Walmart stops online sales of dog ‘rape rack’ after pressure from PETA

Walmart has stopped selling dog breeders — devices that animal rights activists derogatoryly called “rape stands” — according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

According to PETA, the world’s largest retailer was the only major retailer to stock these devices, popular with controversial puppy makers.

“Metal devices, also known as ‘rape stands’, are used to restrain female dogs so they can’t fight back as they are being ridden by males,” a PETA spokesperson said.

PETA filed a complaint with the Bentonville, Arkansas-based company on Feb. 23, and within three weeks, the $139.61 worth of racks were listed as “out of stock” on the website.

Walmart did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Listed on Walmart.com as a “breeding stand,” the description says it’s for “large, small, and medium pets,” and includes photos of a large dog immobilized in a device with neck and stomach straps.

“Dog breeding stands have been used by breeders around the world for many years, but this cannot justify their use alone,” according to a March 12 post on BreedingBusiness.com. Questions regarding the safety of the bitch during the process and the ethicality of its use are all part of a fierce debate that has been going on for many years.

Racks are commonly used by breeders who “want to tie two aggressive dogs,” according to the post.

“Profit-hungry breeders use these stands even when the female is not ready to mate,” the post reads, urging breeders using dogs as young as six months rather than two years old.

BreedingBusiness.com describes a dog that is forced to mate when it’s not “ready” as “totally unbearable”.

“No one has the right to breed more dogs in a world that is already bursting at the seams with homeless people,” PETA said in a statement. “Walmart’s decision to stop selling these disgusting shelving kits is an example of compassion and responsibility.”

However, devices are still being sold on major e-commerce sites including Amazon and eBay.