> I truly share your concerns about animal abuse, whether it comes from
> the private sector or commercial enterprise.  However, how does
> boycotting a company, that appears, from what you posted, to be
> attempting to address their problem areas, help?

> ""Petsmart says it is absolutely determined to make whatever changes
> may be necessary to get things right. It says:
> "We have strict animal welfare procedures and we want to make sure that
> all our staff know about them and stick to them. To help us do this, we
> are setting up an external Advisory Panel, made up of
> independent expert consultants, veterinarians and educators to
> investigate immediately all of the issues raised and carry out a
> comprehensive review to make sure we do things right. We are also in
> contact with the RSPCA who have agreed to review on paper our
> standards and procedures."

> Petsmart have also set up an Animal Welfare Hotline for staff to use
> and asked the company vet to review every one of the 92 stores. This
> will be followed by spot inspections by a team of managers. Petsmart
> says it has many experienced and dedicated staff around the country who
> are passionate about the care and welfare of animals, who share it's
> concern over Weekend Watchdog's report. ""

> It appears to me that a boycott, at this time, would more than likely
> send the message that nothing they do is going to be satisfactory.

> Certainly, the policies outlined above should be tracked, and all
> violations should be reported.  If the company does not live up to
> their, apparently new, "standards and procedures", then a boycott most
> certainly would be in order.

> It appears that the company has already acknowledged a problem and has
> taken positive steps to address same.  I guess the argument could
> always be made that these steps are not enough, but since the company
> appears to be in a receptive mode, a correspondence to them with
> recommendations would seem to me to be more in order than a boycott.

> Again, I do share your concerns, just disagree with the boycott
> approach, in this case.

> To all readers, I have zipped up my flame suit and am awaiting
> incoming.:^)

> Don G.

> Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
> Before you buy.