Speak up for Rabbits
Help Address Florida's Growing Crisis
The Issue
Florida is experiencing a growing crisis of unwanted domestic rabbits being abandoned in parks, neighborhoods, and the wild. Unlike wild rabbits, domestic rabbits lack survival skills, making this a welfare issue. Key concerns include:
- Increased pet abandonment due to lack of rescue space and owner awareness
- Community impact, with rabbit colonies disrupting neighborhoods.
- Strained rescues, facing high vet costs and limited capacity.
- Disease risk, including Rabbit Hemorrhagic Virus Disease (RHDV2), which could harm both domestic and wild rabbit populations. [Learn more about RHDV2]
Take Action: Contact your State Legislators (Representatives & Senators)
Our goal is to reach every legislator during February and March to advocate for stronger protections for domestic rabbits
How to Help
- Find Your Legislators
- Representatives: Find your Elected Representatives.
- Senators: Find your Legislator.
- Reach Out to Them
- Best option: Call or meet them in person.
- Alternative: Leave a voicemail and follow up.
- Alternative: Send them a detailed email and follow up.
- Document Your Efforts in our Master List!
- Take notes and log your conversation details using our Google Form to track outreach and response.
- Use Our Resources
- Tips for Speaking with Legislators: Master effective communication with expert tips for making calls, leaving voicemails, crafting persuasive emails, and using key talking points to engage your audience with confidence.
- Pet Store Industry Trends: Discover how the pet retail industry is evolving, why leading pet stores are shifting away from animal sales, and how innovative services and customer-focused strategies are driving success — all backed by industry data and expert insights.
- The Case for Banning Pet Rabbit Sales: Discover why banning pet rabbit sales can reduce abandonment, protect local resources, and promote responsible pet ownership — while easing the burden on rescues and preventing environmental risks.
- Sharable document: We suggest you share this document 1) during a 'real time' discussion, 2) after a 'voice mail' contact with the legislator's office or 3) along with written correspondence.
Be a Voice for Rabbits!
Your advocacy matters. Raising awareness and pressing for change will help protect Florida’s domestic rabbit population.
Thank you for speaking up!