LOS ANGELES, CA, Nov 12 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS) and Animal Advocates
Alliance (AAA) are proud to announce that Aquarium & Pet Center in Santa
Monica, California, is converting to a humane business model. The pet
store, which has been in business for over 20 years, has decided to no
longer sell dogs from inhumane commercial breeding facilities, also known
as puppy mills. The Aquarium & Pet Center, owned by Mr. Scott Lee, will
now work with rescue organizations to promote adoptable animals from the
Los Angeles municipal shelter system.
The Aquarium & Pet Center had been the target of an ongoing investigation
linking the store to the Hunte Corporation, a notorious puppy mill broker
in the Midwest. In addition to dogs supplied from inhumane breeding
factories in the Midwest, some of the pups sold in the store were found to
be from an overcrowded and substandard commercial breeding operation just
outside of Los Angeles. This is the fourth store in Los Angeles to succumb
to investigations and protests by The Companion Animal Protection Society
in the past four months. The other stores no longer selling puppy mill
dogs include Elaine's Pet Depot, Elite Animals and Pets of Wilshire.
"We congratulate Mr. Lee, his family and his staff on their wise and
compassionate decision to become a humane pet store," said Carole
Raphaelle Davis, West Coast Director of The Companion Animal Protection
Society. "Consumer taste is evolving and retailers need to pay attention
in this economy. Shoppers want a greener car, cage free eggs and
non-polluting household products. They don't want a puppy mill pet. They
want a pet that is cruelty-free. Mr. Lee's decision is an enormous
victory for the animal protection movement and in the longer term, for
dogs and cats suffering in inhumane breeding operations around the
nation. The decision also has far reaching benefits for pets in the Los
Angeles shelter system, as they will now have an additional place to be
seen and adopted in up-scale Santa Monica. Now, instead of selling intact
animals from factories, the store will be a happy place to shop and
adopt, breaking the cycle of misery in the puppy and kitty pipe line from
factory to shelter to euthanasia. We encourage consumers to shop at
Aquarium & Pet Center now that they have gone humane."
Mr. Lee is proud of his achievement. "As I get closer to retirement," said
Mr. Lee, "I would like to make the right choice to help homeless pets and
educate and support the community in the process. This is a proud decision
for me and my family."
Phillip Gharabegian, of the Animal Advocates Alliance was also
instrumental in negotiating the agreement. "Animal Advocates Alliance is
pleased that Mr. Lee has committed to a humane business model," said Mr.
Gharabegian. "They have chosen to set a positive example for other retail
pet stores. Mr. Lee has now become a part of the solution rather than
supporting irresponsible breeders who profit from the dreadful suffering
of animals."
As a result of the agreement, the protests of the store will be called
off. The dogs that are currently in the store will be put up for adoption
at a celebration event at noon, on Saturday, November 14th.
CAPS had organized three weekend protests in front of the store. On
October 10th, the protest was interrupted by violence, when dozens of
animal rights activists were shot at by an unknown assailant with a high
powered air rifle, spraying them with two millimeter brass slugs. Two of
the protesters were slightly injured. The police investigation into the
shooting is ongoing and there is a $5000 reward for any information
leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter.
Media inquiries/interviews:
Carole Raphaelle Davis, author of "The Diary of Jinky, Dog of a Hollywood
Wife" and West Coast Director of The Companion Animal Protection Society,
can be reached at 310-990-5758
To reach Animal Advocates Alliance please contact Julia Cody at
JuliaC@AnimalAdvocatesAlliance.org.
Footage of protest:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcOxLBv2HEQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vZeYrlBLv0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cplTokQb-Bc
KTLA news story:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46El_8jhOjo
About CAPS
Founded by President Deborah Howard in 1992, Companion Animal Protection
Society (CAPS) is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated
exclusively to protecting companion animals from cruelty in pet shops and
puppy mills. CAPS actively addresses the abuse and suffering of pet shop
and puppy mill dogs through investigations, education, media relations,
legislative involvement, puppy mill dog rescues, consumer assistance and
pet industry employee relations.
Animal Advocates Alliance is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization
dedicated to promoting the humane treatment of animals through legal
advocacy, effecting social change through community education initiatives
and supporting animal rescue organizations.
Contacts:
Carole Raphaelle Davis
The Companion Animal Protection Society
310-990-5758
Animal Advocates Alliance
Julia Cody
JuliaC@AnimalAdvocatesAlliance.org
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