Bettas in Walmart are kept in horrific conditions. Why should Walmart get away with cruelty towards living creatures?
Betta fish require at least one liter of water, although 1-2 gallons will allow them to live a happy, healthy life. This water needs to be treated with conditioner to remove chlorine, as well as replaced every week or so to remove excrement and leftover food which cause ammonia levels to rise and sicken the fish.
The bettas at Walmart are kept in tiny containers with about one cup of water, most of which is never changed once the fish arrive to the store. In addition, the containers are stacked on top of each other so that the holes in the top are covered. These holes are vital because bettas breathe from the surface and will slowly suffocate if air isn’t able to flow in.
Walmart’s bettas are suffering due to these toxic living conditions. Many have severe fin rot and fungus or are unable to handle the cramped space and begin to bite their tails or bang against their container walls, injuring themselves further. These fish need to be treated daily with aquarium salt, stress coat, and fresh water, rather than being pushed to the back of the shelves and left to die.
Wal-Mart is putting profits over compassion. Even after managers are alerted to these awful conditions, the bettas continue to be abused and neglected. Join us in sending Walmart a clear message that the sale and cruelty toward these beautiful creatures needs to stop.
