I won't purchase an animal from a pet store if it is not taken care of properly because it does encourage them to just get more. I have no problems reporting a store that does not practice proper husbandry to the local animal control agency. I'll also keep on them until someone checks it out.

Education can help, too. If you're dealing with a small, locally owned store a lot can be accomplished. When you're dealing with big corporate stores the only thing that will work is not purchasing from them. Money talks in this instance.

Though it is hard to watch any animal suffer, one suffering for the well being of all is an acceptable loss in my book.