Following intense backlash over a pilot program, Petco will no longer sell rabbits, according to a press release from In Defense of Animals (IDA). Moving forward, the pet store has vowed to promote adoption from rescues and shelters instead.
“With shelters overrun, there’s no reason why Petco or any store should sell rabbits,” said Brittany Michelson, campaign specialist for captive animals at IDA. “We need people to adopt, not shop.”
The Humane Society of the United States reported that the number of rabbits in shelters typically surpasses the number of adoptions. To make matters worse, rabbits are also one of the “most commonly surrendered companion animals in the U.S.,” according to the IDA press release.
Many animal welfare advocates have echoed Michelson’s position, arguing that the sale of rabbits through Petco’s 2024 pilot program is irresponsible and dangerous. Advocates at rabbit.org called out the corporate giant for “blatant betrayal” of prior commitments to keep rabbits off their shelves. They also outlined Petco’s history of faltering decisions when it comes to rabbit sales; the pet store first pledged to stop sales in 1994, but has since strayed from that promise at least three times.
According to their press release, IDA has also played a significant role in Petco’s decision to stop rabbit sales. The group hosted a protest in San Francisco and organized an email campaign, which resulted in thousands of messages from concerned community members directed at Petco’s leadership team.
Luckily, less than 50 rabbits were sold during the 2024 pilot program, according to a statement released by Petco. Petco promised that any unsold animals will be offered for adoption, and they will also incentivize adoption from local rescue groups. For a limited time, anyone who adopts “a rabbit from any established rabbit rescue or adoption group” will receive a discount coupon that can be used for qualified purchases in participating Petco stores.
Lady Freethinker applauds IDA and other animal welfare advocates for their impactful responses to Petco’s pilot program and their unwavering determination to end rabbit sales. We look forward to a more compassionate future for rabbits, who will now have a better chance at finding forever homes.
