In April, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals announced that it was ending its protests against Petco after the retail chain agreed to stop selling large birds in its stores.
According to a press release at PETA’s site,
PETCO will end the sale of large birds in the company’s stores. Upon completion of the sale of the limited number currently in stock and those previously purchased from suppliers, PETCO will no longer offer large birds. The company will continue to work with its shelter partners to help those groups adopt not only dogs and cats, but to adopt homeless birds of all sizes as part of PETCO’s established “Think Adoption First” program. Think Adoption First encourages anyone who is considering adding a companion animal to his or her family to consider adoption first before making a purchase. PETA intends to assist PETCO in enlisting accredited bird rescue groups to work with the company in its in-store adoption program. PETCO will also recommend and promote flight cages for all birds. The company recognizes that birds-like all animals-need exercise, and mental and psychological stimulation to be healthy and happy.
PETA will end its boycott of PETCO and its protests at the company’s stores. In agreeing to end its campaign against PETCO, PETA will take down its “PETCOCruelty” website, 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.
The press release quoted Petco CEO Bruce Hall as saying,
We welcome the opportunity to work with PETA as we announce ending the sale of large birds as one of several progressive steps we are taking in our industry-leading efforts. We recognize that most of our bird customers are what we would call ‘beginning hobbyists’. Large birds are not necessarily appropriate for these individuals due to their long lifespan, size and care requirements.
Source:
PETA and PETCO Announce Agreement. Press Release, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, April 2005.