Petland Reacts to USDA Decision

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio, Feb. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As the regulatory agency for the enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides a valuable service to the entire animal world.  Petland recognizes the dedication of the USDA staff, who devote their careers to ensure animals are being cared for properly and in accordance with applicable laws. 

On Friday, February 3, 2017 Petland became aware that USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website no longer provided public access to breeder inspection reports.  It is Petland's understanding the decision to remove access is an effort by the USDA to protect the privacy of certain information.  While Petland appreciates and respects the USDA's decision to protect privacy, this decision creates added burdens on responsible pet stores, such as Petland.

"This decision by the USDA places a significant burden on Petland as we must now obtain USDA inspection reports from individual breeders," says Joe Watson.  "While we applaud the USDA for protecting licensee privacy, we encourage USDA to find a balance that affords both privacy and public transparency."

Along with breeder visits, Petland stores utilize USDA inspection reports to ensure we are buying from breeders who meet our company standards.  USDA inspection reports are an objective evaluation of the care provided by breeders thus providing pet stores and consumers the ability to differentiate between the best and the worst kennels. 

Petland, Inc. is a franchise operation with quality, full service retail pet centers across the United States, Canada, Japan, China, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil and El Salvador. For more than 47 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.

Contact: 
Elizabeth Kunzelman,
Director of Public Affairs, Petland, Inc.
740-775-2464

SOURCE Petland, Inc.

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