PetSmart sells rats and mice—the same animals the corporation targets and condemns to a slow, agonizing death in glue traps—as "small pets."
Glue traps are one of the cruelest pest-control devices on the market today. They are completely indiscriminant, capturing not only rats and mice but also birds, squirrels, snakes, gerbils, and other small animals, even kittens. Animals who become stuck to these boards often suffer for days before finally succumbing to starvation or dehydration. As the animals struggle to escape, the strong adhesive rips patches of skin, fur, or feathers off their bodies. Many animals chew off their own limbs trying to free themselves, and others get their noses, mouths, or beaks stuck in the glue and suffocate.
In 1997, PETA received PetSmart's written assurance that the company would end the use of glue traps in its stores—but the company's promise was a lie. In 2004, PETA began to receive letters from PetSmart employees and customers who were horrified by the use of glue traps in PetSmart stores. In his written response to their concerns, PetSmart CEO Philip Francis stated that he believed this crude and cruel method of removing unwanted animals is "generally accepted by the public".
Animals who are caught in glue traps suffer immensely, stuck helplessly to a board until they are thrown in the trash (most glue traps advise consumers to "[d]iscard mice and glue tray" regardless of whether the animal is dead or alive). Click here to read more about glue traps.
