Many bunny enthusiasts are calling on Pets at Home to prolong their restriction on selling rabbits this Easter. Pets at Home has decided to halt the sale and adoption of rabbits during the four-day holiday to deter impulsive purchases. While this decision has been praised, concerns remain as some feel that the store does not conduct thorough background checks before selling rabbits, leading to abandonment issues.
Sophie Finnegan was initially told that her pet rabbit had undergone a health check, but she was shocked to discover two days later that its back teeth were so overgrown that they had punctured its eyeball, resulting in blindness. This is just one example that highlights the issue of neglect in the pet trade industry. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has strongly criticized the pet trade for its cruelty, citing the high number of rabbits that are abandoned each year. They are urging potential pet owners to consider adoption instead of purchasing animals from stores. Pets at Home’s CEO, Peter Pritchard, has announced that the company will no longer sell or allow the adoption of rabbits during Easter to promote responsible pet ownership. However, despite these measures, rabbit owners like Sophie Finnegan and Kyrenia Shorten have experienced distressing situations with their pets purchased from Pets at Home, highlighting the need for improved care and handling of animals in the industry.
Kyrenia Shorten, 41, recounts how she ended up becoming the unexpected owner of a rabbit after it was left behind by a customer at Pets at Home. The customer quickly realized they were not equipped to look after the animal, leading Kyrenia to step in and provide a new home for the abandoned rabbit.
For nearly twenty years, Kyrenia of Worthing in West Sussex has been giving abandoned animals a second chance at a loving home. Recently, she took in a rabbit that was left behind by its previous owner who decided to get a new puppy instead.
Both individuals are urging Pets at Home to extend the ban on selling bunnies to at least two weeks before and after Easter Sunday. Kyrenia shared a story about someone who bought a rabbit for their kids but later realized they couldn’t properly care for it, leading to neglect. She emphasized the importance of thorough checks before purchasing a bunny, highlighting their complex needs for diet and care. Kyrenia suggested that bunnies are often neglected due to lack of proper information given to buyers, and recommended adopting from a rescue center for health checks and spaying/neutering. She also stressed the need for companion rabbits and supported the idea of extending the sales ban to ensure better welfare for these animals.
Stewie, the adorable bunny owned by Kyrenia Shorten.
Alfie, the rabbit adopted by Sophie Finnegan, was at the center of a recent decision by Pets at Home to temporarily stop selling rabbits during the Easter period. This move was supported by PETA, who have previously criticized the idea of keeping pets. PETA praised Pets at Home for their decision and encouraged people to adopt animals from shelters instead of buying them on a whim. According to a spokesperson from PETA, many people underestimate the work and commitment required to care for rabbits, including providing the right diet, a stimulating environment, and regular veterinary care. PETA suggested that those who have the time, love, and resources to care for a rabbit should consider adoption as a way to save a life. Pets at Home stated that the ban on rabbit sales was meant to educate future pet owners about responsible pet ownership. They will be offering free workshops over the Easter weekend to inform customers about the needs of rabbits and the responsibilities that come with owning one. They emphasized the importance of matching the pet to the potential owner’s circumstances and provided information on the costs associated with caring for a rabbit. Pets at Home also highlighted the fact that rabbits are best suited for experienced pet owners and require proper setup and ongoing expenses. They informed customers about the lifespan of rabbits and the importance of living with other rabbits for companionship. These measures were put in place to ensure that rabbits would be well taken care of and live in suitable environments.
Stewie and Honey are the pet rabbits owned by Kyrenia Shorten.
Kyrenia Shorten is the proud owner of two adorable rabbits, Stewie and Olaf.
