Petland Responds To PETA’s False Claims

Petland, Inc. is aware of recent false and misleading claims being circulated in the media by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Contrary to PETA’s public statements, Petland has not received a cease-and-desist letter from the activist group, nor other communication from PETA regarding the allegations. Additionally, Petland has not seen the complaint PETA filed with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, which is closed today for the Veteran’s Day holiday.

“PETA’s latest one-way battle is nothing more than a tired publicity stunt to heighten brand awareness
during its annual fundraising season,” said Petland Communications Director Maria Smith. Unfortunately, attacks against a reputable business such as Petland generates the publicity PETA and other activist groups crave to help separate kind-hearted people from their hard-earned money. We recommend people always donate to their local shelters, to ensure every dollar is being used to care for animals.”

An organization like PETA, known for euthanizing animals in its own care continues to mislead the
public about responsible businesses like Petland. A recent report by the Centers for Environment and
Welfare provides insightful detail into how PETA and other animal rights activist groups operate.

Petland is committed to the health and welfare of all pets. We believe everyone should have a choice
when it comes to the pet that they prefer to bring into their home – for whatever reason. If that is buying
a specific breed or the desire to raise and train from puppyhood, we believe people should have that
choice. In addition, Petland proudly partners with the most regulated and inspected breeders in
America, and we offer our customers one of the industry’s leading pet health warranties should it ever
be needed.

Petland is a strong supporter of pet adoption and supports local shelters and rescues with large-scale
donations of food and supplies. Additionally, Petland’s works with shelters across the U.S. through its
Adopt-A-Pet program. Since the program began in 1998, Petland has worked to help successfully find
homes for more than 350,000 homeless or unwanted pets nationwide. Petland stands by its mission to connect loving families with healthy pets, and to support responsible pet ownership through education, transparency, and care.

Media contact:
Maria Smith, Communications Director
maria.smith@petlandinc.com
740-775-2464.

Petland, Inc. is a specialty pet retail franchise operation with nearly 250 global locations. For nearly 60 years, Petland pet counselors have been dedicated to matching the right pet with the right customer and meeting the needs of both. To its customers who already have pets, Petland is dedicated to enhancing their knowledge and enjoyment of the human-animal bond. Petland was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in south central Ohio.

For more information on Petland, visit www.petland.com.