A Petco store. Photo courtesy of the company
PETA has submitted a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission alleging that San Diego-based Petco’s certification as a humane pet supplies retailer is false advertising.
The animal rights organization, whose full name is People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, claimed Petco has “a documented history of treating animals inhumanely.”
Petco was the first pet retailer in history to receive the American Humane organization’s Certified Seal of Approval.
PETA also took issued with American Humane, which was founded in 1877 to promote animal safety, saying that organization only requites retailers to meet industry standards.
Petco did not immediately issue a statement in response to PETA filing.
PETA has long criticized Petco, and is also involved in San Diego this year in an effort to stop July 4 fireworks over Mission Bay to avoid scaring pets.