Letter: Flea market needs better treatment for animals

The Pasco Flea Market makes me sick.

The live animal sales — whether it be puppies, birds, turtles, kittens or bunnies — is horrible. Almost all of them are sick, full of parasites, way too young to be away from their mother or knocking on death’s door by the time they are sold, all to make a quick buck. No food, water, cage space.

It would be different if the vendors handling animals would make sure that all pets are fully weaned, healthy and ready to go as well as handed out proper care guides to new owners. That won’t happen because they don’t give a care what shape the animals are in or if they die just hours after purchase in the hands of their new owners because of poor health or being too young.

I have had multiple animals from the flea market die in my hands shortly after rescue from the market. I wish the owner of the property would look into this and that someday the market would have strict rules and regulations when dealing with live animal sales. It’s almost like being in a third world country.

This story was originally published August 18, 2017 at 3:31 PM with the headline "Letter: Flea market needs better treatment for animals."