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.
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.
Read the Full Press Release
View or download the full Georgia press release below.
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.
