Posted on 04/13/2005 1:50:05 PM PDT by presidio9
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and San Diego-based Petco Animal Supplies Inc. announced an agreement on Tuesday. PETA will end its campaign against the national pet food and supply retailer and Petco will end the sale of large birds in its stores.
Don Cowan, director of communications for Petco, said the two organizations have disagreed on this issue for a couple of years and the deal marks a truce. PETA agreed it will take down its "PetcoCruelty" Web site, remove all references to "Petno" on all sites affiliated with the organization and withdraw its support of the use of the "Petno" logo by other groups.
"We believe that all birds should have the freedom to fly and be with others of their own kind, but large birds are exceptionally hard hit by captivity, and we commend Petco for deciding to help discourage their lifetime confinement," said Ingrid Newkirk, PETA's president, in a written statement. "We hope other responsible retailers follow Petco's lead in this regard."
PETA intends to assist Petco in enlisting accredited bird rescue groups to work with the company in its in-store adoption program.
The end of selling large birds is not a material issue to Petco, according to Cowan, who said Petco will continue to sell smaller birds like finches. The company will continue to work with its shelter partners to help adopt not only dogs and cats but also homeless birds of all sizes as part of its established "Think Adoption First" program. Petco has also improved its practices and procedures for animal care such as taking all animals outside for hourly walks and offering training programs for animal care. Petco also investigates the venders it acquires animals from.
Petco looks at this as one of a series of steps weve taken to ensure that all animals in the store are well cared for, Cowan said. In the total scheme it was the right thing to do.
I'm not an avian vet, nor do I play one on the internet. That being said...
Birds can't really be easily spayed or neutered because of their anatomy. As you probably are aware, they're 'goods' are internal and as a result major surgery is required to remove them. It's my understanding that this is particularly difficult in hens.
As a result, it's easier to work around the hormones than to try to mitigate their influence through surgery.
Breeding season depends upon the bird. But, in general, the hormones start to kick in as the days get longer. Most parrot owners try to make sure their bird gets at least 10-12 hours of darkness every day as this seems to be the best way to control their hormones.
For more information, I'd suggest any of the execellent bird boards out there. I like the My Toos site as well as Pretty Parrots and For the Birds
And you know this to be true because...
It isn't legal basis. It is harrassment. They hit them over and over with frivelous lawsuits, block them from the Pet Expos, distribute propaganda electronically and physically, etc. Finally, PetCo gives in because they just want to do business.
>>>Do you support the large-scale breeding of dogs, cats & birds which will be sold in large chain stores?
Yes.
I have a very good relationship with an avian vet who told me that is the cause in most cases. Sometimes it is a result of mites,etc.
Spoken like a real newbie, newbie.
Finally, PetCo gives in because they just want to do business.
======
That is the way I read it the first time -- and what I suspected from the PETA whackos. Petco is STUPID not to sue the crap out of PETA. Insanity. (unless Petco really does have something to hide, but PETA cannot show it). Just insanity for Petco to take it.
Oh well, their choice.
Bump!
~*propaganda*~
>>>>Wisconson has been dealing with such a plague of ferral cats that they are seriously discussing reinstitution a cat hunt.
You can't do that! Them cats are needed to support the dem ticket in 2008!!
::snickers::
>>> For that matter, a rock's "nature" is to be actively errorded over the millenia. Is keeping a pet rock cruel to that nature?
That is a great statement!
"'...said Ingrid Newkirk, PETA's president, in a written statement. 'We hope other responsible retailers follow Petco's lead in this regard.'"
No negotiating with Terrorists. Ever! Petco, you screwed this one up. Give the PET(A)errorists an inch, and they'll take a mile!
That said...thanks to you "big bird lovers" for all the information on this post about caring for parrots and the like. I've never kept a pet bird, though I do raise laying hens and have a new brood (5 days old...they're soooo cute!) feathering out as I type. I can understand how someone could fall for a bird...my hens are really a lot of fun with minimal effort and great reward monetarily and in eggs.
Before you think I've gone all "mushy" on ya, the roosters DO end up in the stewpot. Sorry. Don't rat me out to PETA, LOL!
Agreed.
That's a MAN baby!
If this is the cause in most cases, then it is a good thing that Petco isn't selling these disease and parasite-ridden animals as pets any more, isn't it?
To take it one step further, why would Petco start breeding and selling these disease and parasite-ridden animals in the first place?
This shows no concern for either the animal or the new owner because there are bird diseases like parrot fever which can be transferred to humans and if this is the cause as he asserts, then this is irresponsible on Petco's part.
Wouldn't you agree?
I don't think Petco is in the "bird breeding" business. They are buying the birds from breeders. Each bird has it's band with the breeders info on it.
I hope this doesn't mean they stopped selling conures though. Those birds are just as loud and needy as the macaws, but in my experience had more personality and manners. Of course, nothing beats a cockatoo for looks and love to give, but they're so expensive. At $500, I might actually get a conure one day.
I don't think Petco is in the "bird breeding" business. They are buying the birds from breeders. Each bird has it's band with the breeders info on it.
I'm sorry. I cross-posted a comment to you that was meant for another.
I should have put a </sarcasm> tag following my post.
No, it's my understanding that Petco is in the bird breeding business just as they were in the dog and cat breeding business.
For more info, check: Avian Welfare Coalition
Well I have to put my 7 healthy, happy, birdies to bed.Good night.
"They are trying to keep a monopoly on the animal market.
Ever hear of their save a sato program?"
Oh crap, thanks, Calpernia. I'll have to look into that. I wouldn't put anything past the slime balls.
Petco used to sell (mill-bred) dogs and cats until public pressure caused Petco to stop the practice.
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