BarkingMad SA, a leading animal welfare organisation, was alerted to deeply concerning information that a new pet retail franchise was, as confirmed in video footage, selling live animals in its store.
On Friday, 20 September 2025, BarkingMad founder Tracy McQuarrie led an extraordinary campaign that prompted SPAR to reverse its decision to sell live animals in one of its new pet retail franchise stores within just 48 hours.
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BarkingMad, one of South Africa’s largest and most trusted animal welfare organisations, connects shelters, fosters, and pet lovers across the country. With over 100,000 followers and almost two decades of advocacy, the organisation has consistently driven awareness and action for ethical animal treatment.
The controversy began when a TikTok video surfaced confirming that the newly launched pet franchise was selling live animals, a detail omitted from the official launch release. The video was quickly deleted, but not before it ignited public outrage.
McQuarrie immediately launched a Change.org petition, urging South Africans to speak up. Within hours, the petition gained traction as animal shelters, welfare groups, and members of the public rallied under the hashtag #NoAnimalsForSale, demanding accountability from the retailer.
Despite widespread public concern, there was a notable delay in SPAR’s official response. By late Friday afternoon, as national media began covering the story, SPAR confirmed that live animals would no longer be sold in their franchise stores and that the puppies in question would be rehomed through the local SPCA.
By Monday, the company formally updated its policy to prohibit the sale of live animals, though fish remain available for purchase, raising ongoing debate about ethical retail practices.
“This is proof that when people stand together, change happens,” says BarkingMad founder Tracy McQuarrie. “Every signature, every share, and every voice helped us protect innocent lives. While we welcome SPAR’s decision, we remain committed to ensuring that no animals, not even fish, are treated as commodities. Speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves works, and we thank every South African who joined the call.”
BarkingMad continues to advocate for responsible pet ownership and ethical retail practices. To join the movement or learn more about how to support animal welfare in South Africa, visit www.barkingmad.co.za or follow @BarkingMadSA on social media.
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