Photo Credit: chewy.com
Written by: Bonnie Chapman
In a disturbing turn of events, allegations of pet abuse have been leveled against one of the largest pet retail chains in the country, PetSmart.
According to reports, several former employees have come forward with stories of animal mistreatment at PetSmart locations across the United States. These stories include claims of pets being mishandled, kept in unsanitary conditions, and even injured or killed by staff members. The allegations have sparked outrage among animal welfare advocates and pet owners alike, who are calling for an immediate investigation into the company's practices.
One former employee, who spoke to the media on the condition of anonymity, claimed that she witnessed numerous instances of animal abuse during her time working at a PetSmart location in California. "I saw dogs being hit, kicked, and even thrown across the room," she said. "It was absolutely horrifying." Another former employee from a PetSmart location in Florida described seeing dogs left in cages for extended periods without food or water, while others were forced to endure painful grooming procedures.
PetSmart has responded to the allegations, stating that they take animal welfare very seriously and that they have a number of policies and procedures in place to ensure that all pets are treated with care and respect. "We are deeply troubled by these allegations and are conducting a thorough investigation into each and every claim," the company said in a statement.
The allegations come at a time when animal welfare is a growing concern in the United States, with many states passing laws to protect animals from abuse and neglect. PetSmart, which operates over 1,600 locations across the country, has long been a go-to destination for pet owners seeking food, supplies, and grooming services for their furry friends. However, these allegations threaten to tarnish the company's reputation and could result in a significant loss of business.
Animal welfare advocates are urging pet owners to do their research before entrusting their pets to any company, and to report any instances of abuse or neglect to local authorities. As the investigation into these allegations continues, it remains to be seen what actions PetSmart will take to address the concerns raised by its former employees and the wider public.
Breaking Through reporters conducted an investigation by visiting a local PetSmart store to witness the living conditions of the animals. The reporters were appalled by what they observed, with goldfish seen cannibalizing each other, fish getting trapped in filter systems within their enclosures, and a betta fish growing moss on its body. Several enclosures were found to be covered in feces, and the wheels meant for rodents' entertainment were also soiled.
Relatedly, a Pittsburgh native has filed a lawsuit against PetSmart and two of its employees, alleging that her beloved dog was strangled to death while under their care. According to court documents, the plaintiff left her dog, a 6-year-old Golden Retriever named Max, with PetSmart's grooming services on November 17, 2022. When she returned to pick him up, she was informed that he had died while being groomed.
An autopsy revealed that Max had died from strangulation, and the plaintiff claims that video evidence shows two PetSmart employees improperly handling and restraining the dog during the grooming process. The plaintiff, who is seeking damages for emotional distress and negligence, alleges that PetSmart and its employees failed to provide proper care and caused the death of her beloved pet.
PetSmart has not commented on the pending lawsuit, but the company has faced similar allegations of animal abuse and mistreatment in the past. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the pet retail giant and its operations.
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