In a BC SPCA press release dated May 4, 2005, SPCA Constable Eileen Drever says people should be vigilant in ensuring that dogs they are purchasing from a pet store do not originate from a puppy mill and that other animals in the store have not come from unscrupulous breeders. "Legitimate pet stores will be able to provide full details about where their animals come from."

In October 2004, BC SPCA CEO, Craig Daniell, said he has personally asked Petcetera president, Dan Urbani, to consider the option of not selling rabbits.

In April 2005, BC SPCA Manager of Operations, Bob Busch, said that questions as to whether Petcetera will stop selling rabbits should be addressed to Petcetera as the BC SPCA doesn't control Petcetera's retail policies and their relationship is one of "satellite adoption center only."

Emails to Mr Urbani, Mr Busch and the SPCA Board of Directors in February of this year, asking if Petcetera would provide the source of the rabbits for sale to the customers, remain unanswered as of today.

Dan Urbani has pointed out in the past that there is customer demand; yet there is demand for puppies and kittens, but they are not being sold by Petcetera. Why not extend this to rabbits?

Mr Urbani says he is committed to help reduce overpopulation. Again, why only cats and dogs? There has been a huge increase in the numbers of rabbits being dumped. They are generally an impulse buy and staff gives out misinformation such as implying to buyers that the starter kit cage, about 16" x 18" x 30", does not need to be replaced as the rabbit grows; that rabbits that are clearly only about six weeks old are six months old; that the size of cage the rabbit is kept in determines the size it will grow to; and that rabbits don't need any vet care. Incorrect information about diet is commonly given to purchasers.

There is very little demand for adult rabbits, only babies. "Colbie", a female lop, was brought by the SPCA to the Rupert Street Petcetera for "adoption" toward the end of January this year, and was still there at the beginning of April. Meanwhile Petcetera stores are being stocked on a weekly basis with baby rabbits that sell. Most are no longer wanted and are abandoned/given up in less than a year.