Pizza Hut apologizes for 'free small animal' promotion

MELBOURNE, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Pizza Hut Australia has apologized for a promotion offering a "free small animal" from a pet store with 10 large pizzas.

The location in Melbourne's Mount Waverley area came under fire on social media when photos emerged of a banner inviting customers to "Buy any 10 large pizzas and get one free small animal from Pets Story."

The promotion came to the attention of animal rights organization Oscar's Law, which approached management at the Pets Story store and had the partnership canceled.

Pizza Hut Australia released a statement saying the store's promotion had not been approved by officials.

"It has come to our attention that one of our stores have recently been running a promotion which was not approved by Pizza Hut Australia, nor was condoned in any circumstances.

"We would like to sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended by this.

"The poster has since been taken down and all those involved have been made aware of the severity and inappropriateness of the promotion. We would like to thank Oscar's Law and all those who have brought this to our attention this evening.

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"On behalf of Pizza Hut Australia we once again apologise for this thoughtless promotion ever occurring and would like to reassure you all that this matter is being seriously dealt with."