Update: Community still supports West Rand Pet and Bird Farm
‘Everyone agreed that the pet shop stinks and sells sick animals’
After yet another complaint was received about the neglectful conditions at the West Rand Pet and Bird Farm, an animal activist group decided to take some action.
The members from Ban Animal Trading (Bat) South Africa had a peaceful gathering in front of the establishment on 24 March, and Smaragda Louw explained, “We received a complaint from a member of the community highlighting some very serious issues, and we reported it to the Roodepoort/Krugersdorp SPCA immediately. An inspection was done and a warning was issued. But, we wanted to do more, and decided to have a peaceful gathering, and use the opportunity to also educate the public.”
She added that there were a few of them who gathered outside the establishment, and, because it was a relatively quiet day, they used the opportunity to engage with most of the people visiting the pet shop.
“We answered quite a few questions, and came to the conclusion that even though everyone agreed that the pet shop stinks and sells sick animals, they keep supporting it because it is convenient.
The main answer we received from visitors why they kept supporting the pet shop was ‘We’re only going to buy bird seed, or leashes, or have our parrot’s beak trimmed’,” said Louw.
Also Read: ‘We need to shut their doors – for good’
She added that they refused to believe that the only reason for the ongoing support was because humans are creatures of convenience and said, “We will be having another meeting with the property owner, and provide feedback after.”
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