July 14, 2006

Mr. Urbani, (President of Petcetera)

Municipalities throughout the Lower Mainland and beyond have experienced population explosions of discarded "pet" rabbits. Most are bought through retail outlets, such as Petcetera, by uninformed consumers who, in a short time discover that these animals, for the most part, are unsuitable as pets. They have very specific needs, and as prey animals do not like being picked up or held. It is a great disservice to exploit them as suitable for children, and even worse, to suggest that living in a cage is appropriate. In fact, this is a cruel practice, which the public is increasingly recognizing.

I receive many phone calls and e-mails from frustrated and unhappy individuals and families wishing to relinquish their rabbit, and if I or other rescue groups are unable to take them, the rabbit is simply abandoned outdoors. There they are free to multiply, and as has been in the news recently, Richmond has an out-of-control situation which they are trying to address.

I urge you, as a business owner who says he is committed to help reduce pet overpopulation that you do the right thing, and stop selling rabbits! I know that most people would be supportive of this, and it would likely result in increased business. As it is now, many of those involved in the extensive animal welfare and advocacy networks, as well as others, choose to shop elsewhere.

Sincerely,
Carmina Gooch, Director
Pacific Animal Foundation
Rabbit Advocacy Group of BC
North Vancouver

July 13, 2006

Dan Urbani,

As of today I am boycotting all further purchases at your stores. I am also encouraging other pet owners within my extensive network to do likewise. I am a pet owner and animal welfare volunteer.

The conditions in which your rabbits are currently held are appalling.

Rabbits need substantially larger holding areas than are currently provided. They should also be taken out of their cages daily to run as to prevent muscle atrophy. Furthermore, as social animals, they should be paired. Rabbits are intelligent creatures and will become depressed when inactive, isolated and restrained.

I have offered to volunteer and take them out of their cages. The response was that this is against storewide policy. There is a massive overpopulation of rabbits both in animal shelters and in the wild. Retail selling of rabbits contributes to this tragedy.

The 21st century demands corporate social responsibility.

Francine Drouin
North Vancouver, BC

January 10, 2007

Mr. Craig Daniell, (BC SPCA CEO)

As you are undoubtedly aware, a number of individuals and organizations continue to have serious concerns regarding the BC SPCA's business relationship with Petcetera.

What is particularly troubling to me is the fact that Mr. Urbani is still selling intact domestic rabbits. In my previous correspondence with you dating back to 2004 it was indicated that Mr. Urbani appeared to be open to the idea of using Petcetera facilities for the adoption of rabbits rather than the selling of these "pets". To date, the Vancouver SPCA's pilot project which began featuring adoptable rabbits in February of 2005 at the Rupert store in the PAWS program appears to have been discontinued rather than expanded. Yet baby rabbits supplied by breeders are routinely featured and sold throughout his retail outlets.

Can you please let me know if there is any immediate intimation from Mr. Urbani that rabbits will no longer be sold throughout his stores? At the time you stated that the SPCA was working toward achieving the goal "in the months ahead."

I would also like to point out that in a May 2005 press release the BC SPCA's Eileen Drever stated in part that "legitimate pet stores will be able to provide full details where their animals come from." Mr. Urbani has repeatedly not responded to e-mails regarding this matter nor has Mr. Busch been able to provide me with an answer.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Carmina Gooch, Director
Pacific Animal Foundation
Director, Pets In Need

March 15, 2006

Re Grandview-Rupert Petcetera

Mr. Urbani,

I went to this Petcetera on the weekend and saw that the aquariums along one wall which usually are stocked with assorted critters and rabbits were empty. Initially I was pleased but then one of the clerks let me know that they were being redone and that the smaller enclosures would be ready this week and restocked with hamsters and mice etc. There was uncertainty as to what was being done with the larger aquariums.

As a business owner I would like to suggest that instead of redoing the larger ones that they be removed entirely and the space be utilized for expanded product selection. As you well know there is a growing amount of public concern regarding the sale of pets and also that many people are choosing to buy their supplies from retailers who do not sell animals. I think you could get these customers back and also gain favourable publicity by doing so. Rather than spending time cleaning cages, staff could be promoting new lines of products and enhance customer service. As to rabbits, municipalities are experiencing an increased problem with the dumping of, (such as in Richmond) as well as mounting demand that they institute new and more restrictive bylaws as to the breeding and selling of all animals.

I hope you will take into consideration the above and that as a move in the right direction, rabbits will no longer be for sale in your retail outlets.

Terry Roberge, President
T.L. Roberge Trucking Ltd.