ACCUSATIONS suggesting big pet shops in Bolton sell "rabbits as though they are bars of chocolate" have been hotly denied by one of the town's largest stores. Bolton RSPCA administrator, Kathy Kay, angrily hit out at the larger stores suggesting that they allowed parents to buy pets - particularly rabbits - on impulse. As a result, she claimed, more and more homeless or neglected rabbits were being brought to the RSPCA.

However staff at Petsmart on Manchester Road, Bolton denied the accusations, stressing that they not only carefully vetted all animals on sale, but their prospective owners also.

Manager at Pets At Home, Michael Buckley, said each customer who bought a pet was given advice, and a free care sheet outlining housing, looking after and feeding the animal.

He added: "We view the sale of livestock very seriously.

"We immediately involve vets for signs of ill health and also have a veterinary surgery on site.

"All animals are given a free health check.

"Our pet licence is renewed annually and our aim is to meet and exceed what is expected from us.

"We do not sell any pets to anyone under the age of 16 or anyone we do not feel is a suitable pet owner."

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