping all box box stores together is not right.

Am am I sticking up for that store? Nope...if they are cruel to the animals close that store down or fire all the employees. Have PROPER training from an outside company source.

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every company is as good as the peeps it keeps. also and/or it's leadership.

also i think Eric Alan, one of our forum Mods, is/was like a store or district manager or something for Petco/Petsmart and he's a great breeder. i know, i have on of his girls.


Edit: i think it's easy to bash the box stores b/c their problem seems chronic and widespread b/c they're so big. then when someone tries to have it addressed, it get's lost in the corporate rabbit hole. but i give credit where it's due. some stores i've been in do take good care of their animals. again it's the peeps u keep.

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Originally Posted by Ax01

every company is as good as the peeps it keeps. also and/or it's leadership.

also i think Eric Alan, one of our forum Mods, is/was like a store or district manager or something for Petco/Petsmart and he's a great breeder. i know, i have on of his girls.

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agreed. idc that 16-year-old Bobby knows nothing about their animals, and just collects a pay check to buy weed; i expect him to. i care that a manager walks into that store every day and is responsible for EVERY LIVING THING inside that store - people AND animals - and either doesn't care about the animals or doesn't know. NEITHER is excusable.

someone from management needs to be fired, and they need to find out who allowed that person to manage animals, and fire them as well.

Doesn’t matter how good a store is as long as the corporate policy is still one of neglect. A few good stores do not make up for the many that are full of neglect and a corporate culture that treats animals like a bag of dog food.

By looking at the video and the eyes of the rodents I'd say that they have some kind of infection, bacteria or virus. I doubt very much that PetSmart breeds their own rodents. It's more likely that they buy them from some big rodent shop that breeds them, I'm guessing if it's in PetSmart its probably going through the whole rodent breeders colony. That's the door I would be knocking on next. It's not just a handful of rodents, it could be hundreds or thousands infected. I think that PetSmart needs to find another rodent supplier. Doesn't really seem to be the problem of the pet store unless they are not giving them food and water and clean bedding, they didn't say anything about those details. Personally if I owned the store I'd move those rodents to a separate room or building and mark them not for sale and in quarantine until they can be medicated or in extreme cases euthanized. I've had sick rodents in my colony, it happens and it's not fun.

The other thing that scares me is that a lot of rodent diseases can also affect humans and can be lethal. They should be wearing masks and gloves to move those sick rodents out of the main part of the store, better yet a separate room or building with HEPA ventilation to keep it contained.

It's crazy that they will confiscate rodents, but what would they say about feeding live rodents to baby snakes? Sometimes that is exactly what it takes to keep the snakes alive. It's a double edge sword and a fine line we are walking... I doubt very much that you can equate a rodent to a dog or cat. If you fed a dog or a cat to your snake you would probably end up in jail. However, it doesn't mean that you can mistreat rodents either.

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Originally Posted by cchardwick

I doubt very much that you can equate a rodent to a dog or cat. If you fed a dog or a cat to your snake you would probably end up in jail.

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thread digression: something like this is happening in Idaho right now!

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

agreed. idc that 16-year-old Bobby knows nothing about their animals, and just collects a pay check to buy weed; i expect him to. i care that a manager walks into that store every day and is responsible for EVERY LIVING THING inside that store - people AND animals - and either doesn't care about the animals or doesn't know. NEITHER is excusable.

someone from management needs to be fired, and they need to find out who allowed that person to manage animals, and fire them as well.

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This I agree with. I know when I walk in, even before I clock in I look at all of my animals. I clock in then walk them again, thoroughly inspecting each habitat, who opened them, and follow up if something was not correct. This includes fish and bettas.

Also so keep in mind we provide a "temporary" habitat for these animals. It is my job (and other managers at other stores) to provide as close to optimal conditions as a permanent habitat. I have to make adjustments like misting the BP's every hour to maintain humidity which then gets the bedding wet. So now I have to change it every two days so it doesn't mold or create scale rot.

These are the things managers need to know. Animals come first before my customers. I tell people no. I also wont sell a reptile until I see they have a thermostat in their Amazon cart and paid for. Not an option. You don't have it, you're not taking one of my animals home sorry.

Do do I get in trouble...yes. Is it worth it...yes!

Dont to get me started on goldfish......

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Originally Posted by SDA

Doesn’t matter how good a store is as long as the corporate policy is still one of neglect. A few good stores do not make up for the many that are full of neglect and a corporate culture that treats animals like a bag of dog food.

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Not petcos policy at all. They actually have very strict protocol. It is usually the managers in store that don't abide. Don't assume you know it all because you don't.

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Originally Posted by cchardwick

By looking at the video and the eyes of the rodents I'd say that they have some kind of infection, bacteria or virus. I doubt very much that PetSmart breeds their own rodents. It's more likely that they buy them from some big rodent shop that breeds them, I'm guessing if it's in PetSmart its probably going through the whole rodent breeders colony. That's the door I would be knocking on next. It's not just a handful of rodents, it could be hundreds or thousands infected. I think that PetSmart needs to find another rodent supplier. Doesn't really seem to be the problem of the pet store unless they are not giving them food and water and clean bedding, they didn't say anything about those details. Personally if I owned the store I'd move those rodents to a separate room or building and mark them not for sale and in quarantine until they can be medicated or in extreme cases euthanized. I've had sick rodents in my colony, it happens and it's not fun.

The other thing that scares me is that a lot of rodent diseases can also affect humans and can be lethal. They should be wearing masks and gloves to move those sick rodents out of the main part of the store, better yet a separate room or building with HEPA ventilation to keep it contained.

It's crazy that they will confiscate rodents, but what would they say about feeding live rodents to baby snakes? Sometimes that is exactly what it takes to keep the snakes alive. It's a double edge sword and a fine line we are walking... I doubt very much that you can equate a rodent to a dog or cat. If you fed a dog or a cat to your snake you would probably end up in jail. However, it doesn't mean that you can mistreat rodents either.

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Yep, the gourmet rodent sends our geckos, snakes and beardies. We have a local breeder for our Aussie green tree frogs and northwest zoo for our small animals. I have even declined animals right away and sent them back.

im really tired of the "ALL big box stores suck! Shut them all down!" How about you talk to people who work there, talk about policies and procedures. Cause you sound like PETA at this point and are on a witch hunt.

People have their first experience with animals and fall in love with them because of big box stores. Do I wish every employee was educated on proper husbandry...yes. DO NOT lump us all together.

to address the sick animals...all stores have a quarantine room for sick animals. They also are required to see a vet within 24 hours upon discovery.

Not sure about petsmart but at Petco that is policy. I just spent 200 on a hamster that sells for 15.99 because it is a life not a bag of dog or cat food.

I don't think anyone is attacking people about this but the fact remains that far too many of both these chains just can't provide the care needed for these animals. They can't or do not hire people who can specialize in the care required for these animals.

In the early 90s when I lived in San Diego, petco was hands down the best source for fish and pet supplies. That sadly is no longer the case now that both these chains have become so big that they can't provide the individual care they once did.

I am not against shopping at either store and do all the time but I will never buy a live animal from either and have seen across the country far too many of them keep their animals in substandard conditions. I simply condone the ban on the selling of live animals in these stores much like how many states are now banning the sale of puppies from mills in stores.

I love what petco and petsmart do for dog and cat adoption and that is a great thing mostly because they don't keep them there, the simply sponsor adoptions. There is no good reason to sell live animals other than to upsale supplies to unsuspecting first time owners.

So good for you for giving a damn but that doesn't change the corporate attitude of indifference that is with both these stores.

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Originally Posted by SDA

I don't think anyone is attacking people about this but the fact remains that far too many of both these chains just can't provide the care needed for these animals. They can't or do not hire people who can specialize in the care required for these animals.

In the early 90s when I lived in San Diego, petco was hands down the best source for fish and pet supplies. That sadly is no longer the case now that both these chains have become so big that they can't provide the individual care they once did.

I am not against shopping at either store and do all the time but I will never buy a live animal from either and have seen across the country far too many of them keep their animals in substandard conditions. I simply condone the ban on the selling of live animals in these stores much like how many states are now banning the sale of puppies from mills in stores.

I love what petco and petsmart do for dog and cat adoption and that is a great thing mostly because they don't keep them there, the simply sponsor adoptions. There is no good reason to sell live animals other than to upsale supplies to unsuspecting first time owners.

So good for you for giving a damn but that doesn't change the corporate attitude of indifference that is with both these stores.

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Actually all stores house cats from their designated adoption agency. Mine is from the Seattle animal shelter and we have two cats in the store that I am responsible for. My last store had cats as well. Even Petsmart keeps cats on site. Dogs no. Only because you need someone there 24 hours a day with dogs so agencies bring them in store on designated Saturday's for adoptions.

again I will say...with over 1600 stores you may have issues with 1%of them when you look at the numbers. Does that mean they all are bad...no. Just like breeders...one or two or even 4 get called out so let's close every breeding facility. It needs to be a case by case basis. The store in Nashville...absolutely close or fire everyone! But because a Nashville store and a Florida store messed up doesn't mean I need to suffer for stupid ones.

I am here to help people but I'm feeling like my job is in jeopardy and being attacked. I just want people to see the bigger picture.

Actually all the rats I've seen in Petco or PetSmart are way to old to have as pets. Rats only live about two years max, even after about a year the fertility drops off and its basically the end of their reproductive life. The rats I've seen in stores must be at least 8-12 months old, they probably only have about 12 months to live, and the last few months of a rats life is not something that I'd enjoy watching (dying from old age). For pet rats they should be just weaned and handled on a regular basis to be good pets.

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Originally Posted by cchardwick

Actually all the rats I've seen in Petco or PetSmart are way to old to have as pets. Rats only live about two years max, even after about a year the fertility drops off and its basically the end of their reproductive life. The rats I've seen in stores must be at least 8-12 months old, they probably only have about 12 months to live, and the last few months of a rats life is not something that I'd enjoy watching (dying from old age). For pet rats they should be just weaned and handled on a regular basis to be good pets.

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Yep. Better to just feed them to much more valuable animals that live 30+ years. 😉

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Originally Posted by Sunnieskys

Actually all stores house cats from their designated adoption agency. Mine is from the Seattle animal shelter and we have two cats in the store that I am responsible for. My last store had cats as well. Even Petsmart keeps cats on site. Dogs no. Only because you need someone there 24 hours a day with dogs so agencies bring them in store on designated Saturday's for adoptions.

again I will say...with over 1600 stores you may have issues with 1%of them when you look at the numbers. Does that mean they all are bad...no. Just like breeders...one or two or even 4 get called out so let's close every breeding facility. It needs to be a case by case basis. The store in Nashville...absolutely close or fire everyone! But because a Nashville store and a Florida store messed up doesn't mean I need to suffer for stupid ones.

I am here to help people but I'm feeling like my job is in jeopardy and being attacked. I just want people to see the bigger picture.

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1%? I would guess more like 30-40% have problems with proper care, just based off what i have seen. But I honestly have no idea on a nationwide scale

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Originally Posted by Sunnieskys

Actually all stores house cats from their designated adoption agency. Mine is from the Seattle animal shelter and we have two cats in the store that I am responsible for. My last store had cats as well. Even Petsmart keeps cats on site. Dogs no. Only because you need someone there 24 hours a day with dogs so agencies bring them in store on designated Saturday's for adoptions.

again I will say...with over 1600 stores you may have issues with 1%of them when you look at the numbers. Does that mean they all are bad...no. Just like breeders...one or two or even 4 get called out so let's close every breeding facility. It needs to be a case by case basis. The store in Nashville...absolutely close or fire everyone! But because a Nashville store and a Florida store messed up doesn't mean I need to suffer for stupid ones.

I am here to help people but I'm feeling like my job is in jeopardy and being attacked. I just want people to see the bigger picture.

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Listen, because of the insight you had given me and the pressure I put on the Petco in Kissimmee, I can say they are on top of their game, not once since my battle with them have I seen any problems, their enclosures are clean, appropriately maintained accordingly to what they are keeping (humidity,food and sanitation) I get it....trust me....I do! Working for Publix the last 18 years I know all too well what ONE bad store rap and get the rest of us! And yes you are 100% correct is the comparison in breeders. Will I buy another animal from petco or petsmart....no, but I will ALWAYS lookout for the well being and care of them EVERY time I’m in one and ensure that they are taken care of right away!


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Originally Posted by Aerries

Listen, because of the insight you had given me and the pressure I put on the Petco in Kissimmee, I can say they are on top of their game, not once since my battle with them have I seen any problems, their enclosures are clean, appropriately maintained accordingly to what they are keeping (humidity,food and sanitation) I get it....trust me....I do! Working for Publix the last 18 years I know all too well what ONE bad store rap and get the rest of us! And yes you are 100% correct is the comparison in breeders. Will I buy another animal from petco or petsmart....no, but I will ALWAYS lookout for the well being and care of them EVERY time I’m in one and ensure that they are taken care of right away!


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As you should. I also point out sick or Underfed animals in other pet stores as well. And if one of my animals did not look right to someone I would want them to tell me immediately. I may have missed something and I need to correct it immediately. I appreciate what you did for those babies! I also called that store :)

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Originally Posted by Sunnieskys

As you should. I also point out sick or Underfed animals in other pet stores as well. And if one of my animals did not look right to someone I would want them to tell me immediately. I may have missed something and I need to correct it immediately. I appreciate what you did for those babies! I also called that store :)

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REALLY?! Oh I really wanna know what u said lol


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