Pet Paradise

[GorgeouslyJealous]

I recently went to a pet store in Virginia Beach looking for a female cockatiel. I was absolutely disgusted with the place. There were hundreds of baby birds in cages and some even in little hamster cages, barely bigger than the bird. The feedings were communal. Nothing was sanitized. Birds were everywhere! What can we do to make them clean up their act.? It depresses me that this is how these babies are starting their lives.

[The Outlaw]

Boycot the store. Its the most effective form of protest you can make. If there are actual health issues, contact animal control and report the violations. YOU must do it for you are the one who witnessed it.

[dyeman]

I am not sure from the post if you were just visiting? Your ID says you live in Hawaii? Anyway, in NC the Department of Agriculture regulates pet stores and particularly if they were selling Dogs and Cats, they have to have a license from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and a complaint will lead to an inspection eventually, although not always right away. I would contact Animal Control as suggested, but also the local Health Department and the State Dept. of Ag. All of these have some jurisdiction.

[MaryG1959]

Unless people take action it will continue.

First talk to the management. Find out why they are doing what they are doing and find out if they are willing to make a serious change.

If that doesn't work.

Write a letter to the owner of the store, if it is a chain--write to corporate headquarters.

A letter to the editor of the newspaper.

Boycott the store of course and tell your friends to stay away.

Call the ASPCA, health department and anyone else you have to in order to make things better.

[volvobirds]

my son was stationed in that area for 3 yrs. I think I know the store you are talking about. we quickly learned we'd rather go to an animal jungle than there.

[GorgeouslyJealous]

I'm not a very outgoing person...thats why I was kinda shouting out for help. Maybe there are some other birdboard members here to help me. I wish I was more outgoing.....I'm emailing animal control for now. Hopefully I can get them to check it out.

[smallonion]

I had the same experience in a pet store when I was on a trip just outside London for work. There were many big parrots, and one amazon was in a cage so small he couldn't open his wings. I called the RSPCA (just like the SPCA, but with "royal" in front of the name). The inspector I talked to said he was well aware of that store, and he too agreed that the cage was too small. there were other issues, too - cages full of poop, etc. The inspector said he gave them a deadine to clean up their act and he would be back. I don' t live anywhere near so I don't know what happened. However, I also printed out loads of information on the proper care of parrots and their need for stimulation, and sent it to them along with a heartfelt letter. (There was also an almost completely plucked parrot, and the owner of the store said it was because he was molting!

Maybe the SPCA can advise you?

Best of luck
Michele and Humph

[dlaonivcee]

Oh no, not another one... there was a Pet Paradise (anything but!) in CT, too. Luckily they went out of business, but all their animals were sick... I'm not outgoing either, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do... be brave for those animals!