Petco will stop selling its rabbits, again

( KRON ) – In an effort to abide by its “Think Adoption First” philosophy and after receiving feedback from “animal rescue and welfare organizations nationwide,” Petco dropped its rabbit sale policy on Tuesday.

From now on, instead of buying a rabbit, Petco customers interested in getting a bunny will have to adopt America’s third most popular pet– for free.

“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,” said Benjamin Thiele-Long, Chief ESG & Communications Officer of Petco.

Despite presenting its rabbit sale policy as a “limited pilot,” Petco isn’t exactly piloting or learning anything “new.”

The now-dropped pilot – which allows the company to sell up to 50 neutered rabbits at a time per store — was initially adopted, and then dropped, in 2008. Erik Allen is an animal rights organizer based in the Bay Area. He says Petco should have learned their lesson a while ago:

“Petco has stopped selling rabbits twice before. I’m surprised they haven’t learned from the past, but it seems every 15 years or so they need a reminder of why selling rabbits from breeders is problematic,” Allen said, claiming it’s “detrimental” for Petco to sell rabbits “as it perpetuates the demand for irresponsible breeding practices and contributes to the overpopulation crisis in animal shelters .”

Despite the flip-flop in the bunny sale policy, Susanne Kogut, President of Petco’s nonprofit sub-branch, says the company has been listening to animal rights organizers such as Allen and that the company is now “committed” to improving the lives of “pets and the people who love them.”

“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,” Kogut said.

To “further support this commitment,” pet parents who adopt a rabbit from any established rabbit rescue or adoption group through October will be offered a 20% “Start Right” discount at Petco stores nationwide, the company said.

“We at Oakland Street Bunz are so pleased that Petco has decided to forgo the selling of rabbits,” said Jessica Peters, founder of Oakland Street Bunz, a local bunny rescue initiative. “We are grateful to volunteers and all the bunny advocates nationwide who pushed so hard to end this cruel practice.”

Starting Tuesday, all remaining miniature rabbits that were made available for purchase at select locations will now be offered for adoption, Petco said.

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