Oregon HRS made the news on four local television stations and one local paper with regard to our efforts to rescue the rabbits dumped in West Beaverton (see story "Rash of Rabbit Dumpings"). The media coverage brought attention to the plight of unwanted domestic rabbits, and the need for adoptive homes was emphasized. Unfortunately, one report gave the location of the farm property where the rabbits were abandoned, and some more rabbits were subsequently also dumped there. This is the double-edged sword of publicity, as we have learned from many past media outreaches: some members of the public don't benefit from the educational content of the outreach, they simply see a group that will take care of their unwanted rabbit. We have even had such dumps occur at our front door! Clearly, we have a long way to go in terms of engendering kindness, responsibility, and respect for life as values in our society. Nonetheless, the media outreach did result in many positive responses from the public, including some who are interested in fostering, adoption, or contribution of funds. Thank you to all who contacted us as a result of this outreach!

This is the double-edged sword of publicity, as we have learned from many past media outreaches: some members of the public don't benefit from the educational content of the outreach, they simply see a group that will take care of their unwanted rabbit.

Several of you have gotten used to seeing Oregon HRS members offering educational outreach at Petco stores for the past several years. Some of you even marked on your calendar when we would be at your local Petco store so that you could bring in your rabbit for a "tune-up" (nail trim, tooth check etc.) Indeed, we have worked with Petco to provide information about rabbits and rabbit care for more than five years, offering monthly outreaches at each of the twelve stores in the region. However, Petco has been a source of controversy within the national HRS community, because Petco stores in some states sell rabbits. Clearly, this is incompatible with our mission. Petco stores in Oregon don’t sell rabbits, but we have decided to stand in unity with our fellow HRS chapters in renouncing any connection to Petco. The last Oregon HRS outreach at Petco was last Spring, and until the Petco chain stops selling rabbits in all of its stores, we will no longer offer educational outreaches at Petco stores.

We have the third edition of Marinell Harriman's House Rabbit Handbook for sale. Please contact us to purchase a copy!

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Contact Information:

The Oregon House Rabbit Society
12700 SW Dakota
Suite 180 PMB #125
Tigard, OR 97223