Dear Mr. Kunzelman and Mr. Diffata,
I understand Petland closed its Akron, Ohio outlet after employee Elizabeth Carlisle
bragged about drowning two rabbits on her Facebook
page. I implore you to take one more step: Please end rabbit sales at all Petland
stores.
As you are aware, Carlisle not only drowned rabbits, but also dangled their dead
bodies on either side of her grinning face for an Internet
photo. In Facebook comments, Carlisle says she posed for her manager's camera
"swearing at [the rabbits] to just hurry up and die…"
Do workers like Carlisle represent Petland's euthanasia policy and overall mission
"to make a difference" in the communities it serves? Carlisle
claims the rabbits had been "attacking and eating each other." On Facebook she
describes wounds such as a missing eye, broken jaw and
lower-body paralysis. Where were other employees as these grave injuries occurred
over a span of time?
If the rabbits had been responsibly tended to in the first place, this merciless
killing might not have happened.
Animal health and safety seem problematic for Petland, despite statements about "the
best health care practices [for] the pets in our care."
Petland ought to focus exclusively on pet supplies and counseling, while promoting
the adoption of homeless animals in cooperation with
local rescue groups.
As a minimum effort — considering the negligence and cruelty in these killings
—
Petland should terminate rabbit sales at all
stores. Thank you for your valuable time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Dear Mr. Holland,
I understand former Petland employee Elizabeth Carlisle faces two counts of animal
cruelty after she bragged about drowning two rabbits on
her Facebook page.
I respectfully ask for your thorough prosecution in this case, and hope that you'll
advocate jail time if Carlisle is convicted. Please also seek to
prohibit Carlisle from owning or working with animals. Any animals still in her
custody ought to be confiscated now.
Carlisle not only drowned rabbits, but also dangled their dead bodies on either side
of her grinning face for an Internet photo. This bizarre
behavior warrants mandatory psychological counseling as well. In Facebook comments,
Carlisle says she posed for her manager's camera
"swearing at [the rabbits] to just hurry up and die…"
Criminologists view the intensity of vicious behavior — regardless of the
victim's
identity — as a precursor to future violence.
Offenders often "practice" on animals before evolving to crimes against humans.
Indeed, documentation of animal abuse via photographs or web comments suggests the
perpetrator derives pleasure from violent acts
— "a serious indicator that violence will be repeated and/or escalated," says
Dr.
Randall Lockwood of ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Initiatives and
a frequent consultant for cruelty investigators, law enforcers and mental health
professionals.
The pet industry typically disregards cruelty in stores. Though complaints are filed
about the brutal mistreatment and disposal of sick or
"surplus" animals — legal action rarely occurs. Animal care costs are cited as
reason
to fatally drown, freeze, smash or starve animals.
Please let the pet trade know that animal abuse is not tolerated wherever it takes
place. Thank you for your utmost deliberation in this case.
Sincerely,
