A nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing rabbits and educating the public about proper rabbit care, the House Rabbit Society blames thousands of cases of rabbit neglect, abandonment, and euthanasia on impulse purchases of rabbits at pet stores. PetSmart has not previously sold rabbits in its stores, instead choosing to partner with HRS and other rabbit rescue organizations to place homeless rabbits.

HRS President Kathleen Wilsbach says, "Contrary to popular belief, rabbits are not low maintenance animals. In fact, compared to dogs and cats, they are actually very high maintenance pets." Impulse purchases by customers with little knowledge of rabbits often result in the subsequent relinquishment of the animals to municipal shelters or to rescue groups such as HRS. Even worse, many frustrated owners simply release their companion rabbits out of doors - into neighborhoods or wilderness areas where they fall victim to dogs, cats, raccoons, and motor vehicles.

Because of PetSmart's decision to breed and sell rabbits in spite of its adoption partnerships with HRS chapters and other rabbit rescue groups, House Rabbit Society is now encouraging its members to shop elsewhere for their pet supplies.

For those individuals interested in bringing a rabbit home to their families, HRS suggests contacting local animal shelters, humane societies or rabbit rescue groups for information about adopting a rabbit. A full list of HRS chapters, contacts and other rabbit rescue organizations, as well as comprehensive information on rabbit care be found at rabbit.org.

To read the House Rabbit Society's letter to PetSmart click here PetsMart Letter.

To sign an ipetition regarding this issue, click here ipetitions.com.

Hundreds of rabbits are surrendered each year to local animal shelters here in Houston. For local rabbit adoption information, click here Citizens for Animal Protection or here Houston Humane Society or attend Bun-a-Palooza Bunny Adoption and Play Day at the Houston SPCA on Saturday, September 1st and Sunday, September 2nd from 11 am to 8 pm in the Adoption Lobby at 900 Portway Drive, Houston, TX 77024.