Walmart's Bettas (Just Read.)

[Desi]

This is one thing that I'm very interested about and doing what I can to stop the sale of Betta fish in Walmart stores or try to get conditions for each fish improved.
I've had a thread before about how shocked I was of the conditions of my local WM's fish (long story short, it was so horrible and many were decaying, you can see that thread if you wish). Since then, that particular location has slightly improved their care taking of these fish... But it's still not what many would call "good".
Today I was at another nearby Walmart, and completely different store, and as always I went to the pet section to check things out. It was sad, but it wasn't the worst I've ever seen by far. They had maybe 6-10 little cups on the shelves. Two were almost dead. Many had illnesses and I saw a lot of fin rot and fungus growing on their bodies. So sad... I couldn't convince my mother to let me take this one in particular home. You know how sometimes a fish calls to you? Well this one did for me. It was one of the more sickly ones. I got a picture and it swam up a little once, but that's it. It was so sad
I was happy that there was a young family checking them out, possible interest in caring for one. Even though I know they most likely wont know much about these beautiful fish, they could give it a much better life than this Walmart could.
And as pretty much always, the trip to the store ended with a talk to management, who didn't seem to care a whole bunch -.-

I know there are a lot of people who think differently about whether or not you should support stores who sell fish like this by buying them or not... I've heard it all on this topic. But here is one thing to think about: this has been going on for YEARS, and little change of the big picture has been made. Many stores still have fish in nasty conditions- that's why it is an ongoing topic. Boycotting Walmart or even Petco and Petsmart Betta fish won't change much. They pay very minimal money to stock them, about $0.50-$1.00. Big chain stores really aren't loosing a whole lot of money from this. I feel the best thing ANYONE can do (no matter how you feel about it) is to try and improve the conditions of the store by maintaining info about what's going on and speaking to as many people as you can and explaining what is wrong and WHY. It is normally the "why" that gets to people. You can also take a little friend home. They're fairly inexpensive, and once you do some proper research, a Betta fish will be one of you're best pet experiences! They're just full of color and personality

You can say that you shouldn't support this, but if it was in high demand (or someone working in Walmart's pet section knew what they were doing: even if that requires your help) conditions would improve. These babies wouldn't be pushed to the back of a dark shelf left to die as they so horribly often are.

Attached are pictures of a couple of the fish I saw this afternoon, again, FAR from the worst, but still sad and not good at all. There is also a poem that is really something to consider about this topic. I know it was a lot, but when an animal (or human) is in trouble, it really gets me going. Thank you for reading

[aquarium_Guru]

I know how you feel the walmart i went to had a cardboard advertisment thing in the middle of the store with like 50 of them i just think walmart should just stop selling fish if i could i would get a job there just to take better care of them

[98kshooter]

Some of have noticed this as well.. Be vocal, complain to managers, complain to corporate via email. I used tact and informed the Pets Manager using tact and common sense and our Wal-mart's bettas have improved 100%! It's a 24 hour Wal-mart, but they won't pay to have an associate in pets After 9pm. And yes, The tanks have deaths during this time, and some of the bettas die too and it is not morning til the casualties are removed. Yes I explained the dangers of that policy but.....they won't pay to have anyone babysit over night so, you can only do so much.But at least now, they hired the day person who is experienced in fish care, and things have improved.

[Paxlerod]

The worst you can do is to buy anything from them. Especially any of those Bettas. By buying them you are contributing to there profit. Making it worthwhiled for them to continue to stock them.

[Desi]

Originally Posted by Paxlerod

The worst you can do is to buy anything from them. Especially any of those Bettas. By buying them you are contributing to there profit. Making it worthwhiled for them to continue to stock them.

That's exactly what I was saying against. This has done very little. And fish are still suffering. If I see a very ill betta I can take home, I will. For that one fish it matters.

[Paxlerod]

Yes for THAT fish. It may. Depends how long interest is kept. But the greater good. Hmmmm? Financially most can clean out there shelves. BUT once again that what they want. They don't care if you buy it because of its beauty or because you feel bad. All they care is that you buy.

[Desi]

Originally Posted by Paxlerod

Yes for THAT fish. It may. Depends how long interest is kept. But the greater good. Hmmmm? Financially most can clean out there shelves. BUT once again that what they want. They don't care if you buy it because of its beauty or because you feel bad. All they care is that you buy.

But even when many people aren't buying, which is the case very often and why fish are left to get I'll and die, they sill purchase them. Like I mentioned, I had discovered that Walmart purchases these fish for under $1, and with making billions of dollars a year, a few cheap dead fish won't hurt them.

[ejaramillo01]

Originally Posted by Desi

But even when many people aren't buying, which is the case very often and why fish are left to get I'll and die, they sill purchase them. Like I mentioned, I had discovered that Walmart purchases these fish for under $1, and with making billions of dollars a year, a few cheap dead fish won't hurt them.

Well to say that they are making billion of dollars a year is extreme. They do definite make a profit with them and the dead fish are already estimated in the price. In my opinion we need to try to expand the knowledge of how to be a responsible aquarist, because that will make a difference to all possible buyers that take home fish with no knowledge.

[Desi]

Originally Posted by ejaramillo01

Well to say that they are making billion of dollars a year is extreme. They do definite make a profit with them and the dead fish are already estimated in the price. In my opinion we need to try to expand the knowledge of how to be a responsible aquarist, because that will make a difference to all possible buyers that take home fish with no knowledge.

I didn't mean they made that from the betta fish. Sorry should have clarified there, I meant as a company in whole not part.

[ejaramillo01]

Originally Posted by Desi

I didn't mean they made that from the betta fish. Sorry should have clarified there, I meant as a company in whole not part.

Agreed.

[bud29]

It is true that refusing to buy one fish will not put a store out of business. So if it was ONLY you, buying one fish, then it would not be an issue. The problem is that lots of people have that mentality. And at that point, the dollars DO add up.

[Paxlerod]

A retailer will not continue to stock what doesn't sell. They are counting on the impulse buyers and the add one that go with it.

[Desi]

I acknowledged that opinion, but this was just giving mine. I respect and understand what you're saying of course, but my point is that people ARE still buying, people who will never know the ugly truth behind it. I'm talking about what can be done now for each life, not the theory that has been circulated for years and hasn't changed anything but maybe a little for individual stores. There are Walmarts no longer selling Fish, which is for the best and some that only sell bettas. It's not changing. It'd be nice if it did, but I'm going to think and do what I feel is best for NOW.

[Paxlerod]

Well if you have the resources then buy away. I used to breed mastic and bully breeds (dogs) and grew to see the error in breeding dogs that people sometimes give up on. I now only have rescued dogs but no way would I perpetuate the problem by buy a dog from the classifieds let alone a pet store. I do not want to make it profitable. There are rescues out there buying up unwanted dogs but then they turn around and charge rescue fees. In my opinion hypocritical in a way. They claim its to weed out the impulse buyers or to get a commitment. Good luck. I just contribute by not giving them my money and educating new potential pet owners.

[Desi]

Originally Posted by Paxlerod

Well if you have the resources then buy away. I used to breed mastic and bully breeds (dogs) and grew to see the error in breeding dogs that people sometimes give up on. I now only have rescued dogs but no way would I perpetuate the problem by buy a dog from the classifieds let alone a pet store. I do not want to make it profitable. There are rescues out there buying up unwanted dogs but then they turn around and charge rescue fees. In my opinion hypocritical in a way. They claim its to weed out the impulse buyers or to get a commitment. Good luck. I just contribute by not giving them my money and educating new potential pet owners.

I agree with the dog thing more than a lot. My house and yard has been taken over by rescues. (We call it our "funny farm" because there are so many personalities around here :p.) I just see the Walmart betta situation as SOME of these fish are in need of rescue themselves, no matter if the store makes a small profit from it or not.

[bud29]

Originally Posted by Desi

people ARE still buying

That is true - people are still buying - including yourself. Some ARE just doing it because they don't know about the poor health of walmart fish. However too many times I see people buying to rescue them, and as stated previously those dollars here and there do add up.


Also, something that confused me a bit:

Originally Posted by Desi

There are Walmarts no longer selling Fish, which is for the best and some that only sell bettas.

Originally Posted by Desi

It's not changing.

You seem to have changed what you were saying all of a sudden, which threw me for a loop not that what you were saying was wrong, necessarily, it's just it changed sides so suddenly.

[Desi]

Yes some Walmarts not longer sell them is my point, but more do than don't. Sorry bout that

[Chiroptera]

Have you considered putting up a petition, or signing a current petition if there is one, on Change.org? That is an amazing way to get things done, and even company giants like Walmart have to give in after so many signatures. You could share what you're doing here, on other sites, anything, and slowly get the word out.

[Pearly]

Originally Posted by Chiroptera

Have you considered putting up a petition, or signing a current petition if there is one, on Change.org? That is an amazing way to get things done, and even company giants like Walmart have to give in after so many signatures. You could share what you're doing here, on other sites, anything, and slowly get the word out.

Great idea!

[Pearly]

Originally Posted by Desi

I acknowledged that opinion, but this was just giving mine. I respect and understand what you're saying of course, but my point is that people ARE still buying, people who will never know the ugly truth behind it. I'm talking about what can be done now for each life, not the theory that has been circulated for years and hasn't changed anything but maybe a little for individual stores. There are Walmarts no longer selling Fish, which is for the best and some that only sell bettas. It's not changing. It'd be nice if it did, but I'm going to think and do what I feel is best for NOW.

Dear Desi! You sound like someone I'd love to talk with sometime! You sound like a very kind and sensitive to injustice person, respectful of others, you obviously love animals and hurt when see them suffer... I see both sides, The Activist who stands his ground by not buying from big boxes for the better good and The Individual Tenderhearted Animallover who will once sees the suffering animal, he/she "owns it" and feels responsible for its' well being. Both sides are right and I just wanted to tell Desi something: DO NOT EVER LOSE THIS QUALITY ABOUT YOU! Many of us have started off that way in our youth and then ... Life happened! And we have become jaded by its experiences, cynical, practical....which is all ok and much needed to survive in the "adult world" but we often lose what made us -US, the core of our being which is the most beautiful and valuable thing. Your strong beliefs and system of values is good and based on positive energy (life preserving, service of other beings, caring) cherish it and protect it! D not lose it! It's beautiful! I felt very inspired reading your post. It makes me feel much better about our young generation