Petco Halts Rabbit Sales After Advocacy Efforts!

Petco has ceased its recently launched pilot program to sell rabbits following just one month of operation. The decision came after intense pressure from organizations like In Defense of Animals, which led protests, organized petitions, and sent over 10,000 emails to Petco’s executives, urging them to reconsider.

Petco’s attempt to resume rabbit sales marked a reversal of its 2008 commitment to an adoption-only policy for pets like rabbits, dogs, and cats. Advocates were concerned that selling rabbits would worsen the overcrowded conditions in shelters, which already struggle to cope with the high number of abandoned rabbits. Due to swift action from activists, Petco reversed course and reaffirmed its adoption-only approach.

To Support rescues, Petco has announced that the rabbits from the pilot program will now be offered for adoption, along with a 20% discount on supplies for new adopters. However, animal advocates continue to demand that the company take further steps by ending the sale of all animals bred for profit, including betta fish, which suffer in poor conditions at many stores.

We encourage everyone thinking of getting a pet to only adopt instead of shopping and use this amazing pet adoption search tool by WildWatchers to find shelter animals near you!

Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal.

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