9/24 Update: A Heartfelt Thank You: Petco Ends Rabbit Sales Thanks to United Effort
The press release that was published in over 260 local and national media outlets is just the first step. It is critical that every concerned rabbit advocate follow up with a letter to their local TV news station and local paper and then follow up with a phone call to the outlet.
We also encourage you to submit a letter to the letters page of your local newspaper.
Writing a letter to the letters page is one of the quickest and easiest ways to contact your local media. The letters page is one of the most read parts of a local newspaper. To enhance your chances of getting a letter printed it’s helpful to read previous letters to get a sense of the style they like to publish.
Finding local media email addresses
The quickest way to find details is to phone the front desk of each publication and ask to talk with the news desk. You can also google the “publication or tv station’s name + news email”
Template: A Letter to a Local Reporter
Subject: Urgent Local Impact of Petco’s Rabbit Sales—Our Community at Risk
Dear [Reporter’s Name],
I am a volunteer with [Your Rescue Group Name], and I’m writing about a critical issue affecting our community: Petco’s decision to pilot rabbit sales in 25 stores, despite previously halting sales due to welfare concerns. Rabbit.org Foundation recently published a press release drawing attention to the crisis: (https://prn.to/47i0JDP). We deeply worry that this pilot could expand to the Petco stores in our area [list locations], further straining our small rescue.
So far in 2024, our rescue group has been asked to take in over [number] rabbits, largely due to impulsive purchases followed by abandonment. Petco’s decision will only worsen this crisis, which is overwhelming small rescues like ours that are already struggling to provide necessary care—ranging from veterinary expenses to proper diets and safe housing.
We are holding a community adoption and education event on [Event Date] at [Location]. We would welcome your presence to interview our members, record footage for a story, and speak to our leadership, [provide leader’s name.]
We would be grateful if you could cover the story and help raise awareness about the growing crisis and its impact on our local community. With your help, we can educate the public and work toward better outcomes for these vulnerable animals.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Volunteer, [Your Rabbit Rescue Name]
[Contact Information]
Letter Template: Letter to The Editor
Dear Editor,
Petco’s recent decision to resume selling rabbits in 25 stores is a significant step backward for animal welfare. Petco has twice pledged—once in 1994 and again in 2008—to stop selling rabbits due to the undeniable link between impulsive purchases and subsequent abandonment. Rabbits, often misunderstood as “starter pets,” require specialized care. Without proper education and screening, many of these animals are neglected or surrendered shortly after purchase.
As a volunteer with [Your Rescue Group Name], I’ve seen firsthand the toll this takes on local rescues. So far in 2024, our small group has been asked to take in over [number] rabbits, many of which were abandoned after being purchased without a full understanding of the care they require. Rabbits need a proper diet, space to roam, socialization, and specialized veterinary care. Sadly, these needs are often neglected by those who buy on impulse.
Petco’s pilot program could have serious consequences for shelters across the country, especially if it expands to more stores. Our rescue is already overwhelmed, and we worry that this program will drive even more rabbits into shelters that lack the resources to care for them.
We urge Petco to reverse this decision and stop selling rabbits altogether. Instead, they should focus on promoting adoption through local rescues, where adopters receive education and support to ensure the animals are well cared for.
We will be hosting a community adoption and education event on [Event Date] at [Location] to raise awareness about this issue. We invite the community to learn more about responsible rabbit care and support local rescues in their efforts to manage the flood of abandoned animals.
For the sake of rabbit welfare and the future of our rescues, it’s time to hold Petco accountable for its promises.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Rabbit Rescue Name]
[Contact Information]
For more details on Petco’s decision: https://rabbit.org/activism/petco-press-release-sept-2024.
