Posted in the HedgehogWelfare yahoo group files.

Advocacy -- Pet Store "Rescue" and Report (For United States)

INITIAL SITE INSPECTION

1. Visually inspect hedgehog habitat. At a minimum, the habitat should be reasonably clean, provide a hiding place for the hedgehog(s), NOT use cedar or colored shavings, and have clean food and water. Ask about the type of food provided; VitaKraft, the most commonly sold "hedgehog" food in pet stores, is NOT an adequate diet for hedgehogs; ask if the store can order Brisky[s, 8 in 1, or other easily obtainable hedgehog foods.

2. Ask to see the hedgehog. See how the staff handles and treats the hedgehog(s) and whether or not they know the gender(s). Are males and females housed together?

3. If they do not know the gender of each hedgehog, show them how to tell and request that they separate the genders immediately. Explain about wheels, appropriate habitat, food, etc. and see how willing they are to learn and change. Try to explain these in an "it's good for business" manner, e.g. they can sell more food to hedgehog folk if they show an appropriate food with the hedgehog(s) on display.

4.Provide the store with HWS care brochures along with your contact information if they need future assistance.

5. Remember that not all neglect is malicious. The store may simply be ignorant and will be willing to change when given the proper information. On the other hand, don't be naive. Follow up.

IF THE STORE IS UNRESPONSIVE TO YOUR INPUT (either at this time or on subsequent visits), and you feel the hedgehog needs to get out of the store for his/her own safety:

1. REMAIN CALM. Do not become belligerent and get kicked out of the store (at least, not yet, grin). Your goal is to rescue the hedgehog(s).

2. On your own time, find out if the store has a USDA license. Do not ask the staff about this yet. This is available at www.hedgehogwelfare.org Included are current USDA licensing pages, as well as addresses, phone numbers, and fax numbers for the USDA office covering the region in question.

3. Negotiate for the price of the hedgehog, particularly if veterinary care is required. This will take some negotiation, but explain it is more cost effective to give you this hedgehog at cost that to continue feeding it, while it takes up time and cage space and eventual vet bills. I think most stores at least double the price they sell the hedgehog for, so try going 50% off.

4. Purchase the hedgehog and get a receipt that says "hedgehog" on it. Having a witness when you purchase the hedgehog is a good idea if possible. A credit card or check is preferable to cash, for receipt purposes. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING, including initial visit and observations, subsequent store and vet visits, the conditions at the store, names of the staff and manager, etc.

ONCE YOU PHYSICALLY HAVE THE HEDGEHOG IN YOUR POSSESSION (and not one moment before):

1. Request to see the store's USDA certification. Inform them that they cannot legally sell exotic animals without a license and that you will be reporting them to the USDA.

2. Write a letter to the USDA explaining the situation. Ideally, you should fax this letter to the USDA office to ensure prompt arrival, and then follow-up with a paper copy of the letter via mail. The letter should include details of conditions at the store and of the hedghog, copies of receipts and other paperwork, along with the store's address, phone number and your address and phone number. Include a veterinarian's report and receipts for needed health care. Mention that you will continue to complain until the USDA takes action. Be sure to request that they contact you with the results of their investigation and confirmation of your letter. Also mention that you are available for questions from the USDA if needed. If there is a regulating county or state animal protection agency, send a copy of the letter to them. If the pet store is a chain, send a copy of the letter to their home office.