I wouldn't sell a rabbit as a pet with a ring on... I'd definitely cut it off first. There is no reason to sell a pet rabbit with a ring - it isn't worth more, and there are other ways to indicate that it is pure-bred, using pedigree certificates or even a simple "birth certificate" with parents' details.
Both Floyd and Mrs Floyd don't wear rings, as they are not show quality, but their wonderful daughter Ember is rung, as she's had quite a successful show career (and is well on the way to becoming a Champion!!).
However some rabbits with rings do end up in rescue. I would like to ask all rescues who recieve such rabbits to please make a note of the ring number and contact me, especially where a rescue receives a large number of rabbits with rings from the same source.
The British Rabbit Council is keen to take action against breeders who dump rabbits into rescue. I have organised this new initiative with a member of the BRC Management Committee, who will check the ring numbers against the registered owner and take action if necessary.
In fact if anyone who appears to be a breeder, brings several rabbits of the same breed into rescue, the BRC will still check their name against the their records if rescues are willing to divulge this. This was done recently with the French Lops in Plymouth, although it turned out not to be a member (or the person gave a false name).
The main reason they wish to take action is to ensure that breeders do not regard rescues as a convenient dumping ground, or dump rabbits when "giving up" only to start breeding again at a later date with more. If they are denied future membership of the BRC for dumping at rescue, it will certainly dissuade them from doing so, and take more responsibility for the animals they own.
In some cases rabbits may change hands several times, and the original breeder would be horrified to know his/her rabbit has ended up in rescue. In these cases, many breeders would willingly take the rabbit back, and either give it a forever home or find it one - taking full responsibility or doing whatever they can to help.
The 72 Dutch which came into rescue, many pregnant, were mostly rung, and the ring numbers (which were recorded before being removed) are hopefully going to be forwarded to the BRC, and if the breeder was a member, action will be taken. This does not of course prevent them breeding again just to sell (i.e. "backyard" breeding), but it's all the BRC can do, and although a small one, it's definitely a step in the right direction.