PETCO develops successful stakeholder relationship

BY: Yashpal Singh Negi (20100046)

Date: 26/10/10

Q: What are the ethical risks associated with selling pets and pet products in a retail environment? Ans1: A pet plays as a family part in most of the lives. So peoples are very much sensitive regarding this matter. In the retail business of selling pets and pet food product in the market, ethical risks are associated with them. Handling of pets with care a big concern for the seller. We cannot neglect them in any case. We have to maintained the health, set up the stress free and friendly environment, optimum space to move, proper food as per the pet/animal etc. Bird flu is associated with some of the birds, as they come in contact with the humans. So ethically the selling pets companies made the awareness in between the people mind regarding this flu. These companies should some preventive measure against it. The retail business of selling pet foods should not be out of date. That food can cause a serious disease in the pets and animals. All of the company employee should be trained to the behavior of pets/ animals & take care of animals. Q: How has PETCO managed the various ethical concerns that have been expressed by stakeholders? Ans2: In this case, PETCO managed the entire situation very brilliantly and ethically whichever is faced by the PETCO. In 2002, inspectors and customers found sick finches, a moldy dead turtle, dead birds at two San Francisco PETCO store. The store were overcharging the customer on sale items. PETCO settled this case to pay more than 90000 dollar as well as to train its managers in regard to caring and looking after animals. In 2004, PETCO paid nearly 1 million dollar in settlement of two California lawsuits involving the mistreatment of animals in PETCO stores in five California counties. PETCO halted its business with NAPD. Federal trade commission put charges that PETCO did not take appropriate measure to prevent commonly known attack by hackers to obtain customer information. PETCO reaction was to implement a comprehensive information security program for its website.

In April 2005, PETA and PETCO announced an agreement that would advance animal welfare across the country. PETA agreed to end its campaign against the national pet food supply retailer. Q: Access the ethical culture of PETCO Ans3: Ethical culture of PETCO: in PETCO ethical culture have a comprehensive code of ethics. Its main emphasis about animals, their health, wellbeing and humane treatment. PETCO promotes the welfare of companion animals & raised the funds by Round up, Think adoption first, spring a pet, Tree of Hope, National pet adoption days etc. Associate are expected to interact honestly with each customer and clearly explain about the products. Drug abuse, asset protection and violence, safe working environment in the workplace are also concerns for PETCO. PETCO associated are prohibited from accepting gifts from vendors and potential vendors. It has strived for accurate accounting records of all its assets, liabilities etc. Political contribution from PETCO funds is not allowed.