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!