Debbie's Petland opens on Cape Cod

[tatsxxx11]

I am so upset. Thankfully, I had never before lived in an area that supported a "Petland" that dealt with the puppymill trade. Now, one is opening up next weekend at the Cape Cod Mall!!:( "Debbie's Petland!"

A bunch of us at the kennel, several trainers and breeders and the Cape Cod Kennel Club have all banned together to make their opening day a less than pleasant one!! We have been given permission to set up a table outside the store where we will distribute flyers and literature and politely ask people to stop and read, or take with them, material describing the horror of the puppymill. It contains info. on how to organize a protest of your own, emphasizing the importance of boycotting all petstores that sell puppymill pups.

Amazingly, so many people are not even aware that such places exist. And of course, these well meaning people feel so badly for the poor "puppy in the window." I hope that this will be a real eye opener for potential shoppers. I hope even more that they will boycott this and other Petlands to stop this cruel practice.

If you or anyone you know lives in an area that has a Petland of similar type store and you would like to help, you can click on to the site below. It has all the info. necessary to help anyone, from an organization to just one person, legally and courtesously protest an opening, distirubte educational literature and flyers to shoppers and generally spread the word. You can even print off copies of their flyers. And sadly, it graphically describes exactly what the fate of these puppies is if people turn a blind eye!

www.puppymillfighters.com

[mugsy]

We, unfortunately, have a Petland here in Fort Wayne....I hated the place even before I knew what their practices were...I'm sorry, but puppies under glass is a turn off!

I think I may look into the protesting and check to see what my rights are with the local constabulaires.

Nothing would give me more pleasure than to nail these idiots.

[tatsxxx11]

If anyone can give them a run for their money, it's YOU Molly!!! Go girl!:)

[mugsy]

Who have you been talking to Sandra?? lol You know me too well for not having even met me!! hehehe

When it comes to dogs' welfare I can fight with the best of them. I always say I have my dad's quick Irish temper and my mom's slow German burn and it's a deadly combination.

[lizbud]

Sandra,

I'm very happy and proud to know you !!! You and
your group of dog advocates can make a difference.
As you said, sadly, there ARE a lot of people who don't
know where these puppies come from. Education is key
in getting these mills closed down. With all the available
dogs in this country, it is totally insane to keep breeding
and selling more.I am a puppmill fighter also & want to
wish your group in Mass. the best of luck in your efforts.
I believe when people know the real horror of mill life,
they will be turned off of the puppymill business and not
support any store that sells these products of such misery.

[tatsxxx11]

Amen to that Liz! I have a PawPal named Blackie from puppymillresuce.com. Reading about his horrific life before fostering broke my heart. His and all of the other puppymill furangles need us to plead their cause and be their voices. Thank you so much for your kind words and support Liz! And please make sure you give Bud a goodnight hug from me, Star and Cody!

And Molly, Daisy Mae is in my prayers; she'll be home soon...hang in there Mom!! (I think there's a bit of the Irish in these Scandanavian genes too!:D)

[Angels3]

Sandra, I'm proud to know you, too. Your actions outside that puppy chain-store will 'educate' many people who do not know what puppies in such places have had to endure.

We have pet-store 'chains' here, too. We also have different animal welfare laws in different states. But a recent new law here has given our animal welfare groups & individual citizens more 'teeth' is standing up against poor treatment of puppies & animals generally.

This law, not only covers blatant cruelty, but it also says that people have a 'duty of care' for the everyday welfare of their animals according to 'acceptable standards'. We've just referred to this law to report people to the authorities who were selling puppies at 5 weeks of age. We claim that it is not acceptable to separate puppies at 5 weeks of age from their mother...& that, therefore, the owners are failing in their 'duty of care'. The animals welfare authorities now have the right to go check those people out. And they did!

The law gives the animal welfare authorities more power over puppy-mills & petshops...because they no longer have to wait until there are extreme cases of cruelty. Now those places know that they have to meet 'acceptable standards' in every aspect. And animal advocacy groups are speaking out very clearly & publicly on what those 'acceptable standards' should be.

Best wishes with the wonderful work you're doing in facing down the pet-shop chain.
Marie

[Presley]

Hi guys,
We do have a petland here where i live. It is basically the only pet store i go to. I never go see the dogs or cats.. It breaks my heart and when i got Presley i went there to get her crate and toys.. The owner asked why i didn't go to him for a puppy and all i said was i wanted to know who my dog came from.. I wanted to see them with their mom.... I don't agree with puppy mills.. I am kinda ignorant that way i don't want to hear the bad and the sad... It is really depressing...

[wolflady]

{{{Sandra}}}
What a great way to bring this to the public's attention! Sadly, so many people are unaware of where these animals really come from and it's up to people like us to spread the word. I just cannot see why or how pet shops can live with themselves for supporting such a horrific thing as puppymills. It would be so much better if they would have adoptable 'pound puppies' available if anything, like Petsmart does with its cats out here. There is also a small store called the Pet Stop that has some of our Town Cats available for adoption. If stores must have dogs and cats, they should be in cooperation with local rescues. I can only imagine that it would help a great deal on the puppymill trade, too...if all stores started doing it that way...but alas...I know that won't happen.
Do let us know what kinds of reactions you get from the people on opening day! I'm rooting for you 100% You are such a gem:)
**hugs**

[yorkster]

Wow, I've never heard of Debbies Petland :confused:
.....and I don't know of anything like that around here. I'm sure there must be, but I have not seen it.
Either way what you are doing is great Sandra- you go girl! :cool: and let us know how things work out over the weekend.

[Rachel]

Originally posted by wolflady
It would be so much better if they would have adoptable 'pound puppies' available if anything, like Petsmart does with its cats out here.

That is my feeling exactly. Why can't they use their facility to be a showcase for all the wonderful animals that are available and in need of homes?

Sadly there is a Petland coming to my area too. We don't need another pet supply store as there are both a PetCo and PetsMart in the same vicinity. People are being very vocal about the association of Petland and Puppy Mills. We have a once a week feature in the local newspaper called *Sound Off* where people can call in their views and they are printed in the paper. The *Sound Off* section has been full of people voicing their objection to Petland, so word is getting out.

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Sandra, I am proud of you and your fellow rescuers at the kennel, the trainers and the breeders getting together to let them know they are not welcome. I have never heard of Petland here in san Diego and I hope I never do and maybe we have just been lucky.
I will be rooting for you, give em he...............
Jackie

[tatsxxx11]

Thanks everbody for your great support and kind words! I've just finished assembling pamphlets and flyers for tomorrow! In the evening, there will be a candlelight vigil. Like many of you, we also have a PetsMart and Petco here. Both of those companies have wonderful Adoption Day events, featuring pets from many rescue groups and local shelters. Ironically, it is at Petco's that I participate in Dog Adoption Day events with Save-A-Dog and North East All Retriever Rescue! Right across the street!!! What was most heartbreaking was reading how at 4 months of age, when the puppy is no longer deemed saleable or desireable, these little shops of horror euthanize or sell them to viva section laboratories for "research." It might not come across here on PT, BUT I do have a rebelious side and a penchant for civil disobedience for the greater good....I would love to spring those babies out of there!!!;) If anyone of you would ever like info. on how to peacefully and legally protest such a petstore, obtain educational hand out info., etc. let me know! All day I will be thinking of all of you and will take strenght from the powerful love you all feel for these helpless creatues! Let you know how it goes!

[Rachel]

Oh, Sandra, I am so nervous. I know you will have plenty of supporters there with you, but there can also be people who are rather unpleasant, and I don't want anyone to say anything unkind to our Sandra.

What you are doing is a good thing and a brave thing. It is standing up for your convictions. Regardless of whether you can make a dent in Petland, you are opening peoples eyes to things they can't even imagine exist. Little by little it makes a difference. We are soooo proud of you.

p.s. Call if you need money for bail!;)

[tatsxxx11]

Rachel, I was just going to ask who to call in case I get thrown in jail! LOL! Actually, "these people" are accustomed to organized protests of their stores! I'm sure they are ready for us, unfortunately. :(

[lizbud]

Sandra,

Don't worry, we've got your back !!!
:) Really, I wish you & your group the very best of
luck tomorrow. If you all can get people to listen &
read and think about the horrific conditions these
poor puppies come from, then you have done your
best to educate them.Maybe even save them the
heartache of buying a sick pup and only finding out
about it shortly after taking the pup home. I wish that
I could be there with your group, I will be in spirit.:)
All The Best, Liz & Buddy.

[sammi]

Don't worry Sandra we will always "bail" you out. Wish you luck and be careful it is a great thing you are doing.
I did not realize that pets that grow up b/4 they are adopted are sometimes put to sleep or worse!:mad: I know around in this area some people who have a unwanted litter will sometimes sell them to pet stores - I bet they don't have a clue what might happen.

[Angels3]

Sandra, you are so wonderful taking a stand like this. How can they arrest you when you are just telling the public the facts of what lies behind that pet-chain's windows? You are simply exercising the most precious of all the rights you possess as a citizen...freedom of speech. And you're doing it on behalf of those who have no speech to plead their own case...the animals.
I wish I were closer so I could help you in practical ways. Take care & let's know what happens.
Marie

[mugsy]

I'll put out a collection box to cover your bail Sandra!! lol I can't wait to see how it went. Would it be possible to send me a copy of all of your flyers so I can get some ideas. I'm going to try to round up some supporters here and see what I can accomplish. Unfortunately, Petland is the only pet store in that particular part of town. I would love to see another PetsMart put up as well as at least one Petco.

Let us know!!

[mugsy]

I got mad and copped an attitude and went to Petland's website and sent an email to the director or marketing...we'll see what happens. Here's what I wrote:


I was wondering how much longer Petland is going to continue to support the puppy mills in the areas where they have stores. It is a well known "fact" that Petland buys puppy mill puppies and then if they don't sell fast enough they kill them (I refuse to say euthanize) or sell them for a profit to labs so THEY can kill them by testing products on them.

I, for one, refuse to do business with the company, not only for their practices, but for the rude help that they employ in their stores. I guess that goes with the territory, since any real animal lover wouldn't seek employment in your company.

I belong to a pet bulletin board who has brought the company's practices to many others out there and those who weren't familiar with the practices are appalled and doing what they can to prevent your company from coming to their town and those who do have a Petland are going to boycott the stores and some are planning protests.

I want you to be aware that there are many people out there who are appalled by your company's business practices.

Perhaps you could win us back by no longer dealing with puppy mills and do what reputable chains such as Petco and PetsMart do and work with the local shelters to find homes for the homeless dogs and cats that so desperately want good homes. Another practice that I find disgusting is to put those poor pups "under glass" in ugly glass encased cells and then charge outrageous prices for pups who will probably end up with problems for the rest of their lives because of the overbreeding and interbreeding that goes on in the places where you buy your animals.

Molly Kendall



What do you think??

[yorkster]

That's good Molly! You have a way with words :)
Alot of us should go to their web-site and write letters. Is it petland.com? or debbiespetland.com?

[mugsy]

The web address is www.petland.com Debbie is just the person who bought one of the franchises. Geez, these people are all over the world...wouldn't you think that at some point people would get a clue??

[lizbud]

Molly,

Sadly it's all about the $$$$ . Some people don't give
a rat's a*** about dogs or any animal. If they can make
a buck, they would sell their Grandmother. :(

I liked your letter. Good job & well done Hoosier Pal.:D

Liz & Buddy.

[mugsy]

C'mon Liz...let's show that Hoosier spirit here...write the woman a letter!! lol I think it would by a riot if everyone on here wrote them a letter and see what would happen...the woman's mailbox would explode!! hehhehee <eg>

[mel55smiles]

WHAT BOTHERS ME IS THAT WHILE THERE ARE SO MANY ANIMALS ON DEATH ROW IN THE SHELTER NEEDING HOMES.. THEY TRY AND SELL ANIMALS THEY DON'T EVEN CARE FOR PROPLEY JUST TO MAKE SOME CASH.. I SAY LETS SHUT DOWN THOSE PETLANDS!!!1

[mugsy]

well, mel...let's get your fingers walking across the keyboard and get it done!!! It doesn't take much working on the site to find it. I wrote to the director of marketing. I agree...death row poochies should be sold not puppy mill pups.

[mugsy]

Uh oh...we haven't heard from Sandra yet....should we start taking up a bail collection???

[wolflady]

Originally posted by mugsy
I'll put out a collection box to cover your bail Sandra!! lol I can't wait to see how it went. Would it be possible to send me a copy of all of your flyers so I can get some ideas. I'm going to try to round up some supporters here and see what I can accomplish. Unfortunately, Petland is the only pet store in that particular part of town. I would love to see another PetsMart put up as well as at least one Petco.

Let us know!!

Of course we're behind you 100%!! Hopefully it won't come down to us having to bail our precious Sandra out!!...but you know we all would!:D

How did it go? I too am interested in seeing what you put together and how you presented yourselves to the public. It might come in handy should something come up out here, and I need to bring it to the publics attention! I'd love to see the flyers for ideas.
Every little bit helps, and even if this sort of thing only gets through to one person...that's one more person on our side who can help spread the word! Just like the saying goes...one at a time...so does that hold true with people. Educating them one at a time!
I applaud what you're doing, and we're all dying to know how it went! I sure hope everything went well. Do fill us in!

**hugs**

[Logan]

I don't know where Sandra is, but I can tell you all that I talked with her last night, and she said all was peaceful and successful yesterday. Sounded to me like more people stopped to see them than went into Petland. She was going back last night for a candlelight ceremony, I think, at 9.

I'm sure she'll be checking in soon.

[tatsxxx11]

Wow, what a weekend! It was a complete success!:) We set up our table outside of the store both Sat. and Sun. and both evenings had a candlelight vigil from 9pm till 10pm when the mall closed. Several people stood outside at the mall enterance with signs. And except for the marks left on my wrist by the handcuffs, I escaped unscathed;) Actually, there wasn't a bit of trouble!! The people entering and passing by the store were SO receptive and interested. At worst, they just walked by their head down and a "not interested." We passed out hundreds of flyers, pamphlets, etc. Many people, after having read them, came back for more to pass out to their friends and family. Most wanted to stand and talk and ask question forever!! That's was our greatest success, getting the word spread! I was really amazed at just how little people knew about the puppymill industry and they were appalled and horrified. As yet there are no puppies in the store, but one "customer";) inquired of a salesperson and she eagerly assured them that they are coming! Incredibly, one volunteer applied for a job during their recruiting drive and actually got a job!!!!! And She will be going "undercover" to get the low down on just what goes on with the care and sale of these pups. I'll keep you informed! Thanks everybody for your support. I thought of all of you and our beloved Pet Talk furkids each and every moment. So, in spirit, you were all there. Thanks so much!!

And Mugsy, that is one FANTASTIC letter!!! That should be a model for others who wish to write Petland to express their outrage. GOOD JOB!!! Mind if I print it out to show around? I f enough people expressed their opinion and boycotted these stores, I'm sure we could make a difference!!

[mel55smiles]

THE SHELTER I WORK OUT IS GOING TO TRY TO SHUT DOWN THE PET STORE CLOSE TO US..
WE TOOK PIC'S OF THE FILTH THEY ARE IN AND ARE MAKING POSTERS.. AND WE PLAN TO POST THEM NEAR THE STORE

[mugsy]

Thanks Sandra...you know when I was in high school my comp teacher told me I didn't know how to write at all and I ended up with a C in the class!! lol You are more than welcome to print it out and use it, for what it's worth.

Just FYI, no one has responded to the letter either!! lol

I'm glad the weekend was a success!!

[tatsxxx11]

Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Way to go! If enough do it maybe it can happen!!!!:) That's what I hope my friend can accomplish as an "employee;" get the evidence!

[lizbud]

Congrats Sandra on a job well done !!! I'm so glad you
and your group were able to distribute material & hopefully
spread the word about puppymills. People who truly love
dogs (and cats) need to know the awful truth about where
Pet Store puppies come from. I'm so glad you had a good &
positive impact with your group. The website you mentioned
earlier, http://puppymillfighters.com is a great place to
learn more about how everyone who cares can make a
difference. Maybe not tomorrow, but someday soon. It is very
impowering to know & feel the strength of numbers of people
who support this effort for the animals who have no voice &
no vote in how they are treated. I'm very proud to know you.:)

[mel55smiles]

HTTP://PUPPYMILLFIGHTERS.COM WAS A VERY INFROMITIVE SITE!! THE PICTURES SHOW HOW MUCH THE PUPPY MILL OWNERS CARE ABOUT THEIR DOGS: VERY LITTLE.

[sammi]

Sandra, Sounds like it all went well. That was a great thing to do.
Mugsy, That letter you wrote was wonderful!

[lizbud]

Sandra,

I was wondering who gave your group the O.K. to setup
outside the store? Was it the Mgr. of the Mall itself or the
Petland Store? Do you know if they have shipped the pups
in yet? Very good idea to have an inside source of information.
All The Best from Liz & Buddy.:)

[tatsxxx11]

Hi Liz! It was the manager of the mall. I'm not sure what discussions went on with the Petland people before hand. They completely ignored us and we were just to the side of their store door in "neutral territory." We requested the area to set up our table weeks before the opening. Perhaps the Petland people figured it was better not to protest it, perhaps drawing even more attention to the issue. Still no puppies at the store. And Liz, I didn't want to post until I knew for sure, but some of the talk around town is that the store is actually considering limiting their "pet sales" to birds, reptiles and small rodents! There has been absolutely no confirmation on this. As soon as I get any further info., I'll let you know! Wouldn't that be great?? Of course, everyone should still boycott ALL Petland's as they promote and support puppymills by selling pups and kitties at other branches. Still, one store at a time is a victory of small steps!! Thanks for asking!

[lizbud]

Sandra,

Thank you for the info. Yes it would be great if the Pups
& kittens never arrived at the store. I've heard of protests
at existing, puppy dealing stores(after the fact), but by being
there before the animals actually arrived could have made
Petland re-think it's plans for that store. I really hope so.:)
Great job by your Group !!! Looking forward to any updates
on the situation. Thanks again. Liz & Buddy.

[tatsxxx11]

You can read more details on my recent update under "My PawPal Blackie" in Rescue. The short version....2 weekends ago we were "escorted" off the property by several security guards who also wanted to confiscate our literature!! Since then, I called the police, who informed me that it is indeed private property and that I would have to contact mall management.

Today, the manager returned my call (surprise!!) He said he was very aware of our groups' concerns. In fact, he said that he has had several visits from other animal rights groups and all have been given the same response. Absolutely no more soliciting or distribution of literature on mall property will be allowed. He said that while he understands our concerns, as long as the business supplies a PRODUCT or service the consumer wants, as long as they are licensed and cleared by the board of health and other regulatory agencies, they will in fact, lease the space.

Just today a client at the kennel mentioned a dog that was recently purchased at Petland by a friend of hers. The dog was infested with parasites and had kennel cough!!! Amazingly, when she complained to Petland, they agreed to pay all vet bills. Nice, but just the fact that ILL animals are being housed and sold is a violation of health regulations!! He said he spoke with the mgmt. of Petland and was assured by them that they would cover the vet bills. He just didn't get it!!!!!! A business selling sick dogs in need of medical care on a REGULAR BASIS! Not only is this abuse and neglect, BUT what the heck kind of PRODUCT (as he put it!!) is this place providing for it's "customers???" I asked him if he would allow a food court operation at the mall to sell tainted food, serve contaminated water? Would mall mgmt. sanction leasing to a business that historically and with regularity, sold products that were potentially hazardous or defective?? He responded that the store was being regularly monitored by the Bd. of Health and "other" agencies! Sure!!

Well, seems we must take our fight to the streets! The police said that as long as we are in an area where the flow of ped. and auto traffic is not hindered, we can distribute our literature. At least we will be educating some possibly potential patrons of Petland!!! Grrrrrr!

[moosmom]

tatsxxx11,

YOU GO GIRL!!!! I hope there are no Petlands in Michigan. They should be ashamed of themselves selling sick animals like that.

[jackiesdaisy1935]

All right Sandra, you go get them. I would think it would wake up people if you give them the flyers and talk to them. If nothing else maybe it would embarrasse them. I don't know of any Petlands here in San Diego, thank goodness, in fact the only pet stores that we have that I know of is Petsmart and Petco. The small ones in the malls have disappeared and I am sure glad of that. Good luck with your crusade I hope you run them out.
Jackie, Miss Daisy and Perry

[ramanth]

Originally posted by moosmom
tatsxxx11,

YOU GO GIRL!!!! I hope there are no Petlands in Michigan. They should be ashamed of themselves selling sick animals like that.

Sadly, there are 3 known PetLands in Michigan.

Lakewood Shopping Center
2087 Rawsonville Road
Belleville, MI 48111
(734)482-8993

Delta Plaza
5437 W. Saginaw
Lansing, MI 48917
(517)323-7077

Twelve Oaks Mall
27200 Novi Road
Novi, MI 48377
(248)449-7340


The one in the Delta Plaza was located in the Lansing Mall years ago. As a child, I didn't know where the cute puppies came from but remember that one day the store was gone. Sadly they didnt' go out of buisness... just merely moved their store across the street.

:( :mad:

There is also a privately owned petstore in East Lansing. They advertise a lot on TV.

[Sudilar]

People need to be aware of where these adorable puppies come from. Thank you, Sandra, in your fight to get the word out and save these poor pups! You are a Saint!!

[wolflady]

Originally posted by Sudilar
People need to be aware of where these adorable puppies come from. Thank you, Sandra, in your fight to get the word out and save these poor pups! You are a Saint!!

I second this!! :D :D :D I have nothing but the highest respect for Sandra! **hugs**

It is a fact that so many people don't know about this dastardly thing known as Puppymills, and that's what keeps the cycle going. So many people are just unaware, and educating them is our only chance at this point. Some of the Petstores I have approached claim they don't deal with puppymills. In some cases, this is true...they deal with brokers, who deal with puppymills. A majority of the puppymills are stationed in the midwest, specifically Missouri. The whole process just makes me sick, and I don't think that any 'buyer' should consider a dog a 'product'! How absurd!!! If that's the case, why bother getting one? Animals should be adopted into loving homes...not bought.

[Angels3]

Onya, Sandra, keep fighting the good fight. I agree with the person who said that a puppy is not a 'product'.
I've been trying another action in making people aware of what their choices are in buying a puppy.
I've been targeting the people AFTER they've bought a puppy from a pet-store.
(I'm deliberately replacing my particular breed's real name with 'X'.)

Works like this...I do rescue work for Breed X. We've also set up in our region a Social Group for owners of pet X's so they can socialize the dogs & swap helpful info about behaviour or health or diet or whatever.

When I see an ad for a pet-shop that lists 'Breed X' among the dogs they presently have, I phone that store & ask to speak to the person in charge. Very pleasantly, I tell them how we have a Social Group for Breed X owners which costs nothing but which allows owners to exchange helpful info about their dogs.
And I ask, would they consider passing on the contact details for this Breed X Social Group to anyone who buys an X puppy?
So far, the managers I've spoken to have said it's a good idea & have gone to look at our group's website & then have said they're happy to pass on the contacts to X buyers. One woman said she'd go back in her records to find & notify people who'd brought X's from her store in the past.

Now when those X owners who've bought from petshops link up with other X owners, they learn about all the options & pros & cons of getting an X....including rescue. Then, when they get their second X...they are more widely informed & have more contacts. X's are a small & enchanting breed so people usually go & get a second one.

There's a pattern emerging, SOME people get their first Breed X from a petshop but, with contact socially with X owners, their second X tends to come directly from a breeder or is a rescue. They also pass on these wider options to friends & acquaintances who ask them how they can get an X puppy.
Marie

[wolf_Q]

Thats great for you to do that! The public really needs to be more educated about puppymills. If I even try to talk about it to my family or whatever, they just think I am nuts.

My sister purchased McKinney (bye :( ) from a pet store. Here is the website (http://www.petpuppies.com) of the breeder. What do you think? He came from Missouri too.

As far as I know, there are no Petland stores in Utah. The only pet stores I have purchased supplies from are Petsmart and Petco.

But, there are several pet stores here. The ones closest are called Animal Ark. Is there a way you can find out info about individual pet stores? I asked them once if their pups came from puppymills and they gave me some crap about that, and they did say they came from out of state breeders.

I went into one pet store called Jay's Jungle. There was a beautiful black/white cocker spaniel in there...almost full grown..in a tiny cage. He was howling, filthy, and eating his own poop. They wanted around $600 for him.