Flash & Sirens
MILL HALL, PA — Just months after Flash & Sirens reported on the closure of Calico Creek Feed & Pet and the transition of the retail space to Belle's Market, community members have continued to express concerns regarding the care and welfare of animals remaining at the store now managed by Belles Market.
During a visit to the store approximately one month after Calico Creek closed, Flash & Sirens observed several reptile enclosures that contained no substrate or enrichment, leaving the animals in largely empty habitats. Those observations were made firsthand.
Since the ownership transition, additional concerns have surfaced through publicly available customer reviews and photos. Those reports allege fish being kept in tanks with little to no substrate or decoration, tanks with significant algae growth, and animal enclosures that appeared dirty or lacked proper maintenance. Others have reported multiple rabbits in one cage and guinea pigs in harmful conditions
It is important to note that these concerns are limited to the retail pet store portion of the property and do not involve the veterinary office. The veterinary clinic operates as a separate business with its own entrance and is not affiliated with the reported concerns involving the pet store.
Other concerns referenced in this article are based on customer reports, publicly available reviews, and photographs shared online. The grooming is said to be less than acceptable being offered. No official inspection findings or enforcement actions have been publicly announced at this time.
Anyone who believes they have observed conditions that may violate Pennsylvania's pet store or animal welfare regulations is encouraged to document those concerns and report them to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the agency responsible for licensing and inspecting pet stores across the Commonwealth.