Protest Planned At Major Pet Store In Marin County Calling For End To Live Animal Sales

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Animal rights activists plan to protest outside Petco in San Rafael this weekend, calling on the company to stop selling live animals in its stores.

The demonstration, organized by the animal rights group Direct Action Everywhere, is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Petco store at 375 Third St.

According to the group, the protest is part of a statewide campaign to expand California's existing ban on the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores to include all animals.

"At Petco, our commitment to the health and safety of the pets in our care is unwavering and a responsibility we take very seriously," A Petco representative told Patch in a prepared statement. "Our companion animal care standards were developed with veterinarians and external counsel from experts in animal care, behavior, ethics and welfare. They are continuously reviewed and always extend to our vendors, who must also pass a vendor certification and standards program that includes unannounced audits of their facilities."

Direct Action Everywhere claims many of the animals sold at Petco stores come from industrial breeding facilities or are taken from their native habitats. The group also states recent investigations at Bay Area Petco locations found sick animals, overcrowded enclosures and poor living conditions.

More California News:

• 3 Still Missing As Rescuers Try To Raise Sunken Boat, Piece Together Deadly Accident: Reports
• Teenage Girl Falls To Her Death Near Big Bear Dam
• Cyclosporiasis Diarrhea Parasite May Be Tied To This CA Fast Food Empire

The organization said its investigators observed overcrowded fish tanks containing dead fish and dirty reptile enclosures at Petco stores in San Francisco and San Mateo. It also claims employees reported some animals remained in stores for months before being discounted for sale.

"If a companion animal in our care ever requires medical attention, we take steps to provide it," Petco told Patch. "We empower our store teams to communicate each pet’s needs to prospective pet parents and provide a care sheet with every pet to help ensure families are fully equipped to support their pet's long-term well-being. To help set all families up for success, we strictly prohibit the sale of live animals to minors without parental consent."

The protest comes as some Bay Area communities consider restricting retail animal sales.

In May, the Albany City Council voted to draft an ordinance banning the retail sale of live animals, while San Francisco's Commission of Animal Control and Welfare voted to recommend a similar ban to city leaders.

Direct Action Everywhere said it hopes Saturday's protest will encourage Petco to voluntarily end live animal sales at all of its stores.