Harrods Is To Close Its Pet Department.

[Airedaler]

The store confirmed the move this week saying it was based on

‘commercial factors only’. The department, called Pet Kingdom, which is located on the fourth floor, will become extra space for women’s wear, said a Harrods spokesman. However, those who want to buy

a pet after the department closes will be helped through the store’s ‘by appointment’ service, the spokesman said. Harrods was asked what this

meant and whether dogs and cats would instead be found for customers on an individual basis, but the spokesman declined to reply.

It is also unknown when Pet Kingdom will close; both the store’s spokesman and the company itself

refused to comment.

Harrods said that Pet Kingdom employees had been told of the closure. “We are working with them to

find alternative positions in the store where possible,” she said. “The Mungo & Maud concession in Pet

Kingdom will be relocated to the second floor as part of the store’s lifestyle department. “Harrods will, of course, endeavour to continue to help any customer

wishing to purchase a pet through our ‘by appointment’ service.” The spokesman declined to comment

further.

The department has been the subject of protest over the years by campaigners against puppy farming and

those who believe animals should not be sold in shops. It became known recently that French Bulldogs were being sold for £8,000 in the store.

In 2010, members of Puppy Love, Stop Puppy Farming End Cruelty and from the rescue site Dog pages

delivered a 2,000-signature petition to Harrods saying that it should set an example by closing Pet Kingdom.

One campaigner said they were against the sale of puppies in pet shops and believed that puppy buyers

should approach a reputable breeder or a rescue charity. “Rescues are overflowing and thousands of dogs are being put down every year due to lack of homes,” she said. “People should look to an established rescue centre for a dog or go to a breeder who will have performed all the relevant health checks for their breed and where they can see the mother with the puppies. “

‘Meticulous’

At the time a spokesman for Harrods said the store ‘worked closely’ with the Kennel Club and ‘numerous

animal welfare charities’ to ensure that puppies were sold responsibly. Customers were interviewed and

must provide a veterinary or professional reference and a copy of a tenant’s agreement if appropriate, he

said. “We have the highest quality of animals and we are very meticulous in researching their background,” he said. “All of our breeders are reputable and breed their animals in a home environment. Full background checks are undertaken, breeding records are

reviewed to ensure there is no under/inter-breeding, kennel registration is verified and home visits are arranged to ensure that they are maintaining impeccable standards and breeding animals who are healthy, happy, socialised and suitable for Harrods customers.”

The KC and Dogs Trust welcomed Harrods’ decision, although the charity said it would have preferred the

move to have been motivated by animal welfare not commercial interests.

KC secretary Caroline Kisko said: “Both organisations have met jointly with representatives from Harrods over the last ten years to discuss the

issue of canine welfare and the risks associated with buying puppies from pet shops, and see the move as a positive step in improving dog welfare. “Harrods has now followed the example set by the majority of the pet trade in recent years in stopping the sale of puppies in shops. We would very much like to see all stores which sell puppies follow suit, as the sale of

dogs in pet shops can, unfortunately, encourage puppy farmers.”

Dogs Trust chief executive Clarissa Baldwin said: “While we warmly welcome the news of the closure of the Pet Kingdom it is a shame that the stated reasons for it were motivated by commercial interests and not animal welfare. “A pet shop is not an appropriate environment in which to sell puppies and kittens, and our supporters have long expressed their concern about the UK’s most famous department

store selling pets.”

The KC and Dogs Trust will continue to lobby for a change in the law to prohibit the sale of dogs in pet

shops. “We see this, along with public education on dog ownership and how best to buy a dog, as the best way to protect the welfare of puppies being

sold and bought,” Mrs Kisko said.

[Little Gifts]

I'm sad now because my UK friend specifically asked me if I wanted anything from Harrods before she came out here recently, knowing I am a lover of the store. I said nah, I'll be back out there again soon. Well not soon enough dammit!

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

Thank goodness, this was way behind the times in the UK, many pet shops closed down in the 80s and 90s.

[Kirislin]

They used to sell exotic animals too. They sold Christian the lion.

It might help spread the word not to buy from pet shops, they're pretty high profile.

[gwp4me]

They were allowed to sell dogs in there a posh setup like that? Here you go, never knew that before. Was about time to end, good on the people who worked hard to achieve that.

Edited December 18, 2013 by gwp4me

[Little Gifts]

I thought they stopped selling animals ages ago too and only sold dog accessories now? I certainly never noticed live animals when I've been there before?

[Airedaler]

I thought they stopped selling animals ages ago too and only sold dog accessories now? I certainly never noticed live animals when I've been there before?

I'm not sure they actually had the pets there, rather facilliated the connections between prospective purchaser and breeder.

[CrazyCresties]

Yes they did sell puppies in there, so glad to hear it is closing.

[Dame Aussie]

Good news!

Edited December 18, 2013 by Aussie3