Bye-bye bunnies.
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 is recommitting to an adoption-only policy for rabbits” following “feedback received in partnership with animal rescue and welfare organizations nationwide.”
The company announced that the move better aligns with its longstanding 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 “blatant betrayal of its promises” in 1994 and 2008 to stop all rabbit sales.
The animal activists’ 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 the pets which eventually leads to “summer dump season,” when these friendly furries are abandoned outdoors, becoming roadkill or prey for predators.
“Petco’s decision to sell rabbits is hypocritical and shows blatant disregard for their past commitments,” Paige K Parsons, President of the Rabbit.org Foundation, said in the statement.
Days after the brutal accusations, Petco finally agreed to cease all sales only allowing rabbit adoptions.
“As a mission-driven business, piloting and learning new ways of working is crucial to our long-term success, which includes ensuring everything we do improves lives, and is the right thing for pets and the communities of pet lovers we serve,” Benjamin Thiele-Long, Chief ESG & Communications Officer, said in the Petco statement.
“We put great care and thought into piloting a responsible way to offer neutered rabbits for those looking for a new family member, and through this process we’ve learned – from our own Petco partners and customers, as well as Petco Love and its animal welfare partners – we can have a greater impact by refocusing our efforts into helping 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 for 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 instead be offered for adoption.
“I am incredibly pleased by the decision to recommit to an adoption-only policy for rabbits and proud of Petco leaders for listening to the perspectives of Petco Love and our animal welfare community, and staying true to Petco’s own mission to improve lives for pets and the people who love them,” Susanne Kogut, President of Petco Love, said in the Petco statement.
