SPAR faces backlash over live puppy sales at new pet store in Boksburg

South African retailer, SPAR has come under fire after it emerged that one of its affiliates is selling live puppies at one of its stores. 

@photoman.pierre posted a video on TikTok showcasing a Pet Storey store based in Boksburg Johannesburg claiming live puppies are available to purchase by the public. 

Comments has since been turned off on the video after users on the social media app took issue with the store selling live puppies and the retailer opting not to partner with animal rescue organisations in the country, to facilitate adoptions rather than buying a dog.

UPDATE: SPAR has since backtracked on its decision to sell puppies at the store. Click here to read the latest response from the retailer. 

Business Report reached out to the SPAR group following the outcry on social media and the company said it can confirm that, through its partnership with Petmasters, recently rebranded as Pet Storey, the newly opened Pet Storey pet store includes the sale of puppies and other pets.

"This is the only store where live puppies are sold, and there are no plans to replicate this model in any future roll-out of Pet Storey, which is a specialised pet product retailer and franchisor. We recognise the sensitivities around this and want to assure the public that the health, safety, and welfare of the animals remain our highest priority," Rob Philipson, Business Development Executive at The SPAR Group said. 

Philipson further said that for more than 50 years, the store has upheld a responsible legacy of puppy sales.

"All puppies are sourced exclusively from breeders who meet stringent welfare and compliance standards. We do not purchase crossbreeds, nor do we support or endorse backyard breeding. To further prevent any risk of puppy farming, we limit engagements with the same breeder to no more than twice a year. Every breeder we work with is vetted at source to confirm compliance with recognised ethical practices," Philipson further said. 

"Puppies in our care receive veterinary checks twice a week, with a qualified vet on call 24 hours a day. They are kept in safe, temperature-controlled environments with outdoor play areas to ensure proper socialisation and wellbeing. We also maintain small numbers to ensure each puppy receives the appropriate care and attention until a suitable home is found," Philipson said. 

"Our facilities are regularly inspected by the SPCA, and we maintain an open-door policy for them and other animal welfare organisations. In addition, our facilities serve as a reference venue for good practice for the SPCA, a reflection of our dedication to animal welfare and compliance with South African regulations," he said.

"We are deeply aware of public concerns regarding the sale of live animals in retail environments. For this reason, puppy sales are confined to one store only, where processes and standards can be carefully monitored and controlled. We welcome anyone to visit us and see first-hand our commitment to ethical practices," Philipson said. 

"While this continues Petmasters’ long-standing legacy, The SPAR Group’s broader pet retail strategy is focused on creating an unrivalled experience for pets and their parents, with animal welfare at the heart of everything we do. South Africans are now spending more time at home, rethinking how they live, and placing greater value on companionship. Pet Storey is our response to those shifts, designed to anticipate the evolving needs of pet parents," Philipson further said in a statement sent to Business Report. 

"We are delivering an immersive pet retail experience that is accessible, affordable, and inspiring, for pet lovers and, most importantly, their pets. Features such as tasting stations with nibbles, the Bone Appetit Gourmet Deli, Pick n Mix treats, and the Scrub A Dub Club parlour complement services like “Purrscriptions” and “Furrst-Aid Stops” to provide care and a little extra TLC when needed," Philipson added.

"We want to assure the public that robust welfare protocols are in place to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of every animal in our care. Guided by transparency, accountability, and our corporate social responsibility values, we are committed to meeting consumer needs while upholding the highest standards of ethical animal treatment," Philipson said. 

The video posted on TikTok showcasing the new Pet Storey store has since been removed from the social media app.

SPAR's Philipson said that the video posted on to TikTok was an independent service provider. 

Philipson said, "The individual is an independent service provider contracted by SPAR for photography services. The video was posted in his personal capacity and was not commissioned by SPAR. We are aware of the video, which highlighted the positive launch story, but cannot comment on the individual user’s account settings."

He added that the puppies come from breeders under legacy agreements inherited through its acquisition of Petmasters, which has since been rebranded as Pet Storey.

Philipson further said that while it is not formally accredited with organisations such as KUSA, all puppies are managed with strict welfare measures and regular veterinary oversight.

Importantly, Philipson stressed that Boksburg is the only Pet Storey branch that has ever sold live puppies and that this model will not be replicated at future stores.

He also acknowledged concerns about the future of unsold animals, stating that it does not intend to continue selling dogs or cats.

“Our intention is to ensure that the puppies and kitten currently in the store are responsibly, safely and permanently rehomed with loving and caring families rather than sold, while we complete the final transition,” Philipson explained.

He emphasised that animal welfare is a priority and promised to manage the issue with care, compassion and transparency.

Looking ahead, Philipson confirmed that all future Pet Storey outlets will focus solely on pet products and services, not live animals.

Philipson said it the group is actively exploring partnerships with rescue and adoption organisations to support responsible rehoming initiatives.

“We are deeply committed to animal welfare. Adoption drives and rescue partnerships will be part of our model going forward,” Philipson said.

BUSINESS REPORT