Walmart allows animals to roam free in its stores

[One Sweet World]

Check out this funny letter to the editor from the Bowling Green Daily News:

My name is Bob Talley an I am a Wal-Mart employee. Our store manager made us aware of a current change in Wal-Mart policy covering service animals and comfort animals.

It has long been understood that a service dog for the blind and deaf are welcome anywhere the public is allowed. It has been the addition of what is called a comfort animal that has us scratching our heads.

Wal-Mart policy now says if a customer enters our store with any animal that the customer claims to be their service/comfort animal, we must let them enter.

I asked our store manager, Thuan Trin, exactly what that covered. His reply was “any animal.”

I ask him if a customer walked in with a dog, cat, boa, goat or a zebra and claimed it was a service animal, they were allowed in. His answer was, “yes absolutely.”

I and many of my fellow associates and customers don’t understand how this is allowed. Our Wal-Mart (store No. 0299) is a supercenter, which has a full grocery store.

Please help us understand why this is allowed and how this does not go against state and federal health codes and public safety.

Bob Talley

Huh?

I knew Walmart is usually a zoo, but this is taking it to another level.

[soulcore]

1. The thrawls of white trash Walmart shoppers here Dallas....

...always have the most annoying "little" dogs with them.

Chihuahuas, poodles, miniatures, they stuff them in their purses even .. its' ridiculous and a health risk, especially in a grocery store.

And this from a proud pet owner .. who refuses to shop at wally world.

[emilyg]

8. Just thought I'd tell you

I'm white. I shop at Wal-Mart. I don't consider myself white trash.

[soulcore]

11. I'm white too.

I used to shop at Walmart. Then I decided the added cost was worth it not to support low wage Chinese slave labor.

If you aren't taking a pet into the store and letting your kids run around unsupervised I wouldn't worry about being seen as white trash.

[DJ13]

2. That would have to violate food safety laws

Especially with Walmarts now selling groceries.

[wryter2000]

3. Maybe I'll make my first visit to a Walmart

With my pet snake on my shoulders. :evilgrin:

[SoCalNative]

4. Comfort animals

are defined as those animals that provide to their owners or "persons" emotional rather than physical support. Yes they can basically be anything.

[youthere]

5. My son is awfully attached to his calf he showed at the fair this year...

maybe we should hook up the livestock trailer and go do some shopping.

[Speck Tater]

6. Oh, I'm going to rent a "comfort Chimp" and go into WalMart with it on my shoulder. NT

[ret5hd]

7. Is that anything like a "trunk monkey"?

[westerebus]

9. My trunk monkey is a retired Walmart greeter. n/t

[dixiegrrrrl]

10. I dibs the Holstein cow...I like cows..they comfort me...

what would YOU like to being into Wal-Mart?

[Mopar151]

12. Bob, my friend, I feel your pain.....

Now, if i was standin' out there in my blue vest representin' for Mr Sam. I'D WANT NO EFFIN PART of attempting to determine the gender, species, possible infestations, planet of originor relationship status of any rendom creature that wanders into the place. Hell, I've seen some Wal-Marts where I wouldn't want to screen the staff for these criteria!
And really, does it matter? Little Bubba or Fido the Wonder Mutt, they ain't spo'se to graze the fresh vegetables, huck loogies in the lobster tank, or juggle muffins.

[Warpy]

13. Most stores in Boston had a resident cat tucked away someplace

that the health inspectors turned a blind eye to.

A stray cat hair on the lettuce was a lot healthier than mouse turds scattered throughout the produce.