KATU (Portland, Oregon) 23 December 09 Company defends frog aquarium from PETA attack (Dan Tilkin)
Portland, Ore.: A children’s Christmas gift that’s flying off store shelves is also drawing criticism from animal rights activists, and police have also weighed into the controversy.
It’s called the Frog-O-Sphere – a small aquarium with two aquatic frogs - and it’s marketed nationally by the Brookstone chain of stores that are in malls across the metro area.
But the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) shot undercover video at Brookstone’s supplier that they say shows frogs living in dirty tanks and being handled poorly.
The company, Wild Creations in South Carolina, denies the accusations.
“We welcome the chance to explain our methods and handling methods to anyone who’s willing to listen,” said Peter Gasca of Wild Creations by phone. “We open our doors to industry experts; we open them to police – the Myrtle Beach Police Department – and we let them roam freely.”
In a statement, Brookstone said: “We recognize there are those who question the morality of having pets of any kind. We respectfully but forcefully disagree with that position. We at Brookstone believe strongly that pets, including frogs in a our Frog-O-Sphere aquaria, when cared for properly, offer a rewarding experience for all involved.”
South Carolina police officers said they found nothing that appeared to be cruelty to the frogs during their inspection of the Wild Creations facility, and a letter from a veterinarian, who inspected the supplier, said she “was extremely impressed with the entire operation.”
Area shoppers were split on the idea of the frog aquariums.
“I’m in favor of not farming animals, not shipping animals and not containing them,” sat Pat Nolan.
“They’re going to get fed and loved and taken care of. [They are] going to live a long time,” said another shopper who said she didn’t think the Frog-O-Sphere was too small. “It’s a little frog, how much space does it need?”
Company defends frog aquarium from PETA attack