Highpoint shopping centre has called in the RSPCA and Maribyrnong council to investigate Top Pets pet store following widespread criticism over in-store conditions and alleged links to puppy factories.
An online Change.org petition, started last week, has attracted almost 3500 signatures calling on Highpoint to cancel the store’s lease.
The petition criticises the practices of leaving “distressed” animals in glass boxes overnight and the store failing to disclose under what conditions and where its kittens and puppies are bred. Some shoppers have vowed to boycott the centre as long as the store operates.
Highpoint director Ben Gill said the shopping centre had an obligation to honour leases with tenants if they were operating within the conditions of their lease and existing laws.
“Highpoint has previously engaged with RSPCA and local council to visit the Top Pets store and review its compliance with animal welfare regulations. We have requested that the RSPCA and local council visit the Top Pets store again this week,” he said.
Council director Adrian Havryluk said two council officers inspected Top Pets last Monday but failed to find any breaches of the code of practice for the running of pet shops.
“All animals were found to be housed appropriately and in a clean condition. The conditions were also found to be compliant at the time of the previous visit from council officers in April.”
Mr Havryluk said the council had no policy regarding where pet shops buy their animals, as there were no government restrictions dictating where pet shops could or could not source pets.
Oscar’s Law founder and spokeswoman Debra Tranter said her organisation received complaints about Top Pets at least once a week.
Top Pets did not return Star Weekly’s calls for comment.
