Pets at Home declares nationwide ban in any respect 460 UK shops this weekend
The temporary ban will prevent people from buying or adopting rabbits from shops in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in order to stop hasty Easter decision-making
In a bold move to combat impulsive pet purchases this Easter, Pets at Home has declared a temporary halt on the sale of certain pets. From April 18-21, none of its 460 UK stores will allow customers to buy or adopt rabbits.
Ahead of the Easter holiday, when many people make hasty decisions about gifting bunnies without full understanding of the commitment, the retailer confirmed the pause. This isn’t a first for the store as it’s upheld this stance for several years, barring rabbit sales over the Easter period.
Speaking on behalf of Pets at Home, a spokesperson confirmed: “Every year, we make the decision to temporarily halt rabbit sales over the Easter weekend. This is a deliberate action to discourage any impulsive choices about owning a rabbit, given their close association with this time of year.”
They also noted the misconceptions about rabbit care: “Rabbits make wonderful pets, however, they are not the ‘easy’ pet that they can often be thought of as. Rabbits have complex needs, including specialised dietary requirements and environments, and we always want to educate and encourage careful reflection on how those needs will be met before homing,” reports the Mirror.
PETA has revealed concerning data that demonstrates the gravity of these impulse buys: 80% of rabbits acquired around Easter are either abandoned or die within a year. It appears buyers underestimate the responsibility and long-term attention these animals require.
In a significant shift from traditional Easter imagery, Pets at Home is set to replace the usual cute animal displays with informative signs. The company has previewed the message of these signs online ahead of implementing a ‘ban’ on the sale or adoption of rabbits during the Easter period.
The sign states: “Owning a rabbit can be very rewarding and enjoyable. It’s also a long-term commitment that you need to make sure you’re ready for.
“We pride ourselves on putting pets before profit, so we’ve made the decision not to sell or adopt rabbits over the Easter weekend (April 18 to 21).”
Charities like the RSPCA have long discouraged the impulse purchase of rabbits around Easter, stressing that they are living beings requiring dedication, not just festive gifts.
For those considering rabbit ownership, the RSPCA website offers extensive guidance.
This Easter, Pets at Home is determined to promote responsible pet care by educating families and shifting perceptions.
Their My Pet Pals initiative provides an engaging and educational opportunity to learn about various pets through interactive sessions and family-friendly activities.
Free workshops will be available at local stores on Good Friday (April 18) and Saturday, April 19, with some slots still open for booking during the school holiday week.
