Lazarus shortly after arriving at Georgia House Rabbit Society, severely underweight and battling coccidia. A Petland employee found him barely responsive in the store’s back room and brought him to the rescue for help. GHRS volunteers provided emergency feedings, warmth, and around-the-clock care to keep him alive. Photo courtesy of Georgia House Rabbit Society.

Georgia House Rabbit Society Calls on Petland to End Rabbit Sales

Kennesaw, GA — The Georgia House Rabbit Society (GHRS) has joined over 100 rescues nationwide in calling on Petland to end the sale of live rabbits. Across Georgia, advocates have seen the consequences of pet-store rabbit sales — neglected animals, overcrowded rescues, and preventable suffering.

This statewide release is part of The Rabbit.org Foundation’s national Stop Rabbit Sales campaign, urging Petland to follow humane retail models and partner with rescues instead of selling animals directly.

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Why It Matters in Georgia

Based in Kennesaw, the Georgia House Rabbit Society has rescued and rehomed thousands of rabbits since 1996. Volunteers report that many intakes trace back to pet-store sales — including Petland locations in Kennesaw, Norcross, and Marietta.

“Across Georgia’s three Petland locations, we see the fallout firsthand,” said Courtney Gurley, Shelter Manager of GHRS. “Young rabbits are often sent home with families who don’t yet understand their specialized needs. Weeks later, many of those same rabbits arrive at our rescue underweight, frightened, and in need of veterinary care.”

These stories reflect a national pattern seen by rescues across the country: pet-store rabbit sales create a cycle of impulse buying, abandonment, and avoidable suffering.

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A Case That Shook the Shelter

One of GHRS’s most severe cases came in 2020, when a Petland employee brought in a lethargic young rabbit named Lazarus. He was covered in feces, severely underweight, and suffering from coccidia, a parasitic infection. After days of round-the-clock care, Lazarus recovered — a symbol of resilience, and a reminder of what’s possible when animals are treated with compassion instead of commerce.

Just one week after rescue, Lazarus had gained strength and weight. Once healthy, he was neutered and adopted into a loving home—a reminder of how proper nutrition, veterinary care, and compassion can transform a rabbit’s life. His recovery reflects GHRS’s mission to give neglected rabbits the second chance they deserve. Photo courtesy of Georgia House Rabbit Society.

Read the Full Press Release

View or download the full Georgia press release below.

View Press Release (PDF)

About the Organizations

Georgia House Rabbit Society (GHRS)

Founded in 1996, GHRS is a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming domestic rabbits while educating the public on proper care. Learn more at houserabbitga.com.

The Rabbit.org Foundation

The Rabbit.org Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to improving rabbit welfare through education, advocacy, and collaboration with shelters, rescues, and veterinarians.

Join the Movement to Stop Rabbit Sales

Sign the petition, share the story, and help end pet-store rabbit suffering.

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  • The Rabbit.org Think Tank is a collaborative author credit used when an article reflects shared expertise rather than a single voice. Contributors—educators, behaviorists, and experienced rescuers—publish evidence-based guides on house rabbit care: health and wellness, safe diet and nutrition, indoor housing, litter training, enrichment, behavior & bonding, spay/neuter, adoption prep, and RHDV2 updates. We synthesize research with real-world rescue experience, cite primary sources, and update articles regularly so guardians can make informed, welfare-first decisions.

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