PetSugar

Humane Society Investigation Links Petland to Puppy Mills

PetSugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:54:59 -0800

According to the results of a recent investigation, it turns out that the largest chain of pet-selling stores in the US is also the nation's largest retail supporter of puppy mills.

An eight-month evaluation by the Humane Society of the United States uncovered that Petland stores are purchasing and selling puppies from horrific conditions despite promises that the dogs come from known breeders with only "the highest standards of pet care." Many hail from massive commercial facilities or are purchased from large scale "pet distributors" (read: puppy brokers) . . . and the company itself may not even know what the standards of care were like in the first place.

See some shocking statistics and learn what you can do when you read more.

By the numbers:

Number of Petland stores across the country: 140
Number of puppies linked to Petland stores: 17,000
Number of stores visited by the HSUS: 21
Number of breeders and brokers visited by the HSUS: 35
Number of additional USDA inspection reports from Petland breeders evaluated by HSUS: more than 100
Number of those with "serious violations of basic animal care regulations": 60 percent

If this shocks you too, take action and sign a petition letting the company know this is unacceptable to us pet lovers!

Does "Cruelty-Free" Food Affect Your Eating Habits?

PetSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:00:52 -0700

When you're eating out, there's never any true guarantee as to where your food comes from. Even with claims of "cruelty-free" practices, complaints come up, the most recent filed Wed. against the International House of Pancakes by the Humane Society of the United States.

Although IHOP says the animals used for their food receive "dignified and humane treatment" and have decent living conditions, the HSUS alleges that those eggs come from chickens residing in cages too cramped to spread their wings.

Now when you're picking up a dozen at the grocery store, you may choose cage-free eggs but do you ever check with restaurants about their cruelty-free practices before you enter and order?

The Scoop: Nigel Barker Makes A (Fashion) Statement Against Seal Fur

PetSugar — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:45:57 -0800

With the fashion industry taking the Cool vs. Cruel anti-fur movement to heart, it seems that we're finally making some headway on the realization that cruelty for the sake of couture isn't the best idea. Plus, when celebs like Hayden Panettiere make headlines for their causes – like her involvement in Save The Whales, Again! – it puts a blazing spotlight on issues that are important to our world.

Just like Hayden, Nigel Barker, one of Tyra's industry judges on Americas Next Top Model, is taking a stand against March's annual commercial seal hunt (where each year hundreds of thousands of baby seals are hunted and killed for their fur). Traveling to eastern Canada this week, Nigel will be scoping out the baby seals before the hunt begins :

“It is my hope that by witnessing these baby seals in their natural environment we can draw attention to the inhumane slaughter that will occur in a few short weeks,” said Barker. “Every year hundreds of thousands of baby seals are clubbed and shot to death for their fur. Their carcasses are discarded like waste and left on the ice. It is my strong opinion that this is bigger than making a fashion statement. This is about making a life statement. If we call ourselves human we must act humanely.”

If that's not enough, Nigel will be returning to the ice flows of eastern Canada to film and witness the seal hunt in progress. Ultimately, Nigel and The Humane Society hope that the seal fur trade will be banned in Europe, where a majority of the fur is shipped and sold. To check out a video of Nigel and HSUS President Wayne Pacelle speaking out against the fur trade, just read more.

Source