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Georgia House Rabbit Society Takes Action Against Petland

In a powerful move for animal welfare, the Georgia House Rabbit Society (GHRS) has joined forces with a national coalition led by The Rabbit.org Foundation, advocating an end to the sale of live rabbits at Petland stores. This spirited campaign is ignited by harrowing reports of neglect and suffering experienced by rabbits sold in retail environments.

A Growing Concern

GHRS, based in Kennesaw, Georgia, has been at the forefront of rabbit rescue and education since its inception in 1996. With a mission to rehabilitate and rehome domestic rabbits while also providing crucial education on proper care, GHRS has witnessed firsthand the dire consequences linked to retail rabbit sales.

Courtney Gurley, the Shelter Manager, expressed deep concerns over the welfare of young rabbits sold to unprepared families. “Often, these rabbits are taken home by people who are unaware of their specialized needs. Weeks later, many arrive at our rescue malnourished, scared, and in desperate need of veterinary care,” she lamented. This symptoms of neglect highlight the urgent need for change within the pet retail industry.

The Case of Lazarus

One poignant example that encapsulates this issue is the story of Lazarus, a young rabbit rescued by GHRS in 2020. Discovered in a Petland store's backroom, Lazarus was severely underweight and battling coccidia. This traumatic experience underscores the urgent need for corporate responsibility within the pet retail industry.

“Lazarus was critically ill when he arrived,” Gurley recalls. “It took several days of intensive care before we witnessed any signs of recovery. By the end of that week, he was not only alive but thriving, hopping around and eating hay.” This miraculous turnaround highlights the importance of proper nutrition and care, yet begs the question: how many more rabbits suffer the same fate simply due to irresponsible selling practices?

A Call for Change

Petland operates nearly 90 franchise stores across various states, selling rabbits, puppies, and other small animals. Despite ongoing criticisms for their breeding conditions and the documented suffering of animals they sell, Petland continues to perpetuate a business model that profits from the sale of underaged and unprepared rabbits.

As advocates, GHRS and the coalition urge Petland to adopt a model similar to Petco and PetSmart, which prioritize adoption events in partnership with local rescues instead of selling live animals. “This isn’t about being anti-business—it's about being pro-responsibility,” asserts Paige K. Parsons, founder of The Rabbit.org Foundation. “Petland can lead the way by shifting policies that are in line with public expectations for humane practices.”

Educating the Public

GHRS believes that alongside rescue work, education is crucial in addressing the heart of the issue. The organization runs grooming and educational programs, which inform new rabbit owners of their pets' dietary and lifestyle needs while also connecting them to knowledgeable veterinarians.

“We see many people come to us after buying a rabbit from a pet store,” Gurley explains. “They often had no idea about the complexities involved in caring for these animals.” Preventative education ensures fewer rabbits wind up in need of rescue, though ultimately, reducing retail sales remains the primary goal.

Rallying Support

The Georgia House Rabbit Society and The Rabbit.org Foundation are calling on Petland to end all rabbit sales across its locations and transition into meaningful adoption partnerships. Supporters can join this cause by signing a petition at change.org/petland-rabbits and learning more about the campaign at rabbit.org/activism/petland-georgia.

Through concerted efforts from advocates, volunteers, and community support, there is hope for crafting a future where the welfare of rabbits is prioritized, and lives like Lazarus's are not just saved, but celebrated.