Pets at Home announces ban across Scottish stores for key reason
The popular shop has made the decision ahead of the upcoming Easter break in a bid to stop 'impulsive' purchases
Pets at Home has declared a temporary halt on the sale of certain animals from April 18-21 in all 460 stores across the UK, ahead of the Easter break. The move aims to prevent 'impulsive' purchases of rabbits as gifts during this period, as many buyers are unaware of the responsibilities involved.
The ban will stop sales and adoptions of rabbits in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This isn't a new initiative for Pets at Home; the store has consistently halted rabbit sales over Easter for several years.
A spokesperson for Pets at Home said: "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 continued: "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."
PETA has reported that a staggering 80% of rabbits bought during the Easter season end up abandoned or dead within a year. This concerning figure highlights the lack of understanding among many individuals regarding the commitment and care rabbits require, reports the Mirror.
In the run-up to Easter, Pets at Home have made the decision to 'ban' the sale or adoption of rabbits during this period. The announcement was accompanied by a statement online which says: "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)."
Animal welfare organisations like the RSPCA advise against purchasing bunnies as holiday presents due to the animals needing more than just short-term care. Prospective owners are urged to consider the responsibilities involved, with the RSPCA providing a wealth of resources on its website.
Pets at Home is emphasising responsible pet ownership this festive season, starting with educating families on pet care and aiming to shift consumer attitudes. Their My Pet Pals initiative promises a hands-on and informative experience for attendees to learn about various pets and engage in family-friendly activities.
Free educational sessions will be available at local stores on Good Friday (April 18) and Saturday, April 19, with some slots still open during the week for those looking to occupy time during the school break.