Sad to say it's pretty much standard OP for just about every pet shop out there.
These guys only care about making money and doing it quick. They cannot be bothered to properly house the animals they get in, it would be cost prohibitive. At least that's what they all say.
Their main hope it to rotate animals in and out quickly, so the substandard conditions aren't too noticeable. When an animal ends up staying so long the poor conditions start to show, the hope then is either putting the animal on sale will move it, it will die and make room for new stock, or some poor sucker with a bleeding heart like you or I will pity it and buy it.
They don't much care which one happens, as long as that tank goes empty so a newer animal can be placed inside to wait for someone else to get in over their head.
Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do about it. You can call the BBB in your area and report them. You can occasionally involve the authorities if it's rampant and obvious abuse. The problem is of course, it's pretty low on the list of priorities for most places that could do something about it. Let's face it, when someone is shot on the streets of your town every 4 or 5 hours, some pets in bad condition at the local pet shop don't merit much worry.
The best thing I know to do is hurt their bottom line. Don't buy anything from them, no matter how small. Get the word out to your friends to avoid the place. Sometimes you can even involve the local paper to spread the word about the neglect. Big chain stores don't worry too much about isolated bad publicity, but a smaller private shop cannot afford a bad image, it could ruin them financially.
I share your frustration and your anger, but you'll drive yourself insane trying to correct it all.
Gale
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