Vladivostok Pet Shop 'Zoofarm' Accused of Animal Cruelty
Public outrage followed reports of poor conditions at the «Zoofarm» pet shop.
On January 25, residents of Vladivostok were outraged by the cruel treatment of animals at the «Zoofarm» pet shop on Russkaya Street. Visitors wrote about the smell of urine, empty water bowls, and animals suffering without water. Later, the news spread on social media, and the shop«s pages were attacked by dozens of users, while police began an inspection.
A correspondent from VLADIVOSTOK1.RU personally visited «Zoofarm» to see what the situation in the shop was like after the wave of criticism and whether things were really as bad as others described.
The situation in the shop turned out not to be as bad as expected. There is an unpleasant smell inside, the seller is noticeably nervous, and there are indeed animals in the cages, but they look normal. Only the rats were a bit lethargic, but according to the employee, this is because they are old. Also, each animal has a water bowl.
The shop employee told the VLADIVOSTOK1.RU correspondent that in September, the shop changed owners and they do not plan to buy new animals, but will breed the existing ones for sale: rats, Djungarian hamsters, and possibly parrots. Also, a rabbit lives in one of the cages, but they won«t buy it a mate, and if someone is interested, it will be sold too.
It is unclear whether the police will find any violations in the end and what will happen to the shop, but it is operating as usual.
