Petco bans rabbit sales after animal group calls ‘blatant betrayal’

Bye-bye bunny.

Rabbits are currently the third most popular pet in the US – but not for long.

Petco will stop selling rabbits after animal groups accused the pet retailer of “blatant betrayal.”

On Tuesday, Petco announced it was “committing to an adoption-only policy for rabbits” following “responses received in partnership with animal rescue and welfare organizations nationwide.”

The company announced that the move better aligns with its long-standing Think Adoption First philosophy, which encourages aspiring pet owners to do just that.

The move comes after Rabbit.org called out Petco earlier this month accusing them of a “flagrant betrayal of its promises” in 1994 and 2008 to ban all rabbit sales.

The animal activist group claimed that selling rabbits in stores often leads to impulse purchases by people who don’t understand the extensive care and money required for pets, which ultimately leads to “summer dump season”, when these furries friendly are abandoned outside. becoming roadkill or prey to predators.

“Petco’s decision to sell the rabbits is hypocritical and shows a blatant disregard for their past commitments,” Paige K Parsons, President of the Rabbit.org Foundation, said in a statement.

Days after the brutal allegations, Petco finally agreed to stop all sales and allow only rabbit adoptions.

“As a mission-driven business, piloting and learning new ways of working is critical to our long-term success, which includes ensuring that everything we do improves lives and is the right thing for pets and the pet-loving communities which we serve.” Benjamin Thiele-Long, Chief ESG and Communications Officer, said in Petco’s statement.

“We’ve put a lot of care and thought into piloting a responsible way to provide neutered rabbits to those looking for a new family member, and through that process we’ve learned—from our Petco partners and customers, as well as from Petco Love and his pet welfare partners – we can have a bigger impact by refocusing our efforts to help find homes for the thousands of rabbits already looking for loving families across the country.”

To encourage potential pet owners, Petco will offer a 20% off “Start Right” savings to those who adopt a rabbit from any established rabbit rescue or adoption group through October.

All remaining miniature rabbits that were available for purchase at select locations as part of the pilot program will be offered for adoption.

“I am extremely pleased with the decision to recommit to an adoption-only policy for rabbits and proud of Petco executives for listening to the perspectives of Petco Love and our animal welfare community and staying true to Petco’s own mission of improve the lives of pets and the people who love them,” said Susanne Kogut, President of Petco Love, in the Petco statement.