Pet Store: Another baby-step in the right direction...

[Coopdog]

I just found a press release from Petco that I think is great. It's one more step in the right direction. I think with constant pressure and encouragement, they may eventually phase out all animal sales. There's a contact person in the article. Might I suggest we all write to her saying how wonderful we think this decision was, and how we think it can be taken even farther. This is just part of the article:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Contacts: Lisa Epstein, PETCO, 858.453-7845, ext. 2558; lisae@petco.com

PETCO TO OFFER NEUTERED RABBITS FOR ADOPTION ONLY

National Retailer Invites Humane Societies, Rabbit Rescues to Adopt through its Stores

SAN DIEGO (Nov. 17, 2008) – PETCO is reaching out to animal-welfare agencies and local rescue groups in an effort to greatly increase the number of rabbits that find forever homes by offering adoptions at its stores nationwide, the company announced today.


PETCO works with rabbit groups in several areas to provide in-store rabbit adoptions, and now wants to expand that effort. In recent years, about a third of the company's nearly 950 stores have offered neutered rabbits for sale. PETCO expects to phase out the sale of rabbits in favor of adoptions by early 2009.


"Moving to an all-adoption approach with rabbits is the right thing to do. We believe it's good for the animals, good for our business and is consistent with our Think Adoption First philosophy in which we encourage prospective pet parents to consider adopting an animal rather than purchasing one," PETCO CEO Jim Myers said. "Rabbits are great companion animals, and we believe PETCO can play a pivotal role in partnering with animal-welfare groups to connect responsible pet parents with happy, healthy neutered rabbits through in-store adoptions nationwide."


PETCO already has strong relationships with about 70 rabbit adoption groups – including the Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society, the Oregon Humane Society, the Animal Rescue League of Boston, San Diego House Rabbit Society and the Escondido, Calif., Humane Society as well as other groups across the nation. The company is also communicating with the national House Rabbit Society to build additional relationships with local chapters and affiliates.

[rabbitsncavyluv]

They made that statement several years ago but then they started selling rabbits from Marshalls Farms recently. They didn't sell so they are now promising yet again to not sell them anymore. See if they actually stick to it.

[babybunny]

Yeah they said they would phase out the selling of rabbits, alas the Petco here keeps ordering more bunnies to keep in stock.

[Coopdog]

Well, that's disappointing to hear. I did write a letter to Lisa, but I guess I'll go down and check out the local store.

[babybunny]

Yes, its very disheartening, especially due to the fact there are so many free to good home pet ads in the paper now a days. Even bunnies are in there now, and I haven't seen any prior for about a year. Yet the Petco had a whole "tank" full of rabbits with a sold sign on it. Sigh.