Petland criticises animal rights groups

The US pet retail chain Petland has criticised animal rights groups that push for local bans on pet shops selling puppies. A majority of the retail pet sales bans already in effect are concentrated in Florida, California and New Jersey. “Retail bans are essentially a feel-good effort that does little to nothing to address sub-standard breeders,” said CEO Joe Watson. He pointed out that only 2 per cent of all puppies are purchased in pet stores. “If every pet store selling puppies closed tomorrow, not a single breeder would go out of business. Retail bans aim to close the only regulated distribution channel for puppy sales in America,” Watson said. Petland defends its sourcing of puppies, saying they come from breeders and distributors licensed by the US Department of Agriculture, with no direct violation on their latest inspection report.