Despicable treatment of fish

[ProfessorAronnax]

I ended up sending the photos to the CEO of the company.

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

This is what I recieved in return:

I spoke with the vice president for 45 last night. He seemed to be genuinely concerned about the situation, as he is a hobbyist himself, and was curious as to what could be done to remedy the issue. I made a suggestion that the saltwater systems in their entirety be completely drained, thrown away, and reestablished after a probationary period and have their magnet program pulled ( I know that was a pretty bold suggestion), however, he concurred after seeing the diseased fish and tanks. He also informed me that a corporate management team would be going to the store today.

Having their Marine section shut down is, in this case, a big win.

 

[Shannan]

That's awful!!!

I would start by leaving reviews- everywhere! The aquatic specialists do actually get notified about them.

We've been very fortunate, our local Petco is one of the *Premiere* (they have a word for it, not sure what) stores and have a massive saltwater section. I have to say, they're spot on! (even stopped me from making a bad fish purchase a time or 2)

I have 5 dogs plus my tanks so I know them all pretty well.

The corporate office has always been very responsive every time I've called

 

[EmdeReef]

Makes me sick when I see this. Kudos to you for taking the time and effort to contact the management!

 

[Back where it all began]

Here’s my motto: abuse an animal and get beaten or go to jail, your choice.

 

[Eastlake]

I’m glad something was done, the petco by me shut down some time ago but while it was open fellow hobbyists and myself had suggested ways that they could “fix” the rampant diseases in the salt section only to be told that corporate would tan their hides if they strayed away from their mandates. A shame on every level. I hope that they are able to get their act together for the sake of the animals and the sake of the hobby.

 

[Bob Escher]

No surprise Petco !!
They are fully aware of these losses that are reported to corporate and corporate still allows them to sell and maintain a saltwater section within their stores. Its poor for image and embarrassing not to mention cruelty to captive fish.

im actually surprised the Petco by me in Delefield their fish area is pretty decent there fish are in good shape and the guy that runs it is knowledgeabl.
their biggest problems it’s seems is is every time ( which isn’t much) I’m going in there they always have diatoms in three or four tanks but the rest is doing fine, fish look good but I won’t buy fish from them. I just buy cat food from them

 

[Bossman]

Look at what they're doing at my favorite LFS
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But seriously, mistreating pets is a SIN

Mmmmm, Fishwich!

I'm fortunate to have a very nice LFS that stocks marine fish, coral and invertebrates. Every tank has notes on the fish as far as compatibility, eating, date of arrival, etc. The attendants all seem to be well versed in the hobby and the workers I talk to have tanks as well. I recently bought a dot dash wrasse that had been at the LFS for 5 months! I had been in numerous time and just didn't notice the fish. It looks great in my tank!

 

[Noob_reefer]

I actually work at a petco down here in sw Florida. I am appalled by the fact that they allow that in stores. However there are policies in place that limit what can be done about diseased fish. Basically we cant treat them with any medicine or copper. Best you can do is discount

 

[Scurvy]

While the general consensus on PetCo is poor there are some good ones out there as others have said. I have two near me that fall into the very good category but have also seen the bad ones. Talking with the staff at the good ones It seems to boil down to the specialist at each store and how willing they are to break corporate policies to care for everything appropriately. That may mean bringing in their own lights for coral flats, medications for treatment and who knows what else? They are often reprimanded by district/regional managers for making the other nearby stores look bad in comparison. It is always sad to see.

 

[Noob_reefer]

While the general consensus on PetCo is poor there are some good ones out there as others have said. I have two near me that fall into the very good category but have also seen the bad ones. Talking with the staff at the good ones It seems to boil down to the specialist at each store and how willing they are to break corporate policies to care for everything appropriately. That may mean bringing in their own lights for coral flats, medications for treatment and who knows what else? They are often reprimanded by district/regional managers for making the other nearby stores look bad in comparison. It is always sad to see.

Sounds about right

 

[Scurvy]

Sounds about right

Thinking about it on the opposite side of the fence.

Are the no treatment policies in place to prevent untrained employees from practicing veterinarian care? I would assume its probably a blanket policy to all animals but maybe you know?

 

[Noob_reefer]

Thinking about it on the opposite side of the fence.

Are the no treatment policies in place to prevent untrained employees from practicing veterinarian care? I would assume its probably a blanket policy to all animals but maybe you know?

We can treat certain animals like guinea pigs,hamsters, and the reptiles for basic stuff. Advanced stuff we take them to the vet. Fish for some reason we are not allowed to touch even if you have knowledge and experience. Its frustrating sometimes.

 

[Bob Weigant]

Horrible

 

[Bryce M.]

please keep us posted, it sounded like you had a good talk, you really set an example for the people on this thread. We all should be trying to stop this and you good sir have done a wonderful job.

 

[Dragon52]

My local Petco was Really good until the 2 Ladies who ran it left a cpl years ago. Haven't bought any animals since.

 

[Braves Fan]

Just my view ,, there maybe good stores here and there ,, I don't really care ,, they get none of my money ,, for anything ,,

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

As stated in my email- I dont mean to slander the name of this company.Period. I shop there for my furry friends as well as reptiles. I also dont believe all the stores are bad. I've been in some that were the model of perfection. Just wanted to make that known.

 

[dmh41532]

This shouldn't be. But unfortunately, Petco just doesn't seem to care. I've been to lots of local fish stores in many states and I've never seen fish like this. Petco however, it's nearly every store I've been into. I've personally spoken with managers about the treatment not only of the fish but other animals at various stores and they all offer the standard we're sorry and will look in to it response, yet weeks later nothing has changed. they don't care, they just look at profits. I think the best way to stop them is to stop shopping there.

 

[Dom]

Today I was at the local big box store. A friend of mine works as a cashier there and wanted me to see the atrocity that is their marin sales tanks. I have seen some questionable LFS's in my day and even more big box stores, but what I witnessed today was atrocious.

This hawk has pop eye so bad, I wouldn't be surprised if it completely released from the orbital socket.

This scopas tang was being kept in, what appeared to be, a 10-15 gallon tank. Its dorsal fin ceases to exist and it is emaciated.

This foxface was far beyond emaciated and had clusters of lesions and tumors on its head and face. (Sorry for bad pic)

Desjardini and damsels left to rot

These were the only pictures I was able to take before the manager asked me to leave. All their fish had ich, rot, popeye, fungus', velvet...you name it, they had it. The corals were all covered in briopsis and cyanobacteria.

The "senior aquarist" said that he was happy with how things looked and that it had come a long way since it had been in his care! What an absolute crock! I've also sent test pictures to their corporate HQ. Whether or not they do anything about is another story, as they care about nothing more than the almighty dollar. While I am not normally one to raise my voice or get into the activist ideals, this display of inhumaness makes me sick.

Send the pics to PETA