US Pet Store Laws

[AnimalAvenger]

Pet stores are notorious for neglecting their animals, which is why it is immensely important to know the pet store laws in your state and take advantage of them when necessary. The laws differ from state to state, and some states don't even have laws protecting pet store animals.

Some states have very lenient laws, and it is often difficult to have animal protection laws enforced even if they aren't lenient. Another struggle you may have is a case that involves an animal like a guinea pig or a rabbit that some people don't know much about without researching. Because of this, animal officers may not know that the animal you're reporting is ill, and they may dismiss your report. Shelters sometimes also don't have vets that are qualified to work with small animals, so even if a vet were to aid in the investigation, it might not help all that much.

It won't hurt, however, to report the cruelty to authority. It is best to at least give it a try. Maybe something good can come of it. If authority fails to help at all, you will have to take matters into your own hands by writing to the pet store and/or protesting. It takes a lot to change a pet store, but it's worth it if you are successful.

US pet store laws:
www.bornfreeusa.org/b4a1_petshoplaws_state.php

[kb3animal]

If anyone's interested in helping The HSUS with their puppy mill campaign, you can work with HumaneTeen on the Puppy Friendly Pet Stores project (I'm just going to call it PFPS). It's a quick and easy way to help. Here's an outline of the project:

PFPS asks pet stores that already do not sell puppies to make their stance against puppy mills official by signing a pledge. In turn, the store gets a press release to their local area and a sign to post in their store. It's a way of demonstrating to the community the difference between a store that sells puppies and a more responsible practice.

- Scope out pet stores in your community and identify those which are eligible to sign the pledge. They are only looking to contact individual stores or small, local chains, not large, national chain pet stores (like Petco, Petsmart or Petland). If the store sells puppies, they do not qualify. If the pet store does not sell dog supplies, it does not qualify. Stores that sell other small animals are eligible for the pledge.

- Return your list of stores to [e-mail] along with a brief explanation of why the store meets the criteria.

- They'll check to see if your stores have already signed the pledge and send you instructions on what to do next (either have the store sign the pledge or move on to another store).