Also, part of the grading process not only are they graded for color and size but also health. Any fish appearing sickly will be sorted to the lowest grade and its these fish that are being purchased by Walmart.
Please Sign and Circulate FDA INVESTIGATE WALMART PUFFER POISONING!
- Thread starter PufferCorps
- Start date
I understand the concern of a ban.
I undertook this mission nearly 2 years ago. I have put all I have into an awareness campaign that has brought attention to the problem to the comunity and to Walmart. I've contacted every media outlet in the country I could find and no one dares to publish my work. Several journalist who expressed a willingness to suddenly stopped communication when they told me they were taking it to the editor. I've tried to raise the issue with government agencys, poison control, and the health department, but was passed along till I came full circle so many times, until finally an agent told me there has to be more than just one person's complaint to get help.
I work tirelessly to spread awareness with my website, cold calling managers, I send countless emails, letters, and phone calls to Walmart stores and to their head office. I even have worn a sandwhich board at street fairs and farmers markets. With no exceptions, this issue touches hearts and causes outrage, even to Walmarts employees and managers. This would be a simple thing to fix with the change of a SKU #, but it takes time and energy to reach every store.
I would be more than grateful for alternative to government intervention. Do you have another suggestion? I am always looking for volunteers. Perhaps all of you can donate an hour a week to help press the issue with your local stores? Recruit your friends, family, and neighbors to write a letter. One of my Rangerettes kids took a puff to school for show and tell, and said it was a real hit with children and the school. The problem is apathy and forgetfulness, but awareness sticks. Once awareness kicks in, stopping suffering is inevitable. Every manager, no matter how opposed to the idea, eventually see's it as a no-brainer.
Can I count you in?
I'll freeze the petition today if you will help me.
I wish I could tell you. I don't know. I'm looking for answers to that myself. If you know who I can contact outside the government to explore this issue, I'll get in contact with them today.
Yes, I know how Walmart uses its faceless mega-corp image to devalue people, but Walmart is people, and they can be reached. I never would have believed I could ever get as far as I have, but the Bay Area is puffer free, so I know it's possible, but its got to be handled democratically.
Too many animal rights people have spoiled it for everyone who tries to approach the issue of animal welfare.
Or you could just drop the petition as if it didn't existed. It is a losing battle and there is no case of someone gets sick from a water full of diseased puffers. Maybe you can get Walmart to stop selling live fishes in general or hire a specialist but banning a species isn't the answer. I won't sign the petition.
I must say this on a personal note, that you must never think that anything is a losing battle. It hurts me to hear those words. Nothing worth doing is ever a losing battle. I may not be here to see the day Walmart stops, but future generations will. You have to believe in yourself and have faith in your fellow human beings. Please dont put walls up for yourself before you try. I promise you can make a difference. I'm here to tell you anything is possible with willingness, but if you are set to avoid change, please dont discourage others. Too many people have lost hope and I'm determined to restore it. My mission is not just about saving puffs, its about empowerment and rekindling the flame of humanity in our hearts too.
Thats exactly right. I witnessed on several occasions, emaciated puffs riddled with ich, dropped off at the store. Quality Pets is the supplier. Ironic.
Have you visited my website for the lowdown on why Walmart sells fish?
www.pufferfishrescue.org
I know the puffs have a chance by way of their poisonedness. It is my hope that the puffer cause will shine a blazing spotlight on the entire issue of Walmarts abysmal fish abuse, and clear the path for all to escape the corporate eating machine.
Thank you very much for that suggestion! I will call them this afternoon.
An expert needs to look at this in an unbiased way and get the hard facts. As it is, just the mention of the name "Walmart fish", and people let out a big sigh and throw up their hands. If anyone knows of somebody who is an authority and might be interested in getting their hands dirty send them my way.
And yes, judging by what i've seen, they do not provide anything whatsoevr to suststain the fish they supply to Walmart. I have pics of the puffers the day before and after a delivery, and found that not only do they deliver sick starved puffs, BUT they DO NOT honor their 72 hour guarantee to remove unsaleable product.
You want to stop walmart and other unqualified retailers from selling puffers and other species? Talk to the PEOPLE. Shut off the demand, the supply dries up. I'd love to say any of that was plausible but people don't give a damn and corporations love money, its a rock and a hard place argument and unfortunately we as hobbyists are usually on the losing end. Start with people buying the fish...thats what hurts a giant like walmart.
