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Coalition of Advocates Urges Petland to Stop Selling Rabbits

In a compelling campaign to enhance animal welfare, the Rabbit.org Foundation has spearheaded a coalition named the Stop Rabbit Sales Coalition, consisting of over 100 rabbit rescues and shelters from across the nation. The coalition's primary objective is to persuade Petland, the largest pet store chain still selling rabbits, to discontinue this practice permanently. This initiative has become increasingly necessary as advocates point to the adverse effects of rabbit sales on local shelters and animals in need.

The Growing Crisis

According to the coalition, Petland's sales of rabbits exacerbate an already critical shelter crisis in the United States. As rabbits are often purchased as novelty pets, many families later surrender them, leading to a surge in abandonment and overwhelming shelter systems. "Every rescue in our network is witnessing a distressing pattern, where rabbits adopted as adorable pets end up neglected or dumped once the initial novelty fades," stated Paige K. Parsons, the founder of The Rabbit.org Foundation. Parsons emphasizes the negative cycle that Petland's business model perpetuates, ultimately placing the burden of care on local shelters and volunteers.

The coalition has documented alarming trends, including a rise in abandoned rabbits, particularly after holiday seasons. Reports of so-called "Easter rabbits" being surrendered in great numbers underscore the urgent need for change. Parsons highlights that rabbits are among the third most surrendered pets in the U.S., yet Petland continues to profit from their impulse sales.

The Ripple Effect

The impact of Petland's practices reverberates through communities, stressing the resources of rabbit rescues and shelters that strive to provide care for these abandoned animals. Court issues arising from shelters, which already face capacity constraints and rising veterinary costs, showcase the fallout from Petland's rabbit sales. "In Georgia, we see first-hand the detrimental effects of these sales. Young rabbits often arrive at our shelter underweight and in need of basic care because families are misinformed about their needs," remarked Courtney Gurley, Shelter Director at the Georgia House Rabbit Society.

Local Experiences

Similar accounts come from locations across the nation. In Chicago, Rachel Sanders, of the House Rabbit Society Chicago, noted the frequent arrival of rabbits that are sick, underweight, or already pregnant due to negligence in retail sales. “While Petland continues its sales, we absorb the consequences, taking in rabbits that require significant care and rehabilitation,” Sanders explained in a recent statement. Dawn Sailer, founder of the Indiana House Rabbit Society, shared a story highlighting how local shelters often refuse to accept rabbits, forcing individuals to abandon them outdoors, leading to further suffering.

The Rabbit.org Foundation urges the public to call on Petland to revise its business model and adopt humane practices. This call for action aligns with a growing expectation among consumers for ethical retail behavior—similar practices embraced by competitors like Petco and PetSmart, which focus on animal adoption rather than sales.

Encouraging Responsible Practices

A recent undercover investigation conducted by Humane World for Animals revealed unsettling findings at a Petland in Virginia, leading to a demand for increased accountability. The coalition's push aims to not only halt rabbit sales but also foster adoption partnerships with local rescues, allowing them to host adoption events within stores instead of selling animals outright.

Supporters of the coalition have rallied, with petitions garnering thousands of signatures in favor of the initiative. Advocates are encouraged to sign petitions, share their stories, and voice concerns directly to Petland franchise owners to foster change. This movement not only seeks to save rabbits but also aims to transform public policy concerning animal welfare.

Conclusion

As the Rabbit.org Foundation continues its campaign, a brighter future for animal welfare can only be achieved when retail practices evolve to prioritize the health and safety of companion animals. The coalition remains determined to reshape the retail landscape and protect vulnerable animals from harm, ensuring they have the homes they deserve. For more information about the campaign and how to get involved, visit rabbit.org/activism/petland.