Rabbits are the third given up pet behind dogs and cats.  Suncoast House Rabbit Rescue in Pasco County had to turn away 66 rabbits in September alone because they are full.  The SPCA in Pinellas County took in almost 250 unwanted pet rabbits last year. The Humane Society in Tampa took in 225 rabbits so far this year. County shelters only take in dogs and cats. There aren't enough facilities that will take pet rabbits.  When rabbit owners are turned away because these facilities are full, they dump the rabbits into our neighborhoods and on the side of the road.  Pet rabbits cannot survive in temperatures below 50 degrees or above 80 degrees.  They also don't know how to find food or water because they have been domesticated.

Rabbits don't like to be picked up, and you can easily break their backs by doing so.  They aren't recommended to be pets for young children.  Rabbits like to chew and can chew on electric cords.  Pet rabbits cost a lot of money, not only for their special diet and hay, but also because a veterinarian that specializes in rabbits is needed.

We would like to see Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, and Sarasota counties include rabbits in their existing retail pet sales bans. We would also like to see Pinellas County include rabbits in their talks about a possible future retail ban.  We are asking for a ban on retail sales, this will not affect 4-H activities.