Thought I'd post a copy of the email I just sent to petco.
"Hello,My name is Brent ----------.I am contacting you concerning the conditions which certain species are kept in your stores.I am fairly new to the saltwater/reef aquarium hobby,but I have done enough research to know the do's and don'ts of fishkeeping.
I am appalled at what I saw in your --------------- location.They had recieved a new shipment of marine fish, and they were packed in tiny holding tanks like cattle at a slaughter house.Certain species can't survive this kind of abuse.Tangs, in particular are very intolerent of such treatment. I saw about 25 tangs in one very small holding tank. I felt pity for them, as they were literally killing one another in such tight confines.Tangs, or sugeonfish, are also mainly herbivores, and they were all emaciated from lack of food.I know that it was a new shipment of fish that they just received, however you are also responsible for knowing where these fish come from, how they are caught, how they are kept and how they are handled.Out of my desire to try to "save" some of these fish, I purchased 3 tangs to bring home to my established reef aquarium.The "associate" employee who came to "assist me with my purchase" is very unqualified to handle any saltwater fish.She promptly got a small net, and began thrashing about in the aquarium, trying to catch the fish,and in the process obviously injured several fish. After about 10 minutes of doing this, I asked if I could assist her ( and try to catch the animals in a way that would be humane and not stressful.)She responded that she could get in trouble if she let me help.I immediately began to regret my decision to buy these fish, as I realized that I was supporting the capture and harsh treatment of more fish to replace the ones that I "rescued".
I'm happy to say that 2 of the 3 are making a recovery and appear to be very happy.However one specimen- a small Naso Tang-did not recover from the harsh treatment.
I would like to ask that you please be more conscious of what you are doing to these beautiful creatures. The keeping of these wild caught animals is not easy,and is not to be taken lightly.You, as a corporation are of course concerned about the bottom line- making a dollar.But there is a responsibility that we all have to make sure that we do all we can to be humane to these animals and make sure that they live long,healthy,happy lives in captivity.
If you wish to continue selling marine fish, you should at the very least, make sure the animals are handled and cared for PROPERLY while at and before they get to your store; educate your employees and handlers about these animals and how to do their job in a proper manner, i.e. keeping fish in seperate tanks, handling,and feeding them. Better still, replace the small holding tanks with larger tanks so the fish won't be so stressed while at your store, and educate the consumer before considering a purchase.Or pehaps you should reconsider your venture into the marine livestock business.
Untill some steps are taken to remedy the situation, I will not step foot back in your facility. Whats more I will make everyone else I know and some I don't know aware of the problems I have seen.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Brent ----------"
"Hello,My name is Brent ----------.I am contacting you concerning the conditions which certain species are kept in your stores.I am fairly new to the saltwater/reef aquarium hobby,but I have done enough research to know the do's and don'ts of fishkeeping.
I am appalled at what I saw in your --------------- location.They had recieved a new shipment of marine fish, and they were packed in tiny holding tanks like cattle at a slaughter house.Certain species can't survive this kind of abuse.Tangs, in particular are very intolerent of such treatment. I saw about 25 tangs in one very small holding tank. I felt pity for them, as they were literally killing one another in such tight confines.Tangs, or sugeonfish, are also mainly herbivores, and they were all emaciated from lack of food.I know that it was a new shipment of fish that they just received, however you are also responsible for knowing where these fish come from, how they are caught, how they are kept and how they are handled.Out of my desire to try to "save" some of these fish, I purchased 3 tangs to bring home to my established reef aquarium.The "associate" employee who came to "assist me with my purchase" is very unqualified to handle any saltwater fish.She promptly got a small net, and began thrashing about in the aquarium, trying to catch the fish,and in the process obviously injured several fish. After about 10 minutes of doing this, I asked if I could assist her ( and try to catch the animals in a way that would be humane and not stressful.)She responded that she could get in trouble if she let me help.I immediately began to regret my decision to buy these fish, as I realized that I was supporting the capture and harsh treatment of more fish to replace the ones that I "rescued".
I'm happy to say that 2 of the 3 are making a recovery and appear to be very happy.However one specimen- a small Naso Tang-did not recover from the harsh treatment.
I would like to ask that you please be more conscious of what you are doing to these beautiful creatures. The keeping of these wild caught animals is not easy,and is not to be taken lightly.You, as a corporation are of course concerned about the bottom line- making a dollar.But there is a responsibility that we all have to make sure that we do all we can to be humane to these animals and make sure that they live long,healthy,happy lives in captivity.
If you wish to continue selling marine fish, you should at the very least, make sure the animals are handled and cared for PROPERLY while at and before they get to your store; educate your employees and handlers about these animals and how to do their job in a proper manner, i.e. keeping fish in seperate tanks, handling,and feeding them. Better still, replace the small holding tanks with larger tanks so the fish won't be so stressed while at your store, and educate the consumer before considering a purchase.Or pehaps you should reconsider your venture into the marine livestock business.
Untill some steps are taken to remedy the situation, I will not step foot back in your facility. Whats more I will make everyone else I know and some I don't know aware of the problems I have seen.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Brent ----------"
If you bring a friend you can do what I do. Loudly proclaim "WOW, WOULD YOU LOOK AT THOSE SICK FISH!!! You can't cure THAT with ANYTHING and it will wipe out your WHOLE TANK!" Repeat for as long as you can stand it. 
