PETA Accuses Major Retailers, Including Walmart, of Bullying

Big-box businesses are known for carrying a wide range of products, from groceries to electronics to pet supplies. However, some of these retail giants have come under fire for their partnerships with companies that engage in cruel and exploitative practices at the expense of animals. Despite their immense influence and power, these big-box bullies prioritize profits over the well-being and rights of animals. It is essential for consumers to be aware of these unethical practices and choose to support retailers that are more socially conscious, such as Target and Costco.

One such big-box bully is PetSmart, a popular destination for pet supplies. PETA investigations have revealed shocking instances of animal cruelty at PetSmart’s suppliers, including Reptiles by Mack, a reptile mill in Ohio. Animals at this facility were found crammed into filthy, crowded plastic bins, deprived of water, and denied veterinary care. Sick and injured animals were cruelly killed through gassing or freezing. This is just one example of the inhumane treatment of animals in the pet industry, and consumers are urged to avoid supporting PetSmart until they stop selling live animals.

Similarly, Petco, another major pet retailer, has been criticized for its sale of live animals, including betta fish. These fish are often confined to tiny plastic cups with minimal water, leading to high rates of sickness and death. PETA investigations have uncovered neglect and cruelty in the betta fish industry, yet Petco continues to sell these animals in cramped containers. Consumers should consider the suffering of these animals before making a purchase at Petco.

Walmart, a retail giant known for its low prices, has also been implicated in animal cruelty through its suppliers. One such supplier is an egg factory in Ohio that supplies eggs to Walmart under its Great Value brand. A PETA investigation revealed appalling conditions for nearly 2 million hens, including overcrowding, neglect, and inhumane euthanasia methods. Additionally, Walmart profits from Thai coconut milk sourced from suppliers that use monkey labor. Monkeys are abducted from their natural habitats, fitted with metal collars, and forced to pick coconuts. Despite ethical alternatives available, Walmart continues to sell coconut milk from these suppliers.

These big-box bullies have the power to make a positive impact by evaluating their suppliers and holding them to higher standards. By prioritizing animal welfare and ethical sourcing practices, these retailers could set a precedent for the industry as a whole. Until they make significant changes, consumers are encouraged to support retailers that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices, such as Costco, Target, Wegmans, Cost Plus World Market, and Super King Markets. By choosing to shop at these stores, consumers can make a difference in the lives of animals and send a clear message to big-box businesses that cruelty will not be tolerated.