I can't speak for all Petsmarts, but the one in which our adoption
center is located, and several other branches with which we have
contact on a regular basis,  go to great lengths to ensure proper
treatment of pets.  I can say this with reasonable certainty because
two or three stores use our vets, and the others use affiliated vets.
Judging by the number of vet calls for very minor problems would seem
to indicate that these animals are well treated and looked after.
Also, *all* of the personnel I have come in contact with are ardent
animal lovers.  This is evidenced by the gentleness in which they
treat *all* of the animals.  Its highly unlikely a store that donates
cases upon cases of Nutro, Iams, Science Diet, etc. and hundreds of
pounds of litter, cat trees, dog bones, beds, leases/collars, etc.,
and spends hundreds of thousands of dollars a year on veterinary care
would allow any mistreatment of animals.

As I mentioned, I can't speak for all Petsmarts, but the ones I have
direct contact with certainly do not fit in the same category  as the
ones mentioned in the UK.  Perhaps its an isolated instance involving
stores in the UK, because there's certainly no evidence to support or
indicate mistreatment of animals in any Petsmarts I have personal
knowledge of.  You know me, Helen, I *look* for things like this - my
tolerance for animal abuse is less than zero.

All cats and dogs in *all* Petsmarts are in the *exclusive* care of
rescue organizations.  Birds, reptiles, amphibians, rodents etc. are
the property of Petsmart.  This report is typical media sensation and
convolution to give the impression of a large scale crisis when in
fact only certain individuals are guilty - not the entire
organization.  We here in the US are fully aware of the destructive
potential of media vultures - they lost a war for us and international
and national respect.

 This matter could have been handled much more carefully without
endangering the lives of hundreds of animals.  A supported threat is
sometimes more effective than actual engagement - assured
"destruction" is a very persuasive instrument to ensure compliance
This type of irresponsible media sensation usually results in the
euthanasia of hundreds of healthy animals because many people will not
patronize the stores and adopt/buy animals - an awful price to pay so
a few vultures can get their names in headlines. After all the
sensation has passed, all that will remain is the smoke from the
cremated animals, and that, too, will dissipate.

Phil.
--
"How long does a cat stretch?
          From one end of my life to the other"
Feline Healthcare - http://maxshouse.com