Pets at Home will temporarily ban people from buying rabbits over the Easter weekend.
The retailer announced that none of its 460 UK stores will sell bunnies from Good Friday, April 18, to Easter Monday, April 21, amid concerns about seasonal buying.
For several years, the retailer has implemented this temporary sales ban out of concern that customers may impulsively buy rabbits without fully considering the long-term responsibility of caring for them.
The RSPCA has previously warned about a surge in unwanted rabbits being returned to shelters, citing a spike in sales and returns during Easter.
The charity’s rabbit expert, Dr Jane Tyson, said: “This Easter and beyond, we are urging people not to buy a rabbit, or any pet, on an impulse, as sadly many people may not realise what is involved in caring for them.
“We’d always ask prospective owners to please do their research and make sure they have the time, money and resources to be able to care for that animal for the rest of their lives.”
A tragic case in 2023 saw the RSPCA rescue more than 160 rabbits from a single garage, with the owners reportedly struggling to care for the pets due to cost of living pressures.
Pets at Home will remain open over Easter and may sell guinea pigs or other small animals, bedding and supplies. The retailer has posted signs in-store explaining that the decision to halt rabbit sales temporarily is to prioritise "pets before profit”
A spokesman 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."
