Feds Find Sick Animals at Petco Supplier Sun Pet

Please be advised this blog includes graphic imagery.

Sun Pet churns out hundreds of thousands of animals every year, shipping everyone from betta fishes to gerbils to parrots to pet stores across the US. Horrific abuse has been found at the mega-animal dealer for years. World Animal Protection just received more photos from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) showing sick animals at Sun Pet’s Atlanta facility.   

Guinea Pigs With Skin Lesions

During a November 2023 inspection, USDA inspectors found guinea pigs with skin lesions. One guinea pig had a large number of white lines carved in his skin, covering his entire back, neck, and both sides.

Hedgehogs With Bleeding Ears

In an enclosure holding 17 hedgehogs, six had lesions on their ears. Two had swollen ears with black, raised, crusty material, small open wounds, and reddened skin. Another hedgehog had an ulcerated bleeding lesion and thick black crust on his right ear.

Parakeets With Feather Loss and Scabbing  

Six parakeets had circular areas of feather loss at the base of their tails, along with scabbing.

More Sick Animals Found in November 2024 Inspection

The USDA’s most recent visit to Sun Pet found more suffering animals. A female hamster couldn’t open her left eye due to significant swelling. Two guinea pigs were so thin that their backbones were easily visible. Another guinea pig had multiple crusting skin lesions down their back and neck. Yet another guinea pig had multiple scratches down his back along with scabbing. No veterinary care had been provided to any of the animals.  

Stop Sun Pet’s Cruelty 

This abuse has gone on for decades. Yet chains like Petco keep buying animals from Sun Pet and selling them to unsuspecting customers.  

Stop the cruelty. Ask your city or county legislators to pass a law banning the sale of animals in pet stores and send a message to Petco and PetSmart execs demanding they stop selling animals.