Sadly so, it is easier for the authorities to shut such a place down due to a building code violation rather than the mistreatment of animals. One local to us a few years ago was shut down on an electrical bldg. code violation... they have since opened up shop in a new location. Same bad treatment of the animals. 
I have in the past walked through many pet stores on LI.. one specifically with the word Depot in the name. I have called and filed many reports with the local AC.
You see the laws the way in which they are written are so bare minimum by what "good" care actually is, that these animals can live in filth and still be okay for sale. These places are also all about location, location, location. Industrial zoning brings an entire new set of rules to the mix in the favor of stores such as puppy mills and what have you.
The best thing you can do is... yes make the reports. If nothing else it will give the shop owner a headache for the day when the people come out to check on licenses etc.
But most importantly, buy NOTHING from any pet store that has such practices. Any money given to these businesses keeps them open. Tell everyone not to shop these places, anyone that will listen. Typically you will see me being escorted out of such places like BTJs Jungle because of my question asking. Why this? Did you know that? etc. They don't like having to explain their unethical practices to some nosey woman.
The original shop that caught fire was also a disgrace, but a few months ago when we went to this location... this is by far worse. I have resolved myself to the fact that we won't go there anymore at all. It makes me ill.
I have in the past walked through many pet stores on LI.. one specifically with the word Depot in the name. I have called and filed many reports with the local AC.
You see the laws the way in which they are written are so bare minimum by what "good" care actually is, that these animals can live in filth and still be okay for sale. These places are also all about location, location, location. Industrial zoning brings an entire new set of rules to the mix in the favor of stores such as puppy mills and what have you.
The best thing you can do is... yes make the reports. If nothing else it will give the shop owner a headache for the day when the people come out to check on licenses etc.
But most importantly, buy NOTHING from any pet store that has such practices. Any money given to these businesses keeps them open. Tell everyone not to shop these places, anyone that will listen. Typically you will see me being escorted out of such places like BTJs Jungle because of my question asking. Why this? Did you know that? etc. They don't like having to explain their unethical practices to some nosey woman.
The original shop that caught fire was also a disgrace, but a few months ago when we went to this location... this is by far worse. I have resolved myself to the fact that we won't go there anymore at all. It makes me ill.
