STATEMENT REGARDING PETLAND STORE IN FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA

(Chillicothe, OH, April 2, 2019) – Petland, Inc. is shocked and horrified at the allegations of today’s news report regarding the Petland store in Fairfax, VA as it relates to the mistreatment of rabbits and has immediately begun its own investigation. The store is individually owned and operated by a local family.

This information is appalling and in no way reflects the values, policies and procedures demanded of Petland stores. Petland is saddened and outraged at this alleged gross violation of Petland’s animal care standards. Petland, Inc.’s VP of Animal Welfare is currently on his way to the store to conduct a thorough investigation. We are further disappointed that once again, HSUS did not reach out directly to us in January when they claim this occurred so we could immediately investigate and instead, we were notified by a reporter this morning. As a matter of fact, HSUS’s John Goodwin, who is quoted in the story, met with Petland’s VP of Animal Welfare two weeks ago and made no mention of any concerns. This further reinforces our belief that their interest is not animal welfare, but the furtherance of their political agenda against pet stores.

Petland puts the health and welfare of its pets first and does not tolerate any mistreatment of animals. Petland will take any and all action necessary as this does not, in any way, represent the culture and dedication to animal care of the thousands of caring Petland employees working across the country every day.

Petland, Inc. is a franchise operation with quality, full service retail pet centers across the United States, Canada, China, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil and El Salvador. For more than 50 years, Petland Pet Counselors have been dedicated to matching the right pet with the right person 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.