A rabbit is for life – not just for Easter. At least, that is the message put out by Pets At Home, who are freezing their sales of bunnies at their Old Kent Road store this week.
The shop is attempting to highlight the number of unwanted rabbits that are left homeless each year, with the number spiking predictably following Easter.
Instead, they will be hosting “furry workshops” over the Easter weekend, which will make sure families are fully aware of the specific needs of rabbits.
The ‘My Pet Pals’ Easter activity club will include interactive activities, Q&A sessions and informative sessions. After completing the workshops, each child will receive a certificate and sticker, along with a pet promise card pledge to look after any pet according to the five welfare needs: habitat, health, wellbeing, diet and behaviour.
Nicholas Briscoe, store manager at the Old Kent Road store, said: “We pride ourselves on putting pets before profit, so we’ve decided not to sell rabbits over the Easter weekend, to reduce the number of healthy rabbits left homeless as a result of an impulse purchase.
“Young pet lovers in Old Kent Road can attend our fun workshops to get an insight into the level of care needed to ensure these types of pets live happy, healthy lives. They also give parents a fun activity to entertain their children during the holidays.”
Pets at Home in Old Kent Road will stop selling rabbits from March 25 until March 29.