I will honestly never ever buy from Petco ever again.. My boyfriend bought a snake from there but really they don't have a very big selection of things.. He bought me a rat for my birthday from Growing Point and that's where I've always gotten my animals and they are all treated very well. Petco will not be getting MY money anymore!

Posted by: Jenelle Yesh | January 5, 2010 01:45 PM

These undercover investigators are unsung heros. Beyond inspiring, great work peta!!

Posted by: Lindsay O'Donnell | January 5, 2010 02:24 PM

I forced myself to watch the video so that I would have a better visual and understanding to inform the people that think it's no big deal to buy a small animal from a pet shop. I'm highly disturbed and can't believe that anyone would do this. Snakes may not be my favorite snuggly animal but no animal should go through what these poor souls went through.

Posted by: Austin | January 5, 2010 02:29 PM

Jenelle, buying any animals in unacceptable. It supports these horrific breeders and takes away the chances of animals in shelters who need good homes (yes, even rodents. I have adopted both a mouse and a guinea pig, and have seen many rats in need of adoption). ALWAYS ADOPT. NEVER BUY.

Posted by: Lucy | January 5, 2010 02:36 PM

I continue to be appauled, disturbed, and extremely surprised at the pure evilness that must be in these peoples hearts. You have to be evil to do those things to a defenseless being that can do nothing to protect itself, and even if it could protect itself, he probably couldn't because no one has taken care of it, and it is so weak all it can do is lay there, i give peta props for the many animals lives it saves every day.

Posted by: Noel | January 5, 2010 03:03 PM

Everyone - please stop buying animals!

There are tons of animals who are dying for homes in shelters. This includes animals like rabbits, rats and hamsters. If you are able to open up your home to one of these animals, support a local reputable shelter.

Posted by: Mylie | January 5, 2010 03:07 PM

I volunteer at a wildlife shelter and have adopted and rehomed pets. My first was from PetCo because I was uneducated.
At the WCC, we get parrots, snakes, sugar gliders mostly from people who bought on impulse. At the WCC they do home visits before turning over any pet. Petco, you sign a paper???
I'll never support breeding animals or companies that do. Wild animals should stay wild and "DON'T BREED. DON'T BUY WHILE SHELTERED ANIMALS DIE."

Posted by: Jen | January 5, 2010 03:12 PM

To hell with PETCO and these other wholesale animal places.They are all crimes against nature and should be put of of business.I wish I could get my hands on jason Shaw I would put him in a bottle and make him suffer. Everybody buy from animal shelters,humane shelters and not from pet supplies. I LOVE PETA...

Posted by: Bobby | January 5, 2010 03:17 PM

There needs to be much tougher legislation regarding operation of these type of dealers. Better yet the trade in these animal should be banned. Unfortunately neither the government nor the SPCA or equivalent animal services has the manpower to monitor such large operations. I just wish those in power who have the ability to make changes would take this seriousley and work with animal rights groups instead of against them. It is the animal who always suffer for human greed. Bravo to those who do take it upon themselves to invesitagate.

Posted by: Lynda | January 5, 2010 03:23 PM

That is one of the most heart wrenching videos I have ever seen!

Posted by: Toni Gattie | January 5, 2010 03:27 PM

PETCO, PetSmart and others are responsible for the suffering and deaths of millions of animals. Also, for these animals being stolen from the wild and put in cages, all in the name of GREED.

Posted by: Mark | January 5, 2010 03:30 PM

Congratulations PETA!goog job!! ver good!!(Y)..

Posted by: Belén | January 5, 2010 03:48 PM

The animals have been seized but will the company be prevented from starting up all over again with a different name as soon as this all blows over? Or will they simply start stocking up again?

Posted by: Janet | January 5, 2010 03:58 PM

There is another animal dealer which delivers to southern pet stores which Peta should check out as well...

Posted by: Rosemary | January 5, 2010 04:01 PM

I knew stores like Petco and Petsmart had made the change from selling cats and dogs to adoptions although the small pets could often be sick and kept out of view of customers. I had absolutely no idea these big animal warehouses of horror existed. Thanx PETA for exposing this and try to get coverage of this on Animal Planet so more people are aware of this horror.

Posted by: michelle | January 5, 2010 04:09 PM

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE! HOW AND WHY CAN PEOPLE GET AWAY WITH THIS???? WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE????? THIS IS SO SAD. PLEASE SHUT DOWN ALL PET STORES OF ANY KIND!!!! THIS MUST STOP. THESE POOR ANIMALS.

Posted by: Kathy | January 5, 2010 04:45 PM

Congratulations! That's why we must never give up on the animals!

Posted by: Maureen | January 5, 2010 05:05 PM

Imagine your own city or town suddenly given the responsibility to care for this many animals? Shelters all over the nation are bursting at the seams with relinquished, abandoned and unwanted domestic pets and seized puppy mill victims. Puppy mills continue to thrive and go undetected and then you have discoveries like this one that just make you boiling mad and want to rush right over to your local officials, state reps and federal congresssional people and say, "What the hell are you people doing? Are you all living in a cave somewhere? Do you not know that these atrocities occur everywhere and can be stopped?"

It's up to each of us. We have brains. We have mouths. Most of us can write a few lines, or call lawmakers. We simply have to let them know that these kinds of animal abuses can no longer be tolerated in a civilized society.

What will we do? Sit on our hands and watch our friggin' world go straight to hell in a handbasket? Rattle cages. Boycott PetsMart and Petco. Tell 'em you're on a mission and you plan to convert 10 people in your community to buy their pet supplies from stores who DO NOT sell animals.

You think they won't react? Boy howdy they will. That's alot of greenbacks my friends. Money talks and bull$!t walks.

Write to our "change-promising" president and tell him that this is change we want to see now, not four years from now.

Posted by: Susan T | January 5, 2010 05:17 PM

I've heard the city has asked to be able to put every one of these animals to death.

What is going to happen to them? This article doesn't address that important issue.

Posted by: Tawny | January 5, 2010 08:45 PM

I don't even know where to start except to say these people should be put in a people pond filled with their own excrement, no clean water or food, no space to escape from their own stench not fed anything for at least two weeks no medical care with uncomfortable temperatures so they can see how it feels. I am not a snake fan but it broke my heart to watch those snakes suffer so. The hamsters were crying, made me cry. I am sickened by this video, I have not been a PETA fan, but I can say that I have a new appreciation. What is the Ft. Worth Zoo thinking?

Posted by: Jeanne | January 5, 2010 08:55 PM

Someone PLEASE tell me how to get shelter animals. I hate Petco so freaking much and I have to buy all of my pets there because I don't have access to a car so I ride my bike there. I wish I knew of a convenient way to get shelter animals within riding distance. Or ordering something online but that's pretty sketchy...

Posted by: Tsarina I | January 5, 2010 09:09 PM

I was cheering at 2AM when I saw this report first come through on CNN a couple weeks ago.

Is there any way I can adopt any of the chinchillas rescued or do I have to be a local resident?

Posted by: Robin Grandstaff | January 5, 2010 09:19 PM

This is disgusting. I agree with so many of the other posters on here that say why does this still happen!!! its extremely upsetting to watch and read about. Peta you are unbelievable please keep up the good work and your undercover investigators should be commanded for having to live through this horror to get the necessary documentation!

Posted by: Lynne | January 5, 2010 09:33 PM

And think: This is just ONE company. There are TONS of companies like this around the world doing the same thing, and all the owners do is get a fine and a slap on the wrist. I say throw the owners in a small cell and deprive them of food and water. Thanks PETA for finding these cruel people and making a difference. I'm part of Hedgehog Welfare Society and we're all crossing our fingers hoping we get custody of our quilled friends from this case so they can get a loving and healthy home.

Posted by: Ava B | January 5, 2010 10:09 PM

I cried so much when I made myself watch this video. It pains my heart to know that any living creature has to endure this cruel treatment. I am so ashamed that humans can be so cold hearted and mean. It is such a disappointment to the human race that such humans exist and do such horrific acts to living creatures! I have NEVER bought an animal and I would NEVER do that as there are so many that need homes in shelters. PLEASE ADOPT!!!

Posted by: Laura | January 5, 2010 11:44 PM

I'm glad thousands of animals have now been rescued. This is a great victory. I don't see how people can do this to animals. Petco, Petsmart and other retailers should just sell pet supplies and not animals of any kind. The people who run the animal warehouse company should be ashamed of themselves. They clearly have no interest in the well being of animals.

Posted by: Timothy | January 5, 2010 11:55 PM

I just watched the news in NZ (which is where the dealers are from) and cried. This is discusting. Animals arent stock, money makers or anything of the sort. If anyone deceides to buy and exotic from a pet shop, I'm sure they will quickly change their minds. These people should be thrown in prison, and I'll gladly swallow the key.

Posted by: Katieee | January 6, 2010 12:25 AM

Fab job PETA ♥

Posted by: Fabianne | January 6, 2010 02:03 AM

I am overwhelmed!

Thank God for PETA!

The suffering that had went on!

We must make posters of these pictures and show people what goes on behind the scene.

I think it will make them stop buying these animals.

I know if it wasn't for PETA I would have never learned!

Posted by: Shari | January 6, 2010 02:55 AM

That video just made me sick. I cant believe they treated those animals that way. The wallabies broke my heart. Im ashamed to be from the same country as those disgusting owners (New Zealand) They are horrible people that need to be severly punnished for what they have done. Thankyou so much PETA for coming to the rescue. You have my support.

Posted by: Ashleigh | January 6, 2010 08:18 AM

What does this say about humans... I mean really, it's sad that we are willing to do this to animals that depend on us. It really breaks my heart. The only animals fo sale at the pet store I buy my supplies from are animals up for adoption by the local animal shelter. and then they are only cats and they get free run of the store :) More pe stores should be like that. They would get more customers to probably.

Posted by: Talysha | January 6, 2010 08:27 AM

I WILL never, ever support Petco or any other pet store that does this to these innocent animals. This is horrific and discusting!!! You go Peta !

Posted by: carla | January 6, 2010 10:36 AM

It is disgusting how they treated those poor animals. or should I say-not treated!
I hope they will never even look at another animal again!

Posted by: Tihana Vasarevic | January 6, 2010 11:18 AM

I am truly thankful for oganizations such as PETA for saving as many lives as they have. And, although, the conditions in which these animals were living in was completely unethical, I do believe that people should try and adopt as many of these animals in the meantime.
Yes, stores such as PetSmart and PetCo mistreat their animals and we shouldn't support this kind of behavior. But imagine how horrible these animals must feel! It isn't THIER fault they are being mistreated. We have to do our best to SAVE these animals from these harmful conditions, not leave them to be hurt and tormented.

Posted by: Ashlee | January 6, 2010 11:30 AM

I will never understand why it's legal to have exotic/wild animals. Is the government getting some kind of kickback? NOTHING good can come of humans breeding/ selling/keeping wild animals!! This is a legislative priority and should be a NO BRAINER!!

Posted by: freethehens | January 6, 2010 12:19 PM

To Susan T.....What was the Fort Worth Zoo thinking? What when they hired Ari Flagle? They thought we got a good employee and person that LOVES Animals. He was doing what he was told on how to get them out of the bottle. Ari Flagle is a great person who LOVES animals and would NEVER harm them in anyway. It frustrates me that he is now getting a bad rep. for something that was out of his control. He tried numerous of times to make things better at that place when he worked there.

Posted by: Ashlee | January 6, 2010 12:20 PM

Where can people adopt/rescue the animals who have been rescued from this evil place? How can we relieve the city of these 26,000 animals? Are the animals at the city animal shelter? I'd like to help place them in loving homes.

Posted by: Carly | January 6, 2010 12:59 PM

I honestly do not understand how anyone could treat animals like this. It seriously makes me feel sick. thank nyou PETA for having these investigators, true hero's and help to show the world how messed up some things are!

Posted by: Harriet | January 6, 2010 01:15 PM

Ashlee, I have no idea why you are directing your comments to me. Of course the lawyers for US Global Exotics will try every tact possible to discredit and condemn the undercover employee. It's all they have to go on in the case. Videos and recordings don't lie. The judge made the right decision. However, it will be up to our pathetic court system to deliver the kind of punishment these miscreants deserve. THEY NEED TO BE PUT OUT OF BUSINES...FOREVER!

Further, everyone needs to understand that in order to STOP this exploitation, misery and suffering of these helpless creatures, you, the consumer, need to take a strong stand and stop buying from Petco and PetsMart until they unequivocally agree to STOP SELLING ANIMALS, PERIOD! People need to understand that it's because of their selfish, trivial wants that beautiful tropical birds are prisoners in cages, that all sorts of amphibians and reptiles are captured and cruelly imprisoned to be someone's "cool" pet.

Please, for God's sake, DON'T BUY ANY ANIMAL WHEN LITERALLY THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS ARE WAITING, PATIENTLY, FOR SOMEONE, ANYONE, TO TAKE THEM HOME! People that want strange, exotic creatures don't really care about a relationship with an animal. They're more interested in bragging to anyone who'll listen that they own a wallaby, or lemur, or a python snake. These animals DON'T MAKE GOOD PETS! Why would anyone want to desire to possess a creature that has no interest whatsoever in a relationship with you?

I hope PETA organizes a national boycott campaign of Petco and PetsMart. These companies must stop selling these animals and the public must stop wanting them to sell these animals.

IT ALL STARTS (and STOPS!) with us.

GET INVOLVED!!!!

Posted by: Susan T | January 6, 2010 01:29 PM

I am so very proud of the caring people in the PETA foundation. What would these defenseless animals do without you, and thank you for making us all aware of what is going on.

Posted by: Lynda | January 6, 2010 02:15 PM

These people need to have unannounced regular visits by the animal welfare people who need to look in every nook and cranny of their premises and not to listen to what they have to say just to find these animals and remove them at once into the care of animal welfare also the owners need to be watched incase they start up again! let these owners be sent to jail and leave THEM to ROT in HELL!!!!

Posted by: pat | January 6, 2010 03:00 PM

I could really kill these humans who treat animals like this. Humans = S***.

We need a war to kill off the human race... this planet would be better off without us.

Posted by: Jason D | January 6, 2010 03:15 PM

Congrats to PETA on such a wonderful investigation! You did a wonderful thing getting these people out of the business- keep up the excellent work!

Posted by: Kate | January 6, 2010 03:56 PM

i'm glad that petsmart has pet adoption from local pet shelter... but this is crazy!!! i had a hamster once, buddy, i loved him dearly and he was from petco. I wonder what he went thru b4 i got him

Posted by: april | January 6, 2010 04:10 PM

this is happening to people and no one cares, im not saying how they treated the animals is right but there's more important things to worry about.

Posted by: John | January 6, 2010 05:09 PM

Of course is bad to see animals treated like this, but is wonderful news to see that someone is fighting against it and getting results!

Posted by: Adolfo Ch | January 6, 2010 05:21 PM

I've had a vested interest in following this story. I'm a member of two international hedgehog groups, The Hedgehog Welfare Society and The International Hedgehog Association, as well as an informal hedgehog fanciers group in Colorado. I've been a rescue contact for both IHA & HWS for over 10 years and currently serve as rescue coordinator for IHA. I've not always looked fondly on some of PETA's past actions BUT I'm happy to see positive results coming on this case. HooRay!! and Thanks for the great work.
As for the fate of the animals involved, I know an effort is being made to rehome many taking them out of the pet "business" and putting them directly in good, caring "fur-ever" homes.
Now, more than ever, it's up to us to voice our opinions and concerns to major chains like PetCo, PetsMart, and to the smaller pet dealers in our individual areas so a major need for call to action like this NEVER happen again!!

Posted by: Teresa Johnson | January 6, 2010 05:22 PM

Thank God for the people in this universe that truly can see how people will one day meet their maker for this barbatic acts. LET HELP PETA TO CONTINUE TO SPREAD THE NEWS THE GOOD NEW THAT THEY ARE WORKING SO HARD ON THESE CASES. GO PETA GO PETA11111

Posted by: Pat Stallings | January 6, 2010 06:10 PM

That is so sad. I can't believe someone would do something that stupid and big, and then just abandon it. PETA is so great, and what they do for animals is just exceptional.

Posted by: chloe | January 6, 2010 06:27 PM

I am so overwhelmed by all of this. I will never buy from pet smart again myself. I would imagine this is in canada also. Shows just the states but I am sure this is not so. As this abuse is all over the place. Gods animals being treated like this. It makes me sick to think that it goes on. I wonder what these places and people would do if they were the one's being with held food, living in terrible conditions, no meds..just the basic's of life. Or how would they feel being trapped in a little room with nothing. Maybe they should feel the pain that they are causing these beautiful animals. I am disgusted and will rethink a lot after viewing these video's. You people should be ashamed of yourselves.....

Posted by: Dianne Davis | January 6, 2010 07:13 PM

Thanks goes out to those who went undercover...I cannot imagine it was easy in the least to witness these crimes in person. The end result is a major victory though.

Posted by: Alecia | January 6, 2010 07:38 PM

That video was so disturbing. It brought me to tears. I vow to never ever buy any animal from a store ever. I have a question though, what was happening to the snakes? Were they dying?

Posted by: Annie | January 6, 2010 09:03 PM

This article broke my heart. Those poor animals, thank God they were rescued. I wish the sale of animals would be banned from all pet stores, how many 1000's of animals have to suffer and die before there are more laws made to protect the breeding and sale of them.

Posted by: Katie M | January 6, 2010 11:03 PM

I struggle to understand why people are so inhumane to defenseless animals. It really breaks me down inside to watch these videos even though they are the truth. I am so grateful that there is good in people to rescue these animals...I will NEVER buy ANYTHING at Petsmart EVER again. Everytime you walk in you can see the hurt in all of the animals eyes because they are not being properly taken care of. Great job Peta!!

Posted by: Erika | January 7, 2010 12:08 AM

How sad. God forgive them for their cruelty and greed. My understanding is...death by starvation is one of the worst ways to die...and to be sick and not have treatment??? That poor wallaby, those poor ground hogs, those baby turtles and frogs just left in the bottles and crates to die. I will no longer buy from the dealers mentioned in this article.

Connie

Posted by: Connie | January 7, 2010 12:09 AM

I agree with Jason D. Human beings are the virus of the world who is destroying the planet its animals and everything in its path for no good reason it all only because somehow people think they are God who have Dominion over the world so they take from the vulnerable the ones who can't speak their rights or defend themselves our trees our animals everything everywhere you look is chaos groups like PETA and other wonderful organizations work day and night to bring this horror to and end but sadly and realistically they are merely a spec compare to the billions of people who are responsible for the abuse cruelty and death of animals in the world when everywhere you turn look and hear is all bad from labs cruel testing to factory farming slaughter houses whaling seal slaughter dolphin slaughter places like this one the fur industry gosh you name the list is endless and who are the victims "the animals" who's responsible damn humans" is us !! Wild animals should never live in someones home as "PETS" is absurd but of course people want to have it all the world at their fingertips so this market exist to provide and fulfill the wants of selfish ignorant bastards who keep buying wild animals as long as people continue to want request and buy animals or animal products the market will remain pretty much active unless of course the law makers officials decide to do their job and pay attention to this problems but than again they don't care because they are simply animals not "people" only a few of us care Obama promise changes but I doubt he considers animal welfare important for him to do something I feel sad for what I see here but more sad because I know that the root of the problem is always bad people greed and lack of sympathy for another living being suffering believe that if people choose to be good people they can easily do it and act according to your feelings good conscience and moral values than this could never happen everything that we just saw here would never exist it would not be a market for this if we all respected all life I know I could never do what this people did here because in my heart and mind I know they will feel pain hunger and just about everything I feel I truly believe that everything that lives animals and people want to be comfortable in life to live in peace to be free I don't think there is an animal in this world whether a flea or an elephant that wants to suffer and live in a cage never so I don't get why people want to cause animals pain and put them in cages for what entertainment? Go to the movies find a hobby I say leave the animals alone they don't need our interference only our respect for their lives and our protection from this kind of things is all so sad and unfair just reminds me why I'm not very fond of the human race is hard to love people who do this I hate people who do this I hate them all.they must go to jail for animal cruelty is only fair justice must be served.

Posted by: rose corletto | January 7, 2010 12:23 AM

When I was younger, I would always buy small animals or fish from Petco--this of course was before I started to become part of PETA ;)--anywho, the animals would die within two weeks of the purchase. I vowed to myself that I would never buy from a petstore again and this gives me more of a reason. Congrats PETA!

Posted by: Stephanie | January 7, 2010 09:15 AM

The vileness of the human species never ceases to shock and disappoint me. I hope these breeder people rot and wither away into abject poverty.
Kudos for the courage of those who went undercover - it must have been very difficult and we thank you.

Posted by: jackie range | January 7, 2010 11:02 AM

My God.....I cried. I had no idea that anyone could treat animals like this..what is wrong with them? Thank God that PETA exists and thank God for people like Ellen DeGeneres. PETA's investigators are top notch and I urge them to keep on perservering.

Posted by: Laura Scott | January 7, 2010 12:12 PM

unbelievable

Posted by: debi | January 7, 2010 12:13 PM

excellent.

Posted by: chander kumar soni | January 7, 2010 12:34 PM

I have been buying my cat food from Petco. No longer, I'll buy it online if I cannot find a local store to handle it. This is disgusting corporate behaviour.

Posted by: Doug R | January 7, 2010 12:40 PM

Most of these animals should not even be kept as pets. My son can't even stand the thought of fish or turtles and other critters being "kept". He says they belong in their own habitat in the wild. Sure there cute and I was tempted to get something exotic. But they really don't fair well in an environment that is reproduced.

Posted by: Ellie McCaffrey | January 7, 2010 12:49 PM

Great work PETA. Employees at these pet stores have a moral obligation to report crimes like this to authorities!

how did they sleep at night prior to this?

Posted by: Katherine Lopez | January 7, 2010 12:52 PM

I don't have any exotic animals and I don't think I'll be interesed in have one of those, but I love them and I feel more comfortable, watching the squirrels, birds, etc free, I use to buy food for them and they come to the yard where I use to work,I don't have my own house, I'm always work for someone out and everywhere I go is with my dog,we don't need to have animals in cage unless to protect them,unfortunately a friend of mine who pass away, three years ago, bought two parakees, when he die I had to adopt them, no way to let them free, they could die.. but I' keeping them, and iI protect them, repeatdly sometimes I stop in front of their cages, play and talk to them,but I think they're happy, anyway I don't buy birds to keep them in cages.If one person not tolerate to be in one room for a long time, how these animals could feel all their life.

Posted by: Jhonson Barrera | January 7, 2010 12:55 PM

I had no idea how these poor creatures were being treated. I never buy animals for the stores named in the article but I will certainly encourage people to NOT purchase from pet stores based on the investigation. Keep up the great work that you do.

Posted by: Christine | January 7, 2010 12:59 PM

Please ask everyone you know never to buy any wild or non-domesticated animal species from any establishment apart from a reputable Rescue Centre. If you must have a pet, stick to cats, dogs, etc, that have been handed in to Rescue Centres because of difficulties, etc, and that need good homes and are relatively easy to care for in a traditional way. You cannot get love and affection from frogs, snakes, turtles, etc, and it is bad to get them just to show off to people to impress them. Very false and shallow!! AND ignorant!!

Posted by: Marie Gilman | January 7, 2010 01:03 PM

These people deserve the same fate as these helpless animals had to live and die through! they need to be tossed in that kind of terrible living condition!

Posted by: Alisha | January 7, 2010 01:15 PM

That evil womans voice is ringing in my hed..."how long can they go without feeding"...wow I wish that the people that imprison her ask the same question and answer it exaclty like she did...waiting weeks, with ignorance and hoping that a few would die so they dont have to pay for feeding them all. Please let these people pay for not having a heart...I feel so much love for the undercover investigators...my cover would be blown in a minute and I would be in JAIL too.This is why PETA gets my money right here. Keep it up PETA..until the last animal leaves a horrible hell like this..keep it up!!

Posted by: Kimberly B. | January 7, 2010 01:15 PM

Does anyone know how I can help in fostering. I have experience in hedgehogs and would love to help. Don't know who to contact....

Posted by: Brighid | January 7, 2010 01:17 PM

Wonderful work you are doing and successfully at that! It is painful, though, to look at the evidence you present that leads to such good outcomes.

Posted by: markus | January 7, 2010 01:18 PM

I still have some GIFT cards from PETCO and PETSMART... I will NOT spend a penny beyond the amount on these cards. I will email all of my friends & ask they NEVER again give me a GIFT or GIFT CARD from either of these stores. I currently use these stores to bathe my dogs & other grooming and for dog food - I will find an INDEPENDENT supplier that never sells ANIMALS. I will encourage everyone I work with and all friends and family to BOYCOTT both PETCO and PetSmart. I currently do not live near a PETLAND but I will be certain to also BOYCOTT them.

Posted by: Cher | January 7, 2010 01:23 PM

The people at the store aren't sane first of all, how can something like that can happen? Are they in prison or in a psichiatric dependency or why the police didn't get there right away and check the whole store and close the place and rescue the poor creatures!? This has broken me today, humans' craziness. How sick.

Posted by: Alicia Vázquez | January 7, 2010 01:36 PM

I thank the lord for the person(s) responsible for gathering the evidence needed to confiscate these poor helpless animals. I HATE that it took 7 long months to do this! I couldn't have stood a single day in that facility seeing what I saw, and not saying something. But with the way our society works, one day of evidence would never have been enough, and this horrible business would have remained open. I pray that ALL facilities that operate in this way are found out as quickly as possible. It pains me to think that there are other animals out there suffering as we speak. I can only take comfort in the fact that these 20+K animals are out of their misery today!!!! So again, a big THANK YOU!

Posted by: Terra Rivera | January 7, 2010 01:40 PM

Good to see these activities exposed and punished. Our society is grossly lacking in compassion, especially towards animals. We need to promote more humane values that will carry on in future generations and it is up to US to do so.

Posted by: Annoula Wylderich | January 7, 2010 01:46 PM

For anyone who has asked about adoption, here is a quote from the local newspaper: "None of he animals would be available for adoption. The SPCA would place the animals with reputable organizations such as zoos and sanctuaries to ensure they do not go back into the pet trade business or are not released into the wild."

Posted by: Charlie | January 7, 2010 02:04 PM

This info always gets me so angry... Makes me wanna put the responsible people in a freezer to "euthanise" them. That'll teach 'em...
Good thing all my pets come from shelters.

Posted by: Tijmen | January 7, 2010 02:08 PM

I get my dog food from Petco, BLUE. It is very high quality food, I think I will contact the manufacture about this and see if I can either buy from them directly or change dog food, even though my little guy loves it!

Posted by: Anna | January 7, 2010 02:09 PM

I'm glad that all of these animals have been rescued but I have zero confidence that the city of Arlington, TX (to whose custody they have been awarded to by the judge) will treat them any better. Especially when one of the a**holes running USGE is working next door at the Fort Worth Zoo. Those motherf Aussies running USGE should be tied up in the outback and left to be slowly gnawed to death by dingos. But in our backwards-a** country, those guys won't even go to a local lockup. But smoke a joint in front of a DEA agent and get 20 years in a federal pen.

Posted by: Rich Feit | January 7, 2010 02:11 PM

The world is facing an unending battle:

Good people and animals
vs
evil people.

As simple as that.
All animals are good. No animal can be described as evil.

It is up to the good people to shine the spotlight on these sick scumbags who infest our planet and cause unending suffering to innocent animals.

Posted by: Richard Dunbarton | January 7, 2010 02:40 PM

Susan T summed it all up perfectly:
"Please, for God's sake, DON'T BUY ANY ANIMAL WHEN LITERALLY THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS ARE WAITING, PATIENTLY, FOR SOMEONE, ANYONE, TO TAKE THEM HOME! People that want strange, exotic creatures don't really care about a relationship with an animal. They're more interested in bragging to anyone who'll listen that they own a wallaby, or lemur, or a python snake. These animals DON'T MAKE GOOD PETS! Why would anyone want to desire to possess a creature that has no interest whatsoever in a relationship with you?"

Nobody should BUY ANY animals for 'pets', there are millions of stray cats, dogs, and other animals in shelters, who need loving owners, we don't need any animals being sold in shops, born to suffer and die for some scumbag's profit margin.

Posted by: Richard Dunbarton | January 7, 2010 02:43 PM

There ought to be a law against shipping and selling animals. Nobody should disturb them for a profit. Look at these animals and the condition their in? Whose to would know what goes on behind the black curtain?

Posted by: Michelle | January 7, 2010 03:04 PM

This kinda Sh*t makes me sick. i know we all talk about the need for action against animal abuse but what are we ACTUALLY doing? i think maybe a couple rallys or sumthin would be nice. with numbers comes power and us peta members have power. im telling you all to take action!!!!!! we must do more.

Posted by: Morgan L | January 7, 2010 03:09 PM

One wonders why the Peta investigator just documented this torture instead of taking action sooner. I know Peta needs to gather evidence against people before it can act, but surely if animals have been left without food or water then action needs to be taken, and not wait until they are dying en mass?

I support Peta as much as the next guy, but if this investigator documented conditions without taking drastic steps to prevent these animals' suffering, then he is as responsible as the owners of the company.

Posted by: chris | January 7, 2010 03:18 PM

This is probably one of the saddest most horrific stories I have read within Peta that involves so many animals. And to think right here in Texas!!!
Me being an animal lover of all types was very saddened to see so many of these precious animals being tortured the way that they were. The owners should be made to pay an exuberant amount of fees to cover the loss of these poor babies as well as made to participate for the humane society to properly care for animals instead of torturing them. Any type of mistreatment would account for more fees that would need to be incurred.
They also need to be on the inside of the prison system in overcrowded cells to get an idea of what confinement is like.

Posted by: Sherri | January 7, 2010 03:19 PM

good work peta.. Hope these beautiful animals gett goood life=) from now one.. I hope we could hear about these animals in future how they do <3

Posted by: Minttu | January 7, 2010 03:27 PM

Wow..the things people do, it literally makes me sick!! How can these people even sleep at night knowing what is happening to these poor animals?! I just dont understand, but it really makes me so happy to know that while alot of them died, the ones who were still alive were rescued and are now being treated the way they should be!

Posted by: Katie | January 7, 2010 03:30 PM

What is going to happen to the rescued animals? Are they going to be put down?
My God i hope not.

Posted by: Jewel | January 7, 2010 03:32 PM

Just an FYI. Most snakes should only be fed weekly to biweekly. In general people feed their snakes too much in captivity. Most species should always have access to fresh water though. The only exception would be desert snakes where high humidity would cause skin conditions. As herpetologist, this makes me sick and as a human I'm at a loss for words.

Posted by: Chris | January 7, 2010 03:39 PM

These undercover investigators are unsung HEROS. Beyond inspiring, great work PETA!!

Posted by: Slawomir | January 7, 2010 04:05 PM

People that do these acts of torture and cruelty towards animals should have the same down to them. I hope these people rot in prison, which is too good for them. Castration comes to mind for them. No animal should ever suffer at the hand of humans. I will never buy anything from stores such as petsmart, petco or others that have any part of such terrible acts.

Posted by: Jena | January 7, 2010 04:46 PM

I've never bought from a big brand store ever, but after seeing this im shocked to think that people actually do this.

I've grown up in a small town where the pet store gets animals from people around town and you can go to thier houses and see how they are treated and these animals are loved from day one. Why cant everyone do this?

Its unnatural and I dont see how a city/state/ province even allows someone to get a buisness permit for animals without seeing this?

Is everyone turning a blind eye to this???

Posted by: Amanda | January 7, 2010 04:51 PM

If any of you sick people are on this website how would you like to be crammed in a small space and never aloud love, care, water or food..if you are ever caught and i hope you are i wish you are starved untill you die..You are sick and shouldnt deserve to live!

Posted by: Chloe | January 7, 2010 05:11 PM

OMG OMG OMG OMG........ THIS IS SO NOT OK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Liz | January 7, 2010 05:11 PM

Forgive me, but I would love to beat Jasen and Vanessa Shaw. There is no legal punishment sufficient for this type of predator. They need to feel pain like these poor creatures did. This is going to sound nuttier, but it is for situations like this that I want God to exist. I want punishment of an eternal nature for crimes of this magnitude. Yeah, but the Good Sheperd allows factory farming to exist so he may not be of any value. However, f you Shaws. A pox and worse on your house. You belong in a pit and we all get to spit on you.

Posted by: Brian | January 7, 2010 05:34 PM

How ridiculous is this? Is it normal to treat animals without respect? IN this society - I find that we have become to insensitive to feelings that we are just looking at an animal aas something without feelings - THye are made to be treated as we should treat one another - Read the Bibile - I am so upset that I know I have spelling errors and I teach scince - this is horrifffc - stop please

Posted by: Peggy Lovick | January 7, 2010 05:59 PM

This kind of thing goes on all over the world. Thanks to groups like PETA And the Sea Shepherd Society People are becoming more aware and are being given the opportunity to do something about it. Keep on signing those petitions and boycotting companies that enable the perpetuation of this abuse.

Posted by: Glynis Martin | January 7, 2010 06:24 PM

This is so disgusting, and it's not just this company, it's one of very many. Check out the Rainbow Exotics videos. Absolutely repulsive.

Posted by: Sarah Baugh | January 7, 2010 06:29 PM

So what is better to do?? Buy our pets from Petco to rescue what we can or to not buy from Petco? It seems either way we dont win. I'm nto sure enough people will stop going to Petco to put them out of busines. So sad!

Posted by: Stacey | January 7, 2010 06:35 PM

Jenelle Yesh if you love animals do not EVER buy from petstores no matter how good there animals are treated you still don't know they could come from a place like this and you could be suporting it. Please buy from breeders and rescues. I got my rats from this breeder who recuses rats so I safely know every penny I give her goes tword her taking care and taking in more rattie rescues.

Posted by: Nikki | January 7, 2010 07:41 PM

Does PETCO thoroughly investigate their pet providers? If not, it is a failure of accountability. If they do, then they are a disgusting institution who should have exposed their provider for what it was, deplorable and abusive to animals. I am not educated on the topic so I don't know what their practices are, but either way they are responsible for the suffering these animals endured.

I completely support adopting from shelters, although this may not be a possibility for everyone. Be educated in your choices to adopt or purchase an animal. Do research.

Here is my concern, and this may be naive: what happens to those animals not purchased from a PETCO? They have clearly survived unbelievable odds to arrive at that store. Do they not deserve a home? Of-course I know the rules of supply and demand. The more we buy, the more they supply. I am still in a quandry over what is best in this situation. I would love the answer of someone more educated on this matter!

Thanks

Posted by: Christine | January 7, 2010 07:44 PM

Oh my, what a horrid thing to do. PETA, you are amazing. Well done on the seizure. I'm crying, that poor wallaby. The Government needs to start donating a hell of a lot of money to PETA rather than over paying football players like David Beckham. Well done PETA.

Posted by: Kylie | January 7, 2010 07:44 PM

Oh my gosh the slideshow and video almost made me cry! I feel really bad for these poor animals! Can't they prosecute them?!

Posted by: Kelsey Neighbors | January 7, 2010 07:54 PM

This is atrocious, and these people should be locked up for a long time. Each time I watch a video here I always feel terrible afterwards, but like they say: truth hurts.

I honestly couldnt stop hugging my dog after viewing this.

Posted by: Carlos | January 7, 2010 07:54 PM

I am NZer and so totally ashamed of these sick morons! Come back to KIWI land and face us you weak excuses for humans! They should be exported back and NEVER allowed to have animals again! TRhis is wrong and we all need to stand up and say NO MORE! WE'VE HAD ENOUGH!

Posted by: Cindy | January 7, 2010 08:42 PM

Well done PETA, I will certainly be passing this news along to as many email friends as I can, these sort of people disgust me and they only see these creatures as "profit", Rabbie, Australia.

Posted by: Robert (Big Rabbie) | January 7, 2010 08:45 PM

I breed sheep, cattle, goats, and pigs, and sell the lambs/calves/kids/piglets for meat at slaughter age. What's wrong with breeding? Nothing. With careful breeding, you can improve the species, rather than let the diseased/not fit keep breeding. I cull my animals vigorously and send them to slaughter. There's no need for them to be producing more of a genetically invaluable animal. Some mature animals I do sell to other breeders to get my genetics out to the public.

Posted by: Kay | January 7, 2010 08:59 PM

Those two owners, and the staff, should be locked up in a cramped cage or plastic container, without food, water and medicine. See how they like it. I've never bought from pet stores. Never will.

Posted by: Nicholas Gysi | January 7, 2010 11:18 PM

I can't fathom how anyone can allow such cruelty to go on. The video made me cry hysterically. I worked for a pet store once for a little while, and it saddened me how badly the animals were treated. For example, when I suggested vet care for a lizard that looked off, the owner said "it would be cheaper just to let it go." I quit, of course; I just can't understand how things like this can go on. How can someone consciously look at an animal in pain and NOT do everything they can to help them? It's absolutely terrible. Money should not be more important than the welfare of animals, and human greed is a disgusting thing. I can say with first-hand experience that pet stores should not be allowed to sell animals, and any ones that do should be shut down. ADOPT, NEVER BUY!!!

Posted by: Laura | January 8, 2010 12:26 AM

One person writing (above), asked how they can get a pet...dog, cat, rabbit, etc. without buying from someone disreputable.

As some writers said there are many rescue groups and shelters out there where you can ADOPT a pet, and most may screen you to make sure the pet will be going to a good home. Go to your nearest veterinarian(s) office and ask them for names and phone numbers of rescue groups/shelters in your area. Check the phone books for shelters. Try GOOGLE to find names of cat/dog/rabbit, etc rescue groups. Most rescue groups work on a foster home basis only. There are many out there just waiting for you to call and adopt.

By the way, if it wasn't for PetSmart's adoption centres in the US and Canada, many of the cats that we groups rescue, it would be much harder for us to find homes for our pets.

But I've always wondered about the other small animals and birds I see in the PetSmart stores, where they came from.

Congrats to PETA for a great job well done is saving the animals in this story.

Posted by: Merle | January 8, 2010 12:27 AM

Kylie....You are so right about not overpaying sports people and giving the money to PETA!
How about DAVID BECKHAM giving some of his $$$$ to this cause?? Maybe Victoria could buy a few less LEATHER/FUR products and donate to PETA!!

Posted by: Sindy | January 8, 2010 12:27 AM

Well Done peta. People who can do this to animals dont deserve to breathe..........

Posted by: Carla | January 8, 2010 03:24 AM

Heartbreaking...I only looked at the photos but it was more than enough for me - I can't watch the videos because they make me cry. I cannot comprehend how people can be so numb, if not cruel to animals for profit. I never knew that the big chains like Petco and PetSmart were guilty of buying from these kind of suppliers. It certainly is an eye-opener.

I'm so thankful that there are animal rights groups to be the voice for these poor creatures.

Posted by: donna | January 8, 2010 03:25 AM

Ugh. This is sickening. How could people do this? And fyi what liz & christine said I found highly offensive both as a christian and a turtle owner said I find highly offensive

Posted by: kaity | January 8, 2010 04:08 AM

It is horrific how people can treat animals like this! What a shame for humankind! I hope these people will be strongly punished for the agony they caused to all these animals and that they will never have contact to any animal at all!

Posted by: Muriel | January 8, 2010 04:16 AM

Thanks from the bottom of my heart for closing USGE. They don't deserve any kind of animals. Now the survived species of animals can try to lead a normal life, bless them all.

-Animal Lover

Posted by: Sam | January 8, 2010 05:47 AM

i feel so sad,watching the video make me feel so bad for these poor animals!these people should go in prison for that...peta thank you for what yor are doing,i will support you all the time..

Posted by: sabina | January 8, 2010 06:18 AM

They are not getting my money and I am telling everybody I know.

Posted by: Nina | January 8, 2010 06:18 AM

WOW its my birthday today and what a story thats pictures have broken my heart

Posted by: Mark | January 8, 2010 07:33 AM

Congratulations are in order for the Investigator and support staff who worked this case. Seven months is a long time to work undercover observing and documenting such horrid conditions. I know how satisfying it is to see an outcome like this to fruition. Well done PETA!

Posted by: Gardner | January 8, 2010 07:48 AM

This is sickening and horrifying, PETA does such tremendously good work to expose these horrors. Humans have no right to torture, imprison or neglect the beautiful, defenceless living beings who share our world. The legislators need to wake up and toughen penalties to a far greater level. PETA deserves all the support that all of us can give, in every way! Shame on successive governments for not taking the issue of cruelty far more seriously! You are not serving the wishes of the majority of decent, compassionate people. That poor little wallaby must have endured a hideous death, in such an alien environment, apart fom his/her family, and left to starve or die from lack of water, a totally helpless, innocent little being suffering such hellish torture, also for birds designed to fly free in the endless sky, or a magnificent big cat, confined to a tiny jail for the rest of their life, for the 'amusement' of callous humans, also the needless laboratory testing they all must wonder when their torment will end. We ALL need to raise our voices to make sure it ends NOW!!

Posted by: Helen Sayers | January 8, 2010 07:56 AM

I have always thought something was creepy about PETCO and Petsmart and after reading this article and researching this the last few months, I have so much respect for all of you and animals. This has made my day knowing that there is hope for these animals. Good job!!

Posted by: Julia | January 8, 2010 10:02 AM

Please see that these people NEVER again can allow innocent creatures to die such horrible deaths. I hope that they are forced into destitution and live on the streets where she can sell her self and he can be her pimp!

Posted by: Barbara Smolinski | January 8, 2010 11:06 AM

I can't understand how they allow such neglect, even if they don't care about suffering, losing their profit through death and deformity of the unfortunate creatures doesn't seem to be a concern for them. Please now go on to the next expose.

Posted by: IRENE WYNNE | January 8, 2010 11:16 AM

I feel so bad for buying a guinea pig from Petco now. I will definitely never buy from them again!

Posted by: Caleb | January 8, 2010 12:31 PM

It is quite sad..however I don't think it's fair to say Petco people treat their animals badly...that's a huge generalization and I've met plenty of employees who do work there because they love animals.

Petco especially has worked with adoption agencies in stores, Petfinder.com, and even Peta, which is why you don't see any anti Petco campaigns created by Peta. I for one blame these animal warehouses. Hope my comment appears as I think it's important people focus on some of the progress and not just all the bad that we have left to fix.

Posted by: Dani | January 8, 2010 12:34 PM

Unbelievable that it is still allowed to make money on animals this way. There should be better laws against this or otherwise definately very regular and thorough inspections in companies that have these type of animals to check they are very well treated and get enough food and water and are kept in better facilities than this. And if this does't happen these companies should be closed rightaway. Better to forbid companies that sell animals completely. This is just horrific. I have never bought any animal from these type of companies and never will. I always advise people around me also to get animals from animal shelters.

Posted by: Jolanda van Haaster | January 8, 2010 01:56 PM

This is cruelty and injustice on a massive scale. Thank for exposing it, PETA!

Nonhuman animals need to join human animals as persons, not property, under the law. They should not be treated as commodities to be bought and sold for human use.

End the pet trade and all other forms of speciesist exploitation!

Posted by: Brandon Becker | January 8, 2010 03:06 PM

Watching this is a terrible experience. Many people would rather turn a blind eye and say "well I treat my pets well... what else matters"? The ignorance of society is nauseating. Many people would say that animals shouldn't even be pets. The truth is, in our current world, we are overrun with human beings and animals are placed on the back burner of importance. The only thing we can do is to treat those we keep as pets or those we raise for food (Should the case be) with as much respect as possible and death of any animal should be in the most humane way possible. Nothing about the deaths of the animals in this video were humane. A freezer? Are you kidding me? Thank you to PETA, and the brave Investigator especially, for your hard work exposing this intolerable excuse for an animals-related business. I hope that together, we can take down those abusers who have slipped through the legal cracks.

Posted by: Ashley S | January 8, 2010 03:41 PM

Without the work of PETA Investigators across the board these acts of barbaric nature to other species across the globe would continue to occur without deterrence.

I applaud them for their hard work in bringing justice to those without a soul.

Posted by: Jon Hillis | January 8, 2010 05:14 PM

It's horrible to see those people try to animals that way without being aware that they also feel like anyone

Posted by: marha elisa | January 8, 2010 06:37 PM

I totally agree - I live in NYC and constantly complain to store managers how horrible they are to the pets and fish - everything is dirty and depressing when you enter their stores.

Posted by: CL | January 8, 2010 08:52 PM

Never buy an animal (non-human or human). It just causes more to be enslaved to satisfy the demand. Stick with adoption.

Posted by: John Davis | January 8, 2010 09:12 PM

These actions are simply horrific. And it makes me even angry that I live so close to this (right on the outskirts of arlington). I have seen questions about adopting these animals and giving them a chance at a good life... The were seized by the aspca of Dallas... I think, for anyone interested. The excuses these people made for not getting these animals help is completely inexcusable. How can they sit there and say 'we're losing money when these animals die. we can't help how they act. it's just how they are. there is no helping them.' That is the dumbest excuse I have EVER heard! Maybe these idiots just didn't want to get caught! I'm just so ashamed for their behavior, and it's sad and infuriating.

Posted by: Jessica | January 9, 2010 05:51 AM

this have to stop no more killing! how you feel if someone did it to you! stop horrible they are to the pets and fish.. everything is unkind and depressing when you enter their stores.. stop stop stop now!!!!

Posted by: Maria | January 9, 2010 08:02 AM

well done PETA! Its a shame that alot of these animals died before you's came along :(

Posted by: Taska | January 9, 2010 08:32 AM

Never buy an animal (non-human or human). It just causes more to be enslaved to satisfy the demand. Stick with adoption.

Posted by: John Davis | January 9, 2010 08:42 AM

I am speechless and most of that waste of human flesh getS away with this until thousands and thousands of animals are neglected, abused, killed. I can't find the right words for that. I only wish, and that would not bring these poor creatures back to life, do to them what they did to these animals. I HAVE NEVER BOUGHT AN ANIMAL FROM A STORE, AND WOULD NEVER DO IT. I ALWAYS ADOPT THEM FROM SHELTERS.

Posted by: Romy | January 9, 2010 09:21 AM

Why don't you show such things in the TV's in Europe??? Especially Swiss and Austrians show in their breaktimes during a movie spots for Greenpeace, Unicef and others to open up peoples eyes. Most of them really don't know. Would be great, if you could do this in Germany too. But there only the cinemas show spots like this. And it's worth it to try.

Posted by: Budweiser Monika | January 9, 2010 10:43 AM

Those poor babies! I do not see how people can be like that! It rips me up emotionally so bad to just think about it! Good job of the bust to all involved!

Posted by: Trey Lynch | January 9, 2010 11:03 AM

Soda bottles? Tupperware? Cardboard boxes? The inhumanity of all this makes me feel sick. All those poor animals who suffered...it's just awful.

Posted by: Caroline | January 9, 2010 12:44 PM

PETA Investigators are hero's!!!

Posted by: Debbie Broomfield | January 9, 2010 02:14 PM

It is humans - always - in their arrogance and need for something new, who create the processes by which all species are trapped. Do not be too confident - remember the countless abandoned human babies, abused and misused. We forget we are a species that can be killed, skinned, eaten, caged, beaten, forgotten. Once we understand that, we can effect a change in ourselves and how we live in this world.

Posted by: Jenny M. | January 9, 2010 08:55 PM

on top of the awful conditions, a lot of these animals are forcibly inbred over and over again, so mice and rats sold at petco have a huge array of diseases, i have two rats. And before buying them i researched the store for about two weeks, thankfully they do the breeding themselves, and always make sure there animals are healthy. this sickens me.

Posted by: Joseph | January 9, 2010 11:01 PM

Poor Animals, the people who did that to them are sick! The investigators are Heros they deserve metals

Posted by: Storm Machinine | January 9, 2010 11:43 PM

Omg, it's so inhumanely horrible. I swear never ever buy pets from these or other animal shops. Really, good job peta!

Posted by: Egle | January 10, 2010 11:23 AM

Not buy from petco?!? I know the people at the petco where I live and all the workers there know a great deal about the animals and take great care of them. they work there because they love animals. i agree that those conditions are horrible however. pets should only be sold at places that specialize in pets, like petco. petsmart specializes in supplies.

Posted by: John | January 10, 2010 08:06 PM

The dealer should go to jail. This is deplorable.
He should get a taste of his own style.

Posted by: Debbie | January 11, 2010 12:10 AM

everything seems to have been said,but shame on these people the Shaws who come from my country New Zealand,there in hiding of course and blaming the people they left in charge,gutless wonders thety are,does anybody have a photo of them?Peta should have a hall of shame of all the staff that work at these house of horrors,including the staff at ringling bros as well,let the public know what these a holes look like

Posted by: andrea | January 11, 2010 04:04 AM

if his brain was as big as his heart he would of thought to feed the rodents that had allready died to the starving snakes

Posted by: nickhicks | January 11, 2010 08:10 AM

It's a sad world when you see things like this going on, and it's even worse that a lot of people out in there don't care. Well done PETA great work.

Posted by: George | January 11, 2010 08:12 AM

My heart is broken after watching this. Leave the animals in the wild!!

Posted by: Sheri | January 11, 2010 11:52 AM

Well, I too think it is absurd what these pet stores get away with and how they treat their animals. Just the other day i was at PETCO and it was TERRIBLE!!! Some workers there were cracking jokes about how "clean" the animal cages and aquariums were... when they were absolutely FILTHY!!! These people should be sent to jail!
I saw over 100 fish in a small aquarium, cats in mini cages with their feces right next to their sleeping and eating area...it was all over the place. PETA, please look into the PETCO here in LAREDO, TX! That place is so cruel to their animals.

Posted by: Renee | January 11, 2010 01:52 PM

After watching this video it not only made me cry it made me very angry, It show how crule and assinine their care takers can be, and the pet industries don't do anything about this its not right. People need to do something about it and change the way they are treated, but obviously our government is to blinded by what they want, what they need to a f***ing thing about its not right and those people should be put in JAIL!!!!!!!!! :[

Posted by: John | January 11, 2010 04:23 PM

there is no respect for our animals when money plays the centre stage its only business who cares. Animals have no rights they have no voice man has used and abused them throught the ages.

Posted by: Ann | January 11, 2010 04:32 PM

Why is Doss now in care of the frogs when he is the one that testified on behalf of USGE and backed up that they did nothing wrong?! It seems very misleading and makes me question his ability to foster them back to health!

Posted by: Amanda | January 11, 2010 07:00 PM

WE ALL LOVE THEM BUT DID YOU KNOW
THOUSANDS WILL DIE WHY MUST THEY GO
THEY ARE INNOCENT LITTLE CREATURES WITHOUT A VOICE
AND GIVE THERE LITTLE LIVES WITHOU EVEN A CHOICE
THEY ARE PICKED AND POKED EVERYDAY
I SURE WISH THERE COULD BE ANOTHER WAY
I OFTEN THINK ABOUT THIS ORDEAL
AND WONDER AT TIMES HOW THEY MUST FEEL
BUT WHAT CAN I DO, OR WHAT CAN I SAY
AS THEY GO THROUGH THIS ABUSE EVERYDAY
DO THEY HAVE FEELINGS? DO THEY HAVE A MIND?
THESE THINGS ARE STUDIES THEY NEED TO FIND
WE USE THEM FOR COATS AND SHOES AND MORE
IS THIS WHAT GOD REALLY PUT THEM HERE FOR
I KNOW THERES NOT MUCH I CAN DO
BUT SHARE MY FEELINGS WITH ALL OF YOU
THERE MIGHT BE SOME THAT REALLY DONT CARE
BUT I FELT IT WAS SOMETHING I HAD TO SHARE
IT MAKES ME FEEL BETTER THAT I’M SPREADING THE WORD
AND WHO KNOWS IT MIGHT EVEN SAVE A BIRD
SO HERES TO ALL THE ANIMALS WITHOUT A CHOICE
I’M HERE FOR THEM; I AM THEIR VOICE!

Posted by: Amanda Manuel | January 11, 2010 10:54 PM

I have never bought any animal from a petshop and never will. I have always found my dogs at the animal shelter and let me say they have been and are my best friends/children. I love my dogs so much that i have them tattooed on my arm so that when i'm not with them they are still with me forever. Any animal that is rescued or from a shelter loves so much more because they know how bad things can be. All they want is to be loved and given a second chance. I ask all my friends and anybody that will listen to adopt/rescue animals from shelters because they are so worth it and more affectionate and saving them. I truly believe that all petshops should be banned from selling any live animals. Go PETA investigators (you are undercover heroes)

Posted by: C Hayes | January 12, 2010 02:01 AM

I started to cry as I saw the poor wallabe slowly die. How can these people live with themselves knowing that they starve and torture animals. I was also amazed by how the private invastigator was able to not blow his cover. Thank you Peta for stopping horrible people like these.

Posted by: Louise | January 12, 2010 04:40 AM

Why/how could it happen? Hey! It happened in Texas! Animals are possessions as far as these folks are concerned. It'll take a whole lot of you compassionate Yankees moving south (the weather is great! The cost of living decent...but Lord! the ignorance and inhumanity can be sooooo depressing). But, if more Yankees move south and help us change what is considered socially acceptable--the whole country wins!

Posted by: mks281 | January 12, 2010 08:09 PM

Get a stuffed animal instead!!

Posted by: dave | January 13, 2010 08:05 AM

I don't understand how any person could turn away from the suffering these animals were so obviously subjected to. And it's about money! I have never seen such an ugly display of capitalism's grasp on the modern world, everything now is a commodity to be sold, even life (this of course applies to humans affected by consumer culture as well).

Posted by: leah | January 13, 2010 12:42 PM

People still dont get it, humans have no right to capture, breed, buy, confine etc any animal. They were here first, people wonder why they have wild animals in their backyards or why there exotic house pet attack urban sprawl for one and tigers are not domestic leave them alone. People who remove animals from there natural habitat and forced to live in man made cages should be made to live the same way and suffer the same pain, isolation, fear and misery all the animals do. We have no right to play god/mother nature. I always end my comments by saying to everyone who follows animal rights and takes time to right please go a step further and take action, real action....Be a voice for the voiceless we can all make a difference

Posted by: jodi | January 13, 2010 04:04 PM

as i am typing this,i am crying so hard i can hardly see what i am writing.i can only hope that the people who are responsible for this abomination die a slow and painful death,just as these sweet innocent animals did.petco and petsmart are nothing but animal abusing scum.

Posted by: LuAnne | January 14, 2010 10:20 AM

Global Exotics was taking hundreds of thousands (probably millions) of animals out of the wild. Whether they were being mistreated may be debatable - but it is not debatable that what this company has been doing for years is bad for the species and bad for the ecology of the ecosystems these species come from. The public and pet trade still doesn’t realize that what is happening in distant parts of the world does have a global impact that one day will affect all of humanity.

Posted by: JPBoosinger | January 14, 2010 12:14 PM

Does anyone know anything about Selmer's Petland in ny? I am considering a small bird from them and want to make sure they aren't involved in horrors like that.

Posted by: Linda | January 14, 2010 04:46 PM

How do we find about about adopting the animals resuced from this place? I would like to help out and take one or two!
I used to have an African Pygmy Hedgehog and that little one on the PETA page broke my heart! :( I'd take him in for sure!

Posted by: Maggie | January 14, 2010 06:57 PM

Oh my gosh. I watched the first ten seconds of Glass Walls and I just started balling my eyes out. I am completely appauled by what these people think they can do to these thousands of animals. I can even compare these kind of treatment to the Holocaust or to the slave trade. I'm that disgusted.

Posted by: Artemis | January 14, 2010 10:22 PM

Thank you so much for making a difference! It is very depressing to know that people are treating animals like this, but also reassuring to know someone is trying to stop it.

Posted by: Aurora Johannesson | January 15, 2010 09:04 AM

I work at Petsmart and alot of this crap that is said is not true. We take care of every animal that comes in there including the crickets. When animals are not doing well we send them to the best vet ever. We treat them better than we treat our selves. Not all petsmarts are like that so before you down grade petsmart as a whole get your facts straight!

Posted by: Chassity | January 15, 2010 10:59 AM

A few of you asked, so: The Humane Society of North Texas is currently caring for these animals (at a cost of $8000-$10000 daily). They will NOT be placing the animals up for adoption but are working to find them homes at zoos, aquariums, etc.

Posted by: Valerie | January 15, 2010 11:39 AM

i am so sickened by these kind of companies where they have no hearts whatsoever all they care about is there profit and not the health of these little animals, they have absolutely no choice of a good life they will never be able to be in a loving home which hurts me the most because they are animals that will be the unfortunate ones to die for these people stupidity this is exactly why i will pursuit my career in animal welfare and legislation

Posted by: deniseflores | January 15, 2010 12:34 PM

Absolutely DESPICABLE. Does it never cross these people's minds how it would feel to be shoved in a small crate with 20 other humans and no room to move, or how it would feel to have their leg cut off and left to bleed? Because that's exactly what these animals feel. It's always about money... how shameful. Fantastic work PETA on stepping in and stopping this for good.

Posted by: Tiffany | January 15, 2010 03:45 PM

I don't get companies like this. Why do they have to be so cruel? It is very tempting to buy those rabbits, hamsters and other cute (yet miserable looking) caged pets at places like Petco and Petland. I feel liked I'd be rescuing them. I used to buy cat food for my pets from Petco but after this I'm through. I'm going to e-mail them too and get rid of my discount card. Infuriating.

Posted by: AP | January 15, 2010 06:28 PM

Oh my gosh, thank God I don't buy animals, I only adopt and I got my cat from my mom's friend's cat who had kittens, and my cat, Shadow, is one of those.

Posted by: Lyly | January 15, 2010 08:41 PM

me and my best friend bought guinea pigs from petsmart (before we watched this) and they died from namonia. same with the maccaw..

Posted by: haley | January 16, 2010 02:16 PM

This is disterbingly shocking and insensitive. How on earth can these poeple get away with something like this? (Guess because there is so much of this going on all around) I will never EVER buy animals at Petsmart of petco again! I am going to encourage my friends to do the same.

Posted by: Rachel Shaffer | January 16, 2010 03:07 PM

I know adopting is good, i just bought my first pet, a betta fish from petsmart though. dont you have to go through like a screening and stuff? my parents wouldnt feel comfortable someone walking through our house and stuff. its just a huge hassle.

i fell into the trap of thinking bettas could be in small bowls, but i did research and now my female betta is in a 3 gallon filtered tank.

i wish i could save all of those fish :(

Posted by: Cassidy | January 16, 2010 08:31 PM

Animal trade wether as house pet or lab animal is worst thing in world. Animals are natures beautiful creation and they shouldn't kept in cages or tied to poles. They should kept free. And i think peta is doing great job of rescuing these animals. I was, I am and I will be always with PETA in its every Mission to help poor animals.
Also PETA should raise voice against animals kept by Temples in India and Nepal. Like elephants, Horses and other animals.

Posted by: Ajay Shinde | January 16, 2010 08:47 PM

I hate people like this. All they gain is money from this. Materialistic s***bags. Go PETA, I will forever support you!

Posted by: Albert Kornas | January 17, 2010 09:58 AM

somebody please tell me this is illegal. how do people know about these atrocities and do nothing?!

Posted by: Mary Grayson Batts | January 17, 2010 12:34 PM

What you guys need to understand is that this place is an importer of animals for resale. If you want to be angry, be angry at the people who sent them sick, dehydrated, dying animals. I am not saying these foks couldn't have done a better job, but what I am saying is that on any given day, they would have recieved boxes with animals that were not in the best of health. They are sent this way by the breeders and importers. Also, snakes, particualrly ball pythons, don't need to be feed weekly, or even twice a month. Ball pythons will often go off feed on their own for months at a time. Plus...if they are not kept at optimumm temps...ie...85 degrees...feeding is a bad idea. If they are not warm enough, they can't digest the meals, and can become spetic. I dunno, this just smells of a setup to me. There are alot of things not being said here that i think should be said to be fair to all parties.

Posted by: Shawn Christian | January 17, 2010 05:47 PM

I'm glad there are people like this investigator out there, getting the real "back stage" information and footage on these pet stores. I'm proud to be working at an Animal Humane Shelter where we take in animals that are stray, abused, neglected and abandoned, and rehabilitate these animals to further be adopted.

Posted by: Andrew m | January 18, 2010 03:19 AM

I have loved animals for the longest time. and to see how a lot of animals are teated and to uncover all these secrets just hurts my heart. I just bought a puppy from PetCity. I think heis from a puppy mill. I am very upset but we have to stop these things fast.

Posted by: Amber | January 18, 2010 04:55 PM

Well, they were rescued, but what happened to them? where did they go? Anymore information would be nice.

Posted by: Jennifer | January 18, 2010 05:24 PM

While the conditions are deplorable, I can't help but wonder if the undercover investigator contributed just as much to the suffering of the animals if he/she just sat back and took videos instead of the doing the job they were hired for. It would make for better videos if they purposely neglected the animals they were in charge of caring for. Just saying...

Posted by: Brian | January 18, 2010 07:13 PM

Just to clarify to everyone: I am a strong PETA supporter, and I work for PetSmart in the Pet Care department in CANADA, so I can tell you this: we don't buy from Global Exotics, all of our animals are ordered from CANADA and they are all seperate from eachother ie: reptiles dont come from the same breeder as the small animals do. All ill animals see a vet and we sponsor local adoption agencies to hold adoption days.

Posted by: Gabrielle | January 19, 2010 01:53 AM

I'm not amused to read about you undercover employee! USGE stands for animal suffer and nobody helped before the seizure on December 15.

Posted by: Jay | January 19, 2010 08:18 AM

Do not shop Pet Smart!

Posted by: Lizann Hope | January 19, 2010 04:57 PM

OK to pet supply stores, not OK to pet stores. We just got our 5th dog, from an individual who would be taken all the left over puppies to the shelter. Why on earth do people rationalize spending outrageous amounts on animals? The best ones come without a price tag! On a personal note: The people found guilty should be punished by forcing them to live how they are making these animals live...they wouldn't make it a single day!

Posted by: MikeNAmyS | January 20, 2010 12:25 AM

I'm only sixteen but watching this video made me want to cry. Since I was five years old I have always loved animals and would cringe just seeing a dead animal on the side of the road. When people ask what I would like to go to college for I always say, "Anything to do with helping animals in all ways." Watching this made me realize that helping prevent this kind of treatment is what I would love to do. Animals have souls and deserve to be happy just as if they were little kids. My family has also even taken in strays for me because I couldn't stand to see them out in the cold. We now have four rescue cats, (one that has feline AIDS and HIV) and a dog. I hope that one day I will be able to take in and help others take in any animal that needs a deserving home wether it has scales, fur, or feathers.

Posted by: Stormie McGee | January 21, 2010 01:08 PM

Watching the slides made me cry, as always witnessing these horrors cuts me deep inside. To think this is just the tip of the iceberg .. so many billions suffer, and for what? I applaud those who have the courage and strength to go undercover and unravel these horrors. It must be indescribably hard to watch such cruelty up close and personal. And yet ... this is really what its all about, isn't it? Not to hide our heads in the sand (what we don't see cannot hurt us), but to be brave and face the cruelty, so that we become aware and can make concious choices to not participate in these practices, for example by no longer being part of the consumer market these creatures are sold to.

Posted by: Maartje van Pelt | January 21, 2010 03:13 PM

Thanks for showing us this as hopefully it will wake the public up to these organizations that sell these little creatures.

Posted by: TAwnya Sullivan | January 21, 2010 03:20 PM

I really don't understand how someone could watch an animal suffer. I am so glad PETA stepped in and stopped their cruel doings. It just makes me think how many other organisations are out there getting away with things like this.

Posted by: Alanah | January 21, 2010 03:59 PM

Thank you Peta, and keep up the brave, amazing work you do. This sickening video is a wakeup call for anyone who thinks that buying a wild animal is a good idea. How long can Jasen and Vanessa and Ari go without water? food? care? This disgusting place is truly hell on earth.

Posted by: Keay DG | January 21, 2010 05:09 PM

Never again. Never again will I step foot inside Petco. I hope these heartless "people" are prosecuted with 26000 counts of felony animal cruelty.

Posted by: toni | January 21, 2010 05:28 PM

I cannot believe the filth and disgusting living environment these poor animals had to live in. Why take these animals out of their native habitat only to kill through a slow painful process. I hope the owners of this store get the same treatment they gave their animals....no food, water, and crammed with hundreds of others for weeks at a time.

Posted by: Dominique | January 21, 2010 05:45 PM

Every time I see a Petco or Petsmart, I get super upset. I flick the stores off most of the time, and I would never, ever set foot in one of those damn places again. It's horrible that animals are treated this way, and being a turtle LOVER, I wouldn't mind adopting all of these 12000 turtles! Peta, you have no idea how much you are helping animals around the world. Thank you so much, It is people like you that keep the feeling of hope inside me.

Posted by: N.K. | January 21, 2010 09:04 PM

I am just heartbroken after watching this video it took me 10 minutes before I stopped crying and I really don't know what is going on in humans to treat any living being in that way. What sick sick human thinks it is okay to remove an wild animal from it's habitat and sell it to another sick human, who thinks it is okay, to put a wild animal in a cage for his pleasure. And I can not believe, that anyone really caring and loving animals would actually go to facility's like this one and buy from them. The judge should order,that they should experience what those poor creature's have gone through. My heart is with every animal what has suffered and has died under those horrific conditions! OHMG and we call ourself zivilised!!!!

Petco and Petsmart can go to hell even if those are the only two stores left selling animal food, I rather cook for my cats and dogs, than ever ever putting another foot into their stores.

To all the members of PETA you ARE HEROS!!!!! Angels for all the Animals!!!

Posted by: Jasmin | January 21, 2010 09:55 PM

You can become part of the solution by volunteering your time with the Orange Ribbon Animals at Risk Awareness campaign begun by Rational-Animal.org
The Pet Angel Project is bringing the campaign to Southern California. If you would like to participate contact animalangels07@hotmail.com
The cause for animal neglect and abuse needs to be branded with a color and a message. Help us spread the word

Posted by: thepetangelproject | January 21, 2010 10:17 PM

How can anyone watch that go on, i mean being an investigator for PETA and watching an animal suffer, how do they have the heart to do that..

Posted by: Tracey | January 21, 2010 11:26 PM

Major thumbs up to PETA!! You deal with absolutely every kind of horrific situation in order to help all animals. The Peta investigator should get an award, it must have been unbelievably difficult to sit there and be unable to help the animals at that point.

Posted by: lynn | January 22, 2010 02:29 PM

All of those people should get a life sentence! nothing else! no mercy!

Posted by: kora | January 22, 2010 03:10 PM

Hi
Thank god for peta, alot more animals would be dead if it wasn't for peta. Just wondering what are the rich people in America doing with there money, not much it seems. I live in Australia thank god, alright we have alot of crap goning on here, our protection law for animals sucks, hopefuly one day the law might change.
Regards
Kathy

Posted by: Kathy Kardos | January 22, 2010 03:30 PM

God, I've gotten lots of fish from petsmart.Congratulations for your undercover work. Petsmart is going to give me a frog without a leg today. Maybe this will save him,but will this promote their store?Rebecca

Posted by: Rebecca Hipolito | January 22, 2010 04:17 PM

Yes, by the accents they are from New Zealand. These low life scum need to do jail time. They were willfully negligent and clueless about animal welfare.

I would have thought that someone would need a license for such an operation, with very strict requirements. What happened to the laws for controlling this kind of thing?

There are a lot of people to blame here, from law makers through to the moron customers.

Posted by: justice for all | January 22, 2010 05:04 PM

These many injustices towards animals are a reflection of the culture of death in this society. Abortion is just another horrific symptom as well. Protect and value human life and then the problem with animal cruelty and killing will wane to extinction. It's not rocket science people, choose life.

Posted by: Kristine | January 22, 2010 05:29 PM

This is devistating.

Posted by: Wendy | January 22, 2010 10:46 PM

This is devastating!!
PETA great job!! I hope PETA gets all the support it wants!!

PETA ROCKS!!

Posted by: Ana | January 23, 2010 12:45 AM

Yes Annie.
The snakes would have been dying.

I watched the video and found it disturbing. Those poor animals did not deserve the cruelty they have suffered.

That poor wallaby was so weak, it couldn't stand up and get about. It was awful seeing it after it died.

Big ups to PETA for stepping in and putting an end to that awful place.

Posted by: Emma | January 23, 2010 12:58 AM

I never buy animals from pet shops. I bought my dog from a shelter. When my dog dies, I'm getting another one from the same shelter. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK PETA!!!!

Posted by: Kate | January 23, 2010 04:05 AM

Thanks PETA. You're the ones standing next to those poor, mistreated animals. Individuals can't do much, we must unite forces to end this cruelty. If people do not start thinking with their heads that animals can feel hunger, thirst, pain, fear, they will never have the advantage of being called human sapiens.

Posted by: Natalie | January 23, 2010 05:51 AM

We shouldn't need organisations like Peta. But we do need them. The trade in animals must be stopped. It's cruel and abusive. It's all about money-making. The animals are often cute - but cute or not, none of them deserve to be treated like this. So I think the trade should be banned. How can people run pet wholesale companies like this?

Posted by: Richard Bowell | January 23, 2010 06:22 AM

I buy golfish at Petsmart. I guess they must be the 'smart' ones and give you 2 weeks to return the fish if it dies and they'll replace it. Each and every fish I have bought from this store hasn't lasted more than 2 days. I have 2 separate tanks. We're talking goldfish..feeder fish...the real cheap guys and the easiest fish in the world to own. I've seen tanks with dead fish caught in the filters in many many tanks and just left there. The staff are run off their feet trying to fill tanks and clean them and give service etc etc. Their budgie cage is full...30 or more in a cage than at the most should have 4 birds...the food is in a dish at the bottom of the cage-and the price for these birds is outrageous. Funny though...Petsave (local organization) will bring their cats there for adoption (they have a room separate from the rest of the store with largte viewing windows)- kind of a double standard here I think. I won't go there again after seeing the video and wasting money on sick fish. Petsave should do the right thing and sell only pet food ans supplies but they won't make the big bucks that way.

Posted by: Agnes | January 23, 2010 11:55 AM

This was extremely distressing, it made me cry as I watched the animals dying & suffering, I could feel their suffering. It beggars belief that such an organisation could have operated with so many animals, they just did not care whatsoever. Peta have done a great job in exposing & shutting them down. The two owners are a disgrace to humanity & I am ashamed of being human. Toss them in a pit with no food and water and see how they fare.

Posted by: Sussannah | January 23, 2010 05:56 PM

great work! unfortunately, we have such petstores in Belgium as well. I haven't bought animals there, but I have heard stories about them.
what I don't understeand is that someone like Ari Flagle is allowed to work in a zoo (and with frogs!) after what he did. they should allow those people near animals! I cant even understeand why people need to have a snake of a frog as pet. there not domestic animals, leave them in their own habitat, leave them in the wild, leave them alone!
cats and dogs have been domesticated for years, so they are a part of our civilisation (although they have a story that's as sad as this one). I cannot understeand why people treat an animal like this. how can you let an animal suffer and not look back?

Posted by: Kathleen De Badrihaye | January 24, 2010 03:39 PM

I really hope that all of you who are so outraged by this footage are VEGANS. Millions of animals suffer and are killed each day in order to feed the human appetite. If you have not watched "Earthlings", you may want to see that the pet trade is minute compared to the holocaust going on with farm animals. Or perhaps people still delude themselves into thinking that the burger they're eating came from a happy cow who lived a full life and didn't have to endure transportation and the terror of slaughter. The lady that posted she works at a pet store, but is a strong supporter of PETA, has turned a blind eye to what PETA really believes. ANIMALS ARE NOT OURS TO EAT, TO WEAR, USE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, EXPLOIT or EXPERIMENT ON. Working in a pet store and saying you love animals is bullsh**. You don't sell your friends like they are mere objects. And being a resident of Canada myself, I know that our system is NO better than the USA. Canadians only care about money and make it however they can on the backs of animals. Our welfare laws are slack and enforcement understaffed. Our universities kill thousands of defenseless animals for testing, our chicken barns are filled with battery hens, our dairy cattle are constantly AI so humans can suck on the milk meant for their babies, zoos and rodeos are alive and well. We need way more PETA power and activism in Canada. Start sticking up for ALL ANIMALS you "animal lovers".

Posted by: Jane | January 24, 2010 04:36 PM

What happens to these animlas post-rescue? How do these companies obtain these poor creatures in the first place?

Posted by: Josi | January 25, 2010 03:52 AM

Shouldnt be shocked, heard it all too often, be it animals used for food, labs, fur, pets, and we can condemn asia, africa, whilst in america,s and europe we still get barbaric treatment of animals, be it illegal, the punishments are not harsh enough. Vile and sickening that we humans cause so much suffering to other species, dont need to.
l hold me hand up to having had snakes, terrapins, rabbits hamsters cockatiels etc as pets, well cared for, still wild animals who would not choose to be pets.
The ideal would be to only have pets that you can allow freedom to and they choose to come back to you, re dogs, cats, horses, any pet that will return of its own free will.
Wildlife parks and conservation centres aside, as they sadly are needed to preserve and breed.
They would pack ornaments with more care, just about money profit. So sad and so infuriating.

Posted by: lynne | January 25, 2010 08:02 AM

its disgusting to think that there are heartless people that neglect these poor innocent animals. karma will come back to ge them in due time.

Posted by: joanna | January 25, 2010 09:36 AM

When I was growing up, my mother told me to never buy a pet froma pet store. I always got my dogs from the animal shelter. I am 56 now and I guess nothing has changed. I never have and never will buy my pets from a pet store.

Posted by: Karen Allen | January 26, 2010 10:31 AM

I love watching horror movies so i started watching a movie name SEED that was made in 2007 and it was a true event i started screaming as soon as i started watching it how they was torturing and killing DOGs i think thats what they where witch it doesent matter someone should do something about this crazy people they deserve JAIL for lifetime normal people dont do this if u love yourself u will love animals too pls im begging u anyone STOP this this should STOP immidatly

Posted by: Elida Dida Murphy | January 26, 2010 05:20 PM

This is absolutley disgusting and I am so angry right now I could explode.

Posted by: JR | January 26, 2010 09:26 PM

these criminals should be put in prison; cramped in a small room with dead bodies; no bed, no water, no toilet; no food; no blanket or bed; and left to rot.

Posted by: Donna | January 27, 2010 12:25 AM

Another excellent job Peta!

Posted by: Danielle | January 27, 2010 06:49 PM

Disgusting. Disgusting.
no other words. I'm so angry right now. this link is becoming my facebook status.
good work on the whistle blowing peta!

Posted by: Lori | January 27, 2010 07:00 PM

I believe it should be HARDER for people to buy ALL animals. No more going to pet stores and picking them out. We should have to travel to a place where the animals have space and opportunity to live and enjoy life before being brought to someones home. Also I think people should be screened to see if they can handle the type of animal they are purchasing!

Posted by: Selina | January 28, 2010 02:33 AM

Although I have no particular love for PETA or their methods, I agree with them that this is clearly a case of egregious neglect. I also hope that the owners are prosecuted to the limit of the law.

Posted by: Randy | January 29, 2010 03:58 PM

PLEASE EVERYONE, please tell others what you know! when you see information like this, just make a conversation of it to one person at least, then if they know someone who participate in the slave trade they MIGHT speak up.

I have happily made a donation.

Posted by: mish | January 30, 2010 03:47 AM

Great work! One of the reasons I joined PETA a few days ago!

Posted by: Dave | January 30, 2010 08:57 AM

This is horrible!! I watched the a few seconds of the video and cried for these poor animials!! They were put on this earth for us to live with, not to treat like this! Everyone think i'm just a hippy because i'm a vegan, but I don't care, I am going to make sure everybody I know gets the link to this! I might only be 13, but i still know this is wrong!!

Posted by: cassidy rae | January 30, 2010 11:40 PM

This is a price that unfortunately had to be paid by these poor, beautiful animals.
BUT, if we ALL scream & shout about it long enough & hard enough, it may not be in vain.
Let's fight those cruel & spineless people out there, make them know that IT'S NOT OK!!!
Positivity will change things, I really believe that.

Posted by: Anne | February 1, 2010 06:20 AM

As an aspiring 'Overcomer' of the Barley Company of Jesus Christ's Ecclesia I am praying to God that all, AND I DO MEAN ALL, those who worked at this warehouse of thievery, pain and misery made against the innocent little animals of God's earth pay for every scerrick of their vile. inhuman, unconscionable behaviour towards these defenseless creatures of God in the same way they tortured them for their precious job and eventual profit. Jason and Rebecca Shaw, you willl know personally the tortures of all the animals you have caused untold suffering too, along with your sleezy verminous attorneys. Know that you are truly hated and deserve to die slowly and horribly and my prayers to God are asking for this to occur to all you 'possessed-by-greed' vermin. The Earth would be a better place without you. Go die slowly and horribly animal-torturers.

Posted by: Andrew Kotka | February 3, 2010 11:36 PM

How difficult I find it, to contain my anger and outrage at the human waste products who ran the operation!!

Posted by: Topper | February 5, 2010 05:50 PM

Since I don't believe PetCo
nor PetsMart deal in exotics,the attack on that note should be directed at the illegal trade.
However,
PetCo and PetsMart
SHOULD be accountable in the area of researching their live animal sources, and the conditions of the holding facilities.
WTG PETA!!

Posted by: J Scheer | February 6, 2010 07:57 AM

I had barely read the article and looked at the pictures before i found my eyes flooded. i can not believe that first of all, people can have the lack of conscience to be able to mistreat such precious and harmonious beings and secondly that the trade of exotic animals out side of zoos is legal in the U.S. It makes me sick how easily people can take the life of an animal, merely because they can not talk in their own defense. what's money worth when there is blood on your hands and your reputation tarnished? nothing, like what happened here,they've lost their business, respect, home and have had to crawl back to their country and keep their heads low in total shame. they deserve worse.

Posted by: Susannah | February 12, 2010 03:17 AM

these creeps at US Global were dealers, not breeders. there are reputable breeders out there. Many breeders actually like their animals, and went into the business because they loved it, and they give their animals very nice conditions.
US Global obviously did not deal with reputable breeders, as it would have cost more money, and they were obviously only concerned with making money.

Posted by: John Sharpe | February 15, 2010 09:58 PM

CRIMINALS!!

Posted by: l.r. | April 7, 2010 06:27 AM

Serious question here: what, if any, good has ever been done by mankind for this world? Are we doomed to only try to repair the considerable damages we've done to everything on this planet?

Why should our existence rain horror upon everything else? Name something we haven't tortured (including ourselves) or decimated or abused?

I hate people. We deserve what's coming to us--all of us. Those who do these evil things and those who do nothing but cluck and cry--DO SOMETHING!!!!

btw, back in January, poster Paul brought up that old argument about 'we have more important things to worry about...' Really? Can we not multi-task? Can I not care for animals as well as people? Not mutually exclusive...my heart hurts--going to listen to Hamster Dance.

Divine Being (your choice), bless PeTA. How your undercovers don't simply take these scum out back and hurt them...takes patience. I suppose if you can look past this for now toward the greater good goal.

Posted by: Karen | April 10, 2010 01:01 PM

I cried when I watched this video and slide show. This is un-imaginable!!!! I hope with all my heart that these cruel, in-humane bastards are locked up in a tiny cell with nothing and left to starve to death.

Posted by: Michelle | April 12, 2010 03:46 PM

I had the pleasure of helping to rehabilitate one of the ferrets that was rescued from that place. She was severly unsocialized and was terrified of people. She would charge you and bite anyone who came near her. After a few days of playing with her and letting her know that not all people were horid and uncaring she warmed up to me. She started to play,running, jumping, and chasing even the cat joined in the fun. Before I returned her to the rescue home so that she could find a permant home I would lay on the floor and she would run up and give me kisses on my face. Animals like ferrets are some of the most passionate and caring creatures on this planet and to have them treated the way these people do is UGGG! I do not have a better word than intolerable. Please if you are considering a pet of any type look into adoption first. There are so many lost souls out there jusst waiting to find a family to love them. If people will band together and adopt from shelters and rescues petstores will be forced to either close or reform to the standards that they need to be at for the animals quality of life.

Posted by: Heather Ashe | April 14, 2010 03:29 PM

@Amanda M- Great poem- did you write it? I would totally post it on FB with permission!
@ PETA- I'm in Arlington but new to the area and I'm shocked to hear about this! Does anyone know if they actually got shut down after the crimes? I should hope so.

Posted by: Kayla | April 21, 2010 01:48 AM

What an eye opener for me to see and hear the owners. Jason and Vanessa Shaw of US Golbal Exotics be so money hungry to not feed, water and house the poor creatures in their care. They should go to prison for this cruelty. I will never buy my cat food from PetSmart, Petco or Petland again. I will only purchase pet food from stores that do not sell animals. Thank you PETA for this undercover operation. I'm sure it must have broken the heart of the poor guy doing the reporting. I hope he was able to get some R&R afterwartds.

Posted by: Bonnie Morrison | April 28, 2010 03:08 PM

This is horrible, thank heavens these poor creatures were helped, at least the ones who had not died a torturous death yet. Pet stores must NOT be allowed to sell animals I wish this could be stopped.

Posted by: Jenny | May 4, 2010 08:37 AM

I do not know if I could do what the undercover investigators do. They sacrifice SO MUCH for the good of the animals. They are very special people and I wish to thank them all. They all deserve to be honored.

Posted by: Susan Ballarini | May 4, 2010 11:33 PM

Thank god for these private investors of PETA and all the other great animal organizations that put a stop to all this hidden cruelty and abuse to such innocent animals. what the hell is wrong with people that they have hurt a helpless animal. I wish all the evil, heartless, brainless fools who do this would fall of the planet and burn in hell where they belong. Thank God for the good people in this world who stand up and do the right thing and expose the trash these people are so they can be brought to justice and make sure it doesnt happen again!

Posted by: Nikole | May 29, 2010 04:05 PM

I am absolutely horrified. Watching this slideshow makes me want to puke. I could not even finish it. Thank God that the surviving were saved, but the horror put before them and their deceased brethren is too great for me to even face.

Posted by: Sala | June 1, 2010 03:35 PM

sometimes when i see stuff like this, i want to go and buy all of them and give them a better home, but then that would be supporting them too. i guess seizure's the only way now.

Posted by: Michael | June 2, 2010 02:06 PM

These people disgust me. The people responsible for this mistreatment of animals should be be starved and left to rot in their own feces. Maybe they can feel what the animals felt. Thanks for giving me another reason to be disgusted with how ugly some people can be.

Posted by: Krissy | June 7, 2010 04:44 PM