It is a FACT that many animals are upset by fireworks, and a significant percentage of them have full-blown panic attacks. Some animals will do anything to escape, and as a result, many are also lost around the 4th of July. None of this is news to readers, but apparently it is news to Chillicothe, Ohio-based Petland, Inc., which is sponsoring the 2023 July 4 fireworks show in Chillicothe. “With his donation to the Chillicothe Rotary Foundation, the fireworks display is expected to be bigger than last year’s impressive display,” says a story in the Chillicothe Gazette.
Given the distress we know fireworks can cause to pets, it’s almost hard to believe that a pet store chain would support fireworks. Which makes it all the more confusing, on their website, as of 2020, Petland presents reasonable ways to keep dogs safe during fireworks, noting, “Awesome light shows may be entertaining for us, but they’re terrifying for Fido.” » Now they’re sponsoring something terrifying for Fido.
Of course, businesses should support community events where they take place. However, it is one thing to support a pet adoption event and another for a pet store chain, of all businesses, to support an event that instills abject terror in so many animals. Again, this channel supports the sale of puppies, which inherently means it supports mass breeders, including puppy mills (because no responsible breeder ever sells to a pet store).
The first Petland store opened in Chillicothe in 1967 and the company has maintained its headquarters in the community for 56 years. Since its inception, Petland has supported community programs designed to improve the lives of pets and people living in the communities it serves. A franchise operation, Petland has locations across the United States and in seven countries.
Petland President and CEO Joe Watson asked people to leave their pets at home and not take them to the fireworks display. But what about all the animals that are at home and suffering? If Mr. Watson fully understood, the company would support a laser light screen or drone screeneither one being as impressive as fireworks, but much more humane and also environmentally friendly.
There is a series of video materials on the Petland websitecalled Petland’s care. But are they really?