March 31, 2007

Editor,
The Times Colonist

Our company has been supporting local animal welfare and advocacy groups for many years, and were pleased to sponsor Pets In Need and Pacific Animal Foundation's Easter ad campaign to stop rabbit sales. Increased pressure on the BC SPCA and Petcetera to pay heed to the growing stresses on rescue groups and ecosystems caused by rabbit abandonment has resulted in a victory of sorts.

Now if only Petcetera would do the right thing and stop its sales of rabbits Canada-wide, and the BC SPCA would be proactive in its animal welfare programs.

Terry Roberge, President
T.L. Roberge Trucking Ltd.
North Vancouver, BC

March 31, 2007

Editor,
The Times Colonist

While I am pleased that Petcetera will stop selling rabbits in BC stores I'd like to point out that years of outside pressure on both the BC SPCA and Petcetera forced this change of practice. As Petcetera was busy expanding its locations to become the McDonald’s of the pet industry, colonies of unwanted rabbits were springing up just as fast. And the BC SPCA certainly didn't appear to be doing any speaking on behalf of the bunnies. It's only now that the cycle of easy access and disposal has fully impacted communities across the province that there has been reaction.

So why wouldn’t Petcetera demonstrate real corporate social responsibility and now voluntarily end its sales of rabbits all across Canada? It would be the right ethical and business decision, a win-win for the rabbits and this pet retailer.

Carmina Gooch
North Vancouver