'Ethically problematic': Major pet retailer introduces nationwide ban on sale of live animals

A major pet retailer has banned the sale of live animals at all of its stores across Australia.

PetO, the third largest pet retailer in the country, has rolled out the change to its 58 stores across NSW, the ACT, Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania.

A spokesperson told 9news.com.au the process started in May and the sales have since been phased out at every store.

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The business hopes the move will encourage Australian pet stores to follow its lead and set a new ethical standard.

"The transport, storage and sale of live animals in pet shops is ethically problematic and can lend itself to issues relating to animal welfare as well as irresponsible ownership of pets," the spokesperson said.

"The decision to stop the sale of live animals will impact PetO in the short term but have long term commercial benefits that will help the business reach its goal of a projected $250 million in annual revenue by 2028."

PetO expanded from 17 stores to 58 stores last year after acquiring 41 retail stores and 25 veterinary clinics that were divested from Petstock and Woolworths.

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