An investigation has gotten underway after a search warrant was executed at a Bellevue area PetSmart store.
The location was raided after the Metro Health Department and Metro Animal Care and Control received information, photos and video detailing an alleged “lack of care” for animals at the store.
Metro Police officers served the search warrant Thursday morning.
According to PETA, two guinea pigs and a mouse were taken from the store. They released a statement in part:
"The small mammals involved included a guinea pig who suffered from an abscessed wound on his back, dehydration, and painful gastrointestinal stasis; a guinea pig whose abscessed knee joint spread infection to his heart, brain, and elsewhere; and a mouse who languished for more than a month with an inflamed eye and an apparent respiratory infection before dying without having received any veterinary care."
PETA undercover video shows workers refusing to treat the animals at a veterinarian's office because of the cost.
"These animals they might be less familiar to us we might know less about them we might interact with them less frequently then we do dogs and cats they’re just as capable of experiencing happiness, joy, and fear," said Dan Paden, PETA.
Officials requested vet records, along with policies regarding PetSmart's care for animals. Those findings would determine if charges would be filed.
"We strongly believe that these animals big or small if there is a complaint, that’s what we are here for, we’re here to investigate that," said Lauren Bluestone, Metro Animal Care and Control, Director.
No arrests have been made in the case.
