It’s a shame we have to think about this being an issue, but as Easter approaches, Pets at Home, the UK's largest pet store, has announced a temporary suspension on the sale and adoption of rabbits across all of its stores from Good Friday (April 18) to Easter Monday (April 21).

This annual ban aims to discourage impulsive rabbit purchases often inspired by the Easter Bunny tradition and to promote responsible pet ownership. I would like to think that this would be obvious to everyone but clearly not.

The Rationale Behind the Ban

Easter apparently often sees a surge in rabbit sales, driven by their association with the holiday. However, many of these purchases are made on a whim, without a full understanding of the commitment required to care for a rabbit. A spokesperson for Pets at Home emphasised that rabbits have complex needs, including specialised diets and environments, and should not be viewed as easy or starter pets.

Animal welfare organisations support this move. The rabbit rescue charity E.A.R.S. reports that four out of five rabbits bought around Easter are abandoned or die within a year. PETA also supports the initiative, urging consumers not to give rabbits as gifts .

A Long-Term Commitment

Rabbits can live up to 12 years and require daily exercise, attention, and an appropriate diet. They are not low-maintenance pets and should not be acquired without careful consideration. Pets at Home's decision to pause rabbit sales during Easter is a step towards ensuring that potential pet owners are fully informed and prepared for the responsibilities of rabbit ownership.

Encouraging Responsible Pet Ownership

In addition to the sales pause, Pets at Home has previously held workshops to educate families on the care commitments involved in owning a rabbit. These workshops aim to promote responsible pet ownership and prevent the abandonment of rabbits after the holiday season.

By implementing this temporary ban, Pets at Home reinforces the message that pets are a long-term commitment, not just seasonal gifts. This initiative serves as a reminder to consider the responsibilities of pet ownership carefully, ensuring that rabbits and other pets are placed in loving, prepared homes.

Very similar to the campaigns we have long had around December which highlight that puppies are not just for Christmas, clearly organisations have had to take things a step further and not sell rabbits at this time of year. Hopefully we will get to a stage where people are aware of what they are taking on and not buy pets on a whim.