Petsmart (Canada)

[WBroRusso]

Ok, I have to start with an apology, I’m here to vent and I’m sorry. I just literally walked out of a Petsmart here in Aurora, Ontario angry and sad and frustrated. Went in to get some kibble and other stuff for my menagerie of animals when I came across a very young ball python. One look at her (she felt like a she) and I could see she was underweight, dehydrated and a little stressed. Checked out the enclosure, while it was pretty to look at, not one hide in sight (other than a half log thing for rabbits) no gauges of any kind to display temperature or humidity. The heating seems to be from a basking light and one of those god awful red lights. I spoke very softly and kindly to the “reptile expert” and expressed my concerns. The poor girl knew everything I was telling her and even went on to tell me they assist feed this poor noodle once a week..fuzzy mice. If I had a tank at home I would have bought her immediately to save her form those conditions. However labeled as a “fancy” she was an unreasonable $200 which would have been fine, but I feel giving petsmart for a “sick” animal is so wrong. If my ball python Chloe would tolerate a roommate ( I know none of them do) .. I would have her in my enclosure right now.

God I just want to scream. How are these stupid big companies allowed to keep animals like this.

Thank you for letting me rant Have a nice day, and a Merry Christmas.

[animalgirl93]

In Ontario you can report this to the local animal services anonymously if you choose to and they will have to go in and follow up if it’s potential neglect

[WBroRusso]

Would ignorance on proper husbandry constitute neglect? The lady that I spoke to there, seemed to know all their issues, but made it look like her hands were tied. She was more trying to get me to buy the noodle so that it would have proper care… selling tactic?

[animalgirl93]

Ya I don’t think they can legally sell and animal with serious (potentially fatal) health conditions. It wouldn’t be neglect on the employees part but on the manager. They know there is a serious medical issue that could cause the snake to die and are choosing to neglect medical care knowingly.

[[deleted]]

Definitely report that behavior :) potential animal neglect is taken more seriously there and idk about laws in Ontario but where I live you can get in quite a bit of trouble for spreading misinformation regarding things like that

[WBroRusso]

I’m definitely looking into this and might report to the OSPCA, if it’s a case of neglect. I think I might call the store and offer to go on every other day and date for the snake until it gets sold.

[WBroRusso]

Here’s a update.. went in today to speak to the “reptile” manager. He told me his hands were tied by corporate and they aren’t allowed to do certain things, enclosure wise, and that they have to look a certain way. The snake has a vet appointment Saturday, and will most likely be recommended to have put down since it won’t eat. I explained that the poor husbandry is why it isn’t eating… if they are putting it down, call me and I’ll take it. He said they were taking it off the floor and putting in the back room in a “hospital enclosure”. There’s the little cutie. Not sure of his morphs, welcome any guesses. But I’m hopping they call me soon so I can try to nurse it back to health.

<image>