Help End PETCO's Animal Cruelty

Pug Organization Of Long Island
Long Island, NY

Brian Devine, Chair & CEO
PETCO
9125 Rehco Rd.
San Diego, CA 92121
Tel.: 858-453-7845
Fax: 858-453-6585
E-Mail: briand@PETCO .com

Dear Mr. Devine,

We are writing to you as concerned citizens, caring animal lovers and as individuals who do not stand for the mistreatment of animals.

We are all members and friends of a group that is involved in the proper care, treatment and giving our companion animals a healthy and happy life. Many of us have been patrons of your stores across the Island here and elsewhere. That, however, is going to change.

We were recently informed of an incident that occurred in one of your stores where many animals perished due to extreme heat conditions when the air conditioning malfunctioned. Several of us, personally, have witnessed poor conditions, inexperienced and poorly trained staff, neglected animals and animals that were improperly cared for in our trips to PETCO stores in our towns. This is also something that has occurred nationwide at other PETCO stores as reported by acquaintances, news reports and other groups.

One of us was in contact with one of your employees, Mr. Larry Nieto, who said to report any incidents, issues or concerns we come across at local PETCO stores, however, since this is happening nationwide and has happened repeatedly, we do not see that such reports have prompted any change on your part.

Many of us would like to believe that any person or persons involved in the animal industry are also animal lovers concerned for the welfare and well being of any animals involved. However, we are also realists who know that like anything else, this is a business. Either way, be it in the best interests of the animals or in the best interests of better business, we urge you to end all this.

Ultimately, seeing a stop to selling animals in PETCO stores is our wish and we hope that this can happen. Many pet stores focus on pet supplies and food rather than selling animals as merchandise and some pet stores still know the importance of animal care and health and are able to provide the personal attention and knowledge that show in their treatment towards the animals and in the care they provide them with.

We will not tolerate such mistreatment and neglect of animals, nor will we continue to shop in a place where the employers and employees show lack of care, consideration and knowledge of animals and their welfare.

We are a large group with connections to other rescue groups, extended families and friends who also care, as we do, for animals. We will extend this message and urge them to boycott PETCO nationwide until we see a concern, on PETCOs part, for the animals.

With high hopes for change and a better world for the animals,

The members and friends of the Pug Organization of Long Island


We the undersigned have vowed to boycott PETCO until we see that these things have changed. Until then, we will continue to patronize our local pet supply stores which know the difference between a living creature and merchandise on the shelf.