Plan to Sell Pocket Pets at Southridge Causing Concern

Pocket Pets, a company from Fort Worth, Texas, will be at Southridge Mall in Greendale beginning today to sell small marsupials called sugar gliders.

Also known as sugar bears, these small gliding possums are in the same family as kangaroos and koalas, according to the North American Sugar Glider Association.

Southridge Mall management confirmed by phone today to Patch that Pocket Pets has a short-term lease for a kiosk in the mall's center court from June 17-19.

The plan is not sitting well with some of the mall's Facebook fans, who have posted  concerns about the appropriateness of selling the exotic animals at the mall.

One post by Caitlin Nieznanski of Milwaukee says, "Sugar gliders are an exotic pet and should not be sold to the general public like hamsters.  They require skilled care and knowledge of the species."

Another Facebook user, Lisa Habhegger-Rossman of West Allis, posted, "As a member of the rescue community I am disgusted that Southridge Mall will be hosting a group that is SELLING Sugar Gliders! Once the hype is over, most of these animals will be abandoned."

Southridge Mall is home of the Milwaukee Animal Rescue Center, which is a shelter and adoption center for rescued animals. The Rescue Center is not open on Fridays so was unavailable for comment, but mall management, who asked not to be identified by name, said that the adoption center is aware of the sugar glider sale taking place this weekend and that they "understand it from a business standpoint."  

The mall referred us to a Pocket Pets representative who indicated the company has all the necessary licenses and credentials. The company representative said they make sure customers are informed and receive support regarding the pets before they purchase them.

The representative said a limited number of pets will be available at the mall, but the company will also take orders for them because they must be a certain age before they can be sold. The representative declined to give his name and said for more information, visit their company website.

Several of the people who commented on the mall's Facebook page indicated they would be contacting the mall's parent company, Simon Malls, to complain.  In response, the mall thanked the posters for their comments and feedback regarding the event.

What do you think of selling exotic pets at the mall? Tell us in the comments!