Take Action: Sample Letter

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Dear ________:

I am impressed with the quality of animal care products that your store offers and would very much like to become a regular patron of your store. However, like many conscientious consumers I avoid shopping at stores that sell live animals. I hope that after considering the following you will choose to eliminate the sale of live animals in your store.

Individuals who purchase animals in pet stores often do so out of impulse without fully understanding the commitment required to provide life-long care for the animal. As a result of irresponsible human decisions, each year thousands of animals are surrendered to local shelters and rescues only to be destroyed due to lack of space, funds, and adoptive homes.

Incidents involving substandard care of animals at pet stores are routinely reported to animal welfare organizations, because stress and potential for disease transmission is inherent in the transport and holding of animals in a retail environment. And, because there is an inherent conflict between ensuring profits and caring for the stores' animals, even when sick, the actual or perceived mistreatment of animals in pet stores is unavoidable.

By choosing not to sell live animals you will eliminate the possibility that your store contributes to the number of unwanted and abused animals in this country.

Eliminating the sale of live animals, however, does not necessarily mean that your profits would suffer. The sale of animal products, food, toys, cages, etc., will ensure continued profits and a store savings may be realized by eliminating costs for in-store animal maintenance. Moreover, the positive public relations incurred from such a responsible decision will also benefit your store's bottom line.

Please appreciate that I am contacting you on this issue because your store provides a valuable service to our community by providing quality products for companion animals, and I feel that the elimination of live animal sales will be in keeping with your store's otherwise professional style and image.

Thank you for your consideration of this issue that is of great concern to me and to many other animal lovers.

Sincerely,

(Signature)