Goodbye rabbits.
Rabbits are currently the third most popular pet in America — but not for much longer.
Petco will stop selling rabbits after animal groups accused the pet retailer of “blatant betrayal.”
On Tuesday, Petco announced “It recommits to an adoption-only policy for rabbits, following feedback received in partnership with animal rescue and welfare organisations across the country.”
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The company announced that the move is in line with its long-standing principle Think Adoption First, which encourages ambitious pet owners to do so.
This step has been taken at a time when Rabbit.org Earlier this month, Petco was accused of apparently breaking its promises made in 1994 and 2008 to stop selling rabbits.
Animal activist groups have claimed that the sale of rabbits in stores often leads to people making impulsive purchases without understanding the extensive care these pets require and the money they require, ultimately leading to “summer rabbit dumping”, when these friendly furry animals are left outdoors, ending up killed on the road or falling prey to predators.
“Petco’s decision to sell the rabbits is hypocritical and shows a blatant disregard for their past commitments,” Peggy K. Parsons, president of the Rabbit.org Foundation, said in a statement.
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Days after the cruelty allegations, Petco eventually agreed to stop all sales, and only allow rabbits for adoption.
“As a mission-driven business, testing and learning new ways of working is critical to our long-term success, including ensuring that everything we do improves lives and does the right thing for our communities of pets and pet lovers,” Benjamin Thiel-Long, chief ESG and communications officer, said in Petco’s statement.
“We put a lot of care and consideration into testing a responsible way to offer neutered rabbits to people looking for a new family member, and through the process we’ve learned – from our own Petco partners and customers, as well as from Petco Love and its animal welfare partners – that we can make a bigger impact by refocusing our efforts on helping find homes for the thousands of rabbits already looking for loving families across the country.”
To encourage potential pet owners, Petco will offer 20% off “Start Right” savings for those who adopt a rabbit from any established rabbit rescue or adoption group through October.
All remaining miniature rabbits, which were available for purchase at select locations as part of the pilot program, will now be made available for adoption.
“I am so pleased with the decision to recommit to a rabbit-only adoption policy and proud of Petco’s leaders for listening to the perspectives of Petco Love and our animal welfare community and staying true to Petco’s own mission to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them,” Susan Kogut, president of Petco Love, said in Petco’s statement.
