As Easter 2025 approaches, Pets at Home has announced a temporary suspension on rabbit sales over the holiday weekend in an effort to promote responsible pet ownership and address growing concerns about animal welfare.
From 18 to 21 April, all 460 Pets at Home locations across the UK—including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—will pause rabbit sales. The decision comes as animal welfare groups warn that rabbits continue to be impulsively bought during Easter and are often abandoned just months later.
“Rabbits are strongly associated with Easter, but they’re also one of the most misunderstood and neglected pets in the UK,” said a Pets at Home spokesperson. “We’ve made this decision once again this year to help prevent impulsive purchases and ensure that anyone considering a rabbit as a pet is truly prepared for the responsibility.”
This annual policy aims to raise awareness about the long-term commitment involved in rabbit care. According to Pets at Home, many consumers still mistakenly view rabbits as low-maintenance pets, when in fact they require a great deal of attention, a proper diet, companionship, and plenty of space to roam and exercise.
Animal welfare charity PETA UK has expressed strong support for the move, citing alarming statistics. “Around four out of five rabbits purchased over Easter are either abandoned or die within their first year,” a PETA spokesperson said. “They’re often treated like seasonal toys rather than living beings with complex emotional and physical needs.”
Echoing those concerns, the RSPCA reported that 2,644 unwanted rabbits were taken into its animal centres between 2022 and 2024. The organization says its shelters are currently overwhelmed, with rehoming rates down by 25 percent.
“If people are thinking about getting rabbits as pets this Easter, they need to consider the full scope of responsibility,” an RSPCA representative told The Independent. “Rabbits aren’t easy pets. They need more than a hutch in the garden—they need companionship, mental stimulation, and physical activity. They also live for 8 to 12 years, so this is a long-term commitment.”
The Rabbit Welfare Association has described the situation as the “worst rabbit rescue crisis ever” in the UK. The organization is also calling for stricter regulations on rabbit breeding and sales. Currently, there is no legal requirement for breeders to have a license or undergo inspections, which has resulted in countless rabbits being sold by untrained individuals with little regard for their wellbeing.
The group warns that this lack of oversight has led to serious consequences: missexed rabbits, accidental litters, and owners who are unprepared for the demands of rabbit care.
Animal welfare advocates are urging families to rethink the tradition of giving pets as Easter gifts. Instead, they recommend adopting rabbits from reputable rescue centres, such as those operated by the RSPCA, where animals are properly vetted and matched with suitable homes.
“Adoption is the best option,” the RSPCA spokesperson emphasized. “And if you are going to bring rabbits into your family, do so only after thorough research—and consider adopting a neutered male and female pair for proper companionship.”
Pets at Home’s decision to pause rabbit sales has been welcomed as a positive example of corporate responsibility, encouraging customers to think beyond the seasonal symbolism of the Easter Bunny and reflect on what it truly means to be a pet owner.
As Easter celebrations begin, the hope is that more families will choose compassion over impulse—and help turn the tide on a growing animal welfare issue that can no longer be ignored.