NSPCA nod for pet firm’s new policy on sale of live animals

THE National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has welcomed an aboutturn by pet essentials and accessories company Petzone to no longer sell live animals at their stores following a public outcry.

Petzone, which has 28 stores across South Africa and one in Windhoek, Namibia, said they had noted the concerns of the public and would cease all sales of animals in their stores.

The company had intended to sell small pets such as fish, small birds including finches and budgies, and small critters such as hamsters and rabbits, at select stores.

“We have been working on a way forward since receiving your comments. It is now our aim to align ourselves with reputable shelters and rescue centres to host adoption drives in-store. We have started compiling a list of shelters and rescue centres in and around our communities to make contact with for this initiative, and look forward to this new chapter of the Petzone story.

“We respect our community and their opinions and concerns. As such we have decided to cease the sale of critters in current and future stores. All critters currently in our Petzone Bel Air branch will be fostered by Petzone management. We will work closely with local animal shelters to rehome them,” the statement read.

The NSPCA said it welcomed the decision after having engaged the company through a letter, noting its concerns and urging them to cease all sales of live animals.

“Recently, Petzone made a statement confirming that live animals were and would continue to be sold at their stores which previously used to only sell pet necessities and accessories. This raised major concerns for the public, as well as the NSPCA. Following that statement, the NSPCA formally wrote to Petzone expressing our disappointment, concerns and advice to retract their decision to sell live animals.

“We wish to commend Petzone for acting responsibly by retracting their decision to sell live animals across their stores.”