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February 28, 2008
Tractor Supply Company Adding to the Easter Dump.
Tractor Supply Company has 764 stores in 43 states and supplies people who live the “rural lifestyle” with the things that they need. Chief merchandising officer Greg Sandfort, describes the company as a destination.
“Being a destination… gives us a little bit of an advantage, that the customer would rather come to us than make the 30-or 40-mile drive up someplace else. But the fact of the matter is, is that you have to have an exciting store, or they won't come to you regardless of where you are or what you may offer."
With Easter only a month away, it looks like the main attraction at the Tractor Supply Store are bunnies and chicks.
You have to ask why a store that considers itself “…not a disposable income-type company.” Would sell these animals. What “need” does this fulfill?
Greg Sandfort needs to realize the negative impact that his stores are having on the local animal shelters, rescue groups, and most importantly the lives of the animals themselves.
Please take a moment to send a letter stating that the selling of live rabbits is not good for business.
Send your letters to:
Greg Sandfort, Chief Merchandising Officer
Tractor Supply Company
200 Powell Place
Brentwood, TN 37027
Or you can go to their Customer Service Form on this website:
http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContactUsForm?
langId=-1&storeId=10551&catalogId=10001
Read up on the Tractor Supply Company through this News Article:
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/200802240210/BUSINESS05/802240383
Some notes to include in your letter:
• Not Good for Business:
The real profits come from the sale of pet supplies and feed – not the sale of the animals themselves.Animal lovers look favorably upon pet Supply stores that do not sell animals. Point out how PetSmart stopped the sale of rabbits after test marketing them last year due to pressure from animal advocates. Also, they would be helping their community by pointing customers who wish to purchase a rabbit, in the direction of a local rescue or shelter.
• Not Good for Local Shelters/Rescues:
Many rabbits are impulse purchases and so they are eventually abandoned to local humane societies after the Easter season is over. It’s known as the "Easter Dump.” This perpetuates the homeless animal problem and shelter over crowding.
• Not good for your customers!
Because the rabbits are sold un-neutered, they exhibit undesirable
behavior starting in adolescence. (Typically at 8 months) Marking, chewing electronic cords and furniture, not to mention expensive veterinary care for the special health needs of rabbits. These are not cuddly animals and most houses are not ready to truly care for their new pet. Customers who are not educated about the realities of rabbit ownership become disillusioned and end up disposing of them.
• Not Good for the Animals:
These retail stores are ill equipped to provide the stress free environment the rabbits need to stay healthy.
Employees do not give the care these rabbits need and health issues
arise (Eye afflictions are caused by pine bedding the rabbits are
housed in. The rabbits are not seen by veterinarians when they are ill. Rabbits are not neutered and are housed together resulting in “surprise” litters).These animals are bred in rabbit mills and/or backyard breeders who inbreed (causing genetic problems) and house the rabbits in small crowded cages.
Posted by Megan at February 28, 2008 1:21 PM