It is always my intention to be fair. The clerk involved sent a lengthy and polite reply to my review of the 27th. In it, he attempted to explain away the concerns I addressed in my review and he is more then welcome to post our entire exchange if he so desires He was concerned I used an alias in my review, I did and do. The reason is simple. I am a reasonably well known multi award winning breeder , and I was not attempting to drag any organization I am associated with into this . I also know the clerk's name and knew it at the time. This is not a personal vendetta and I will not post his name online. So much for that concern.
As his explanation covered species outside my expertise I consulted other stores, accredited ACA judges and two respected local specialists. Other then a comment regarding gobies, none of the credible experts I contacted bought the explanation offered.
Any store on any day has sick fish that disposing of in such a manner could arguably be considered an act of mercy. Further, such actions protect the healthy and prevent countless tanks of healthy stock from getting sick, as most of the fresh water stock there shares a single filtration system, consider it " Sick Airplane Syndrome " for fish.
So while I appreciate the time it took to send such a response, the concerns expressed in my original review remain unanswered . If some family had come around the corner with their small child the effect could well have been horrific. Again let me repeat, this healthy non feeder variety of fish was not swallowed by some Oscar it was pulled apart still breathing .
Far worse is this gentleman's claim, that this is the fate awaiting trade ins brought to the store! I am sure this cannot be the fate in all cases, as I have bought fish known to be trade ins there myself, but clearly the possibility exists. So if you need a home for your no longer wanted pet, there are other stores and are local fish societies you can google that can usually get your fish a new home with a welcoming hobbyist who will take great care of it .
The fact remains that feeding healthy fish to others ( Peacocks in this case ) that have absolutely no need for such a diet is pointless and sadistic. In fact one well regarded expert on Africans,upon hearing this story summed his reaction with " Why This Fate" . Those were not the actual words used, but with a bit of imagination, you can figure things for yourself.
So there it is. It's a free country and the gentleman is free to respond in any manner he chooses, if he sincerely believes protracting this discussion is in the best interest of himself and his store. But I was there, saw the event, the expression on his face, and heard the shocked reaction of his co worker for myself . read more