If youre local to Gillingham.......

Miffy · 23rd August 2009, 01:48 PM

I went to what I believed was a reputable tropical fish outlet yesterday. Its one near Capstone Park, and near the ski centre. Oh its Elm Court for those that want to know where to avoid. I couldnt believe what I saw. Tanks and tanks with 2 male siamese fighting fish in. Of course one of the fighters was looking ok ish and its tank mate/ opponent, was either already dead or not long for this world.
I raised my concerns to the staff who informed me that the boss knew he had ordered more than they could house, but went ahead and ordered them anyway. And then told the staff to house them all when they were delivered to the shop- thats Elm Court Garden Centre.
Thats why they were 2 to a tank, some were in cold water set ups, others were in with puffer fish, and others in 'planters'.
I offered to take one of the sick males for free just so that it would have a tiny chance of survival and its tank mate had a chance as well. I was told 'no', but I could buy a healthy one, thus giving freedom to one and its tank mate still possibly could survive. Its all about money in that shop. They were probably bought cheap and sold on at a huge profit.
Even if the one I took does die, I sure as hell wont go back for a refund or anything else.
I urge anyone that considers using this shop to reconsider. Is the shop really into its fish or its money? The latter I think. No reputable dealer would deliberately set up fights with 2 fighting fish, its sick and I personally think, very disturbing. ORDER FEWER FISH sounds almost sensible.
BTW, I also informed the RSPCA, and will mail a few local papers.

Fundo · 23rd August 2009, 01:55 PM

Siamese fighters can live very happily in cold water setups.

However, they definitely can't live together! How completely irrisponsibe! If they didn't have the tank space, why not keep them in breeding traps or section off the tanks with nets?!

I'm sure they probs are a normally reputable shop and have made a slip up with these fighters but apparently don't have the intelligence to solve the problem.

Idiots!

P.S. As far as the RSPCA are concerned, they pretty much never do anything for Fish and local papers probably won't run the story as it reflects badly on them to run negative stories. You're best bet - if you wanna spread your views - is through the internet, as you have done here. However, if you believe they are a normally reputable place, I'd go speak to the manager before going too far with this.

Rob · 23rd August 2009, 07:54 PM

great advice fundo

Miffy · 23rd August 2009, 09:20 PM

Been digging round for info about this shop. They r far from reputable, turns out there is a fair bit of bad animal husbandry going on there. The manager is aware and doent give a monkeys, so Im thinking spread the word people and spread it far.
My info came from sources that know the company and manager.

Fundo · 23rd August 2009, 09:57 PM

I say go girl! But please, please speak to the manager personally first, just incase it comes back to bite you on the behind

jordanlewis100 · 24th August 2009, 11:33 AM

i've used this shop many times but not for a while now and have raised various concerns at one time or another to the people who work there,and have been told that they are mainly a pet shop even though they have a dedicated aquatic department !!! i don't use this shop any more instead i use their other branches at Maidstone and Chartham,the one at Chartham is imo one of the best in Kent

Miffy · 24th August 2009, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jordanlewis100

i've used this shop many times but not for a while now and have raised various concerns at one time or another to the people who work there,and have been told that they are mainly a pet shop even though they have a dedicated aquatic department !!! i don't use this shop any more instead i use their other branches at Maidstone and Chartham,the one at Chartham is imo one of the best in Kent

Pass the word on Jordanlewis100, seems like you feel the same way bout this outlet, spread the word, spread the news!

Miffy · 24th August 2009, 08:41 PM

Just to keep you all posted....I got a reply from the shop earlier this evening, they are very apologetic and the manager has been reprimanded, and I was also sent copies of the complaint they raised with the supplier- who seems to have changed the package sizes and that started the problem. I thanked them for at least taking notice of my complaint and have also asked if they have now sorted out the suffering they were causing to the poor Siamese fighters.
I await the reply to that, but sincerely hope it is good news for the fighters.

Fundo · 24th August 2009, 09:09 PM

I'm glad you took my advice

There's always 2 sides to everything and havign worked in a shop I know we are always seen as 'the bad guys'

That's not to say that there aren't some complete idiots out there, btu when someones livelihood is at stake things can get nasty so it's always best to cover your back.

And if they are just mean little see you next tuesdays then they deserve everything they get! lol

Miffy · 24th August 2009, 09:16 PM

that took a while to figure out, but, yeah, mean cnuts deserve every bit of bad luck!!