M&M Boycott Will Save Pets, Protester Says

Dr. John Robb says Mars, Inc. is killing pets by over-vaccinating them and terminated his employment with the company for not following stringent guidelines.

That's why the licensed veterinarian was protesting the company on High Street in Hackettstown Wednesday.

Robb, a New Fairfield, Conn.-based veterinarian, worked for Banfield Pet Hospital from 2007 to 2012. Banfield is a pet service-based hospital franchise owned by Mars, Inc., which was purchased by the Fortune 100 company in 2007.

Robb says he had a 15-year contract with Banfield, which was terminated just five years from the start date this past December, based on his not following the "high standard" vaccine guidelines laid out by the company.

Just two and-a-half months later, Robb is camping out on Rt. 517 —  — for the second time to make his voice heard.

“That’s corporate America right there,” Robb said, pointing across the street to the Mars, Inc. North America headquarters. “We’re trying to bring accountability. When we stop buying this product, that’s when they’ll pay attention.”

The veterinarian has been licensed since 1985.

Wearing a shirt emblazoned with Snoopy’s face, Robb, joined by just one other protester before noon Wednesday, said he was expecting about 100 impassioned supporters to arrive and protest with him later in the day.

“Studies have shown that pets receiving full-dose vaccines are getting sick and dying,” Robb said. “It’s not right. That’s why I’m standing up against it.”

Their signs all had the same plea, to “protect the pets,” and “stop over-vaccination.” Robb and his expected group went through the proper channels to assemble a protest and may be on site for the remainder of the day, according to police.

was terminated once colleagues and managers learned of her sexual orientation. Earlier this year, the private company was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the top-100 places in America to work.

In an email to Patch, Mars, Incorporated said:

Mars recognizes the protestors’ rights to express their opinions and demonstrate in a peaceful and lawful manner. Our primary concern is the welfare of our associates and the demonstrators. To that end, we are working closely with local authorities and site management to prevent disruption, and ensure the safety of all involved.