Petco's Return to Rabbit Sales: A Betrayal of Trust and a Threat to Animal Welfare
Petco Takes a Step Backward in Animal Welfare and Corporate Responsibility
In a move that has sparked outrage among animal welfare advocates, Petco has reneged on its longstanding commitment to stop selling rabbits, a decision that threatens to exacerbate the plight of these often misunderstood and mistreated animals. As a former leader in animal welfare, I am compelled to condemn this decision and highlight the reasons why it is a step backward for both animal welfare and corporate responsibility.
A History of Broken Promises
Petco has a history of broken promises regarding rabbit sales. In 1994, under pressure from rabbit advocates, Petco vowed to stop selling rabbits, but by 2000, they had resumed sales. In 2008, Petco again promised to end rabbit sales and focus on supporting in-store adoptions. However, this commitment was not upheld, and now Petco has resumed selling rabbits in southern U.S. stores, once again breaking their promise. This pattern of making and then breaking commitments has raised significant concerns among animal welfare advocates, who argue that Petco's actions contribute to the ongoing exploitation and suffering of rabbits.
The Consequences of Impulse Purchases
Rabbits are the third most surrendered animals to shelters, following dogs and cats. Selling rabbits in pet stores often leads to impulse buys by customers who are unprepared for the complex care these animals require. Rabbits need specialized diets, regular veterinary care, and environments that are "rabbit-proofed" to prevent destructive behavior. Many new rabbit owners, misled by the perception that rabbits are low-maintenance pets, find themselves overwhelmed and ultimately surrender these animals to already overburdened shelters.
The Dark Side of Rabbit Breeding
The rabbits sold in pet stores typically come from large-scale breeding operations, often referred to as "mills," where animals are kept in inhumane conditions. These facilities prioritize quantity over quality, leading to the breeding of rabbits with genetic defects and health issues. The result is a population of animals that are predisposed to chronic health problems, which can lead to significant veterinary costs for their owners.
A Call for Corporate Responsibility
Petco's decision to resume rabbit sales is not just a betrayal of past promises; it is a failure of corporate responsibility. Companies have a duty to consider the ethical implications of their business practices, and Petco's actions stand in stark contrast to the values of compassion and care that they claim to uphold. It is crucial for consumers to hold Petco accountable and demand a return to adoption-focused policies.
Call to Action
If corporate decisions prioritize short-term gains over long-term welfare, then the solution may lie in legislation that prohibits the sale of rabbits and other small animals in retail stores, ensuring that corporate promises are upheld by law. Until such measures are in place, it is up to consumers and advocates to voice their opposition to Petco's decision and support organizations that prioritize animal welfare.
Petco's decision to resume rabbit sales is a step backward in the fight for animal welfare. It is imperative that we, as a community, stand against this decision and advocate for the ethical treatment of all animals. Through collective action and collaboration, we can hope to effect meaningful change and ensure a better future for rabbits and other vulnerable animals.
For those wishing to voice their concerns about Petco's decision to resume rabbit sales, contacting the company's leadership directly can be an effective approach. Here are the relevant contact details:
Joel D. Anderson, CEO
Email: Joel.Anderson@petco.com
Address: Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc., 10850 Via Frontera, San Diego, CA 92127
Customer Relations
Email: customerrelations@petco.com
Additionally, you can reach out to Petco's general inquiries line at 1 (877) 738-6742 for further assistance.
Ed Boks is a former Executive Director of the New York City, Los Angeles, and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Departments. His work has been published in the LA Times, New York Times, Newsweek, Real Clear Policy, Sentient Media, and now on Animal Politics with Ed Boks. He is available for consultations at animalpolitics8@gmail.com
So, it seems every article you write and share, I have a personal experience with, Ed. This is no exception and I’m sure if anyone reads my responses probably thinks I have a fantastical imagination or it’s simply not possible in ones life to have all of these hands on experience.
I have the receipts.
During my tenure of employment as a vet tech, I was a preschool teacher for a time to destress from the challenge of that job.
Invariably the child care facility would have a pet for the children to give care to and induce kindness towards animals.
That part was good but that is as far as it went.
The actual daily care of the rabbit was almost never followed through.
The cage would oftentimes filthy and water bottle empty upon my return after a weekend. The rabbit, if female, would suffer from periodic UTI’s due to an unclean environment.
I took over the care completely with clean litter, the right nutrition and tried to establish an area in the building that was the less stressful place for the rabbit hutch.
I finally had enough and took the rabbit home and to my vet.
I never took the rabbit back claiming she had an infection that would take months to treat. Yes!! I lied. I did however, convince the daycare to not have a resident animal explaining the work and cost involved to care for that animal rather have the local humane society come periodically to explain animal care and kindness. A program most humane societies have.
Rabbits are so prone to stress and infant rabbits can die if put in stressful situations.
I am angry that Petco has resumed selling animals and I intend to follow through with the info you gave on your post.
My heart breaks every time I notice a backyard hutch knowing there could be one of these beautiful and kind animals wasting away slowly day by day, the owner not knowing the very specific needs rabbits require.
I so appreciate your Call to Action sections, Ed! I just emailed both Joel and Customer Relations. I hope stressing that I refuse to shop at Petco until I learn they aren’t selling rabbits anymore hits them where it hurts. I know I am just one person but maybe I will signal to them that there are enough of us who will do this and it hurts their reputation and perhaps even their bottom line.