SPAR faces backlash over puppy sales

SOUTH African retailer, SPAR has come under fire after it emerged that one of its affiliates is selling puppies at one of its stores.

- ASHLEY LECHMAN [e-mail]

@photoman.pierre posted a video on TikTok showcasing a Pet Storey store based in Boksburg, Johannesburg, selling puppies.

Comments have since been turned off on the video after users on the social media app took issue with the retailer selling puppies instead of partnering with animal rescue organisations to facilitate adoptions rather than buying a dog.

SPAR has confirmed that through its partnership with Petmasters, recently rebranded as Pet Storey, the newly opened Pet Storey pet store included the sale of puppies and other pets.

"This is the only store where live puppies are sold, and there are no plans to replicate this model in any future roll-out of Pet Storey, which is a specialised pet product retailer and franchisor. We recognise the sensitivities around this and want to assure the public that the health, safety, and welfare of the animals remain our highest priority," Rob Philipson, Business Development Executive at The SPAR Group said.

Philipson said that for more than 50 years, the store has upheld a responsible legacy of puppy sales.

"All puppies are sourced exclusively from breeders who meet stringent welfare and compliance standards. We do not purchase crossbreeds, nor do we support or endorse backyard breeding.