Bunny ban! Rabbits for life; not just Easter

Friday 16 March 2018

The Guernsey branch of Pets at Home will temporarily stop its rabbit adoption scheme over the Easter weekend due to the surge in the amount of people interested in them around this time of year.

Nationally, the pet retailer wants to crackdown on impulse buying which leads to dozens of animals being abandoned each year when the novelty wears off.

The Guernsey store based at Admiral Park doesn't sell rabbits, but does have an Adoption Centre, and says customers won't be able to adopt a rabbit over the Easter weekend. 

Pets at Home nationally said it is taking these steps in order to educate and inform future pet owners on the importance of responsible pet ownership. The store will also be running a number of ''small furries' workshops to help teach children how rewarding pets can be and how to care for them. 

Peter Pritchard, CEO of Pets at Home, said: “Our decision to stop the sale and adoption of rabbits during Easter has been made to educate potential owners on the importance of responsible pet ownership. Our informative workshops will help families understand what’s involved in being a responsible pet owner. What’s more they’re also a fun and free way to learn about small furry animals and rabbits during the holidays.”

Pictured: Pets at Home at Admiral Park

The Guernsey store will be holding eight workshops from Monday 26 March to Thursday 5 April, where fun, interactive activities will educate the next generation of pet owners on how to care for small furry animals, responsibly. Details of the workshops can be found here.

GSPCA Manger Steve Byrne encourages responsible pet ownership and said: "As we all start to enjoy the Spring weather many families start to think about adopting or purchasing pets that live outdoors but the GSPCA we would urge anyone to stop and think to ensure they are prepared for a pet that could well live for many years. Each Spring sales and adoptions of rabbits and other outdoor pets increase throughout the Channel Islands and UK. Rabbits are often the forgotten pet after the initial excitement as they often live at the end of the garden in a small hutch."

Pictured: Rabbit at the GSPCA

Mr Byrne continued: "The GSPCA always has rescue rabbits in need of homes and would never want to see a rabbit live in a small hutch and forgotten about, Rabbits are extremely social pets and enjoy company whether it is their own kind or human interaction, although it is advisable to neuter them if kept in groups Although at the GSPCA we do not stop rehoming rabbits over Easter anyone interested has to complete a home visit questionnaire and we need to ensure that each home is suitable before adoption.

"With over 150 rabbits through our doors every year and the start of baby bunnies being seen we would ask anyone looking to get a rabbit to think seriously as they can live for over 7 years, need lots of exercise and attention and also regular vaccinations and treatments."