Why Easter is bad for rabbits

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by Lauren Park

(April 9, 2019)

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Did you know most bunnies purchased as Easter gifts don’t live to see their first birthday? Domestic rabbits have a lifespan of more than ten years, yet most end up in shelters or euthanized. Instead of giving live animals this Easter, consider sticking to the chocolate variety.

 

Due to misleading information from breeders, families often underestimate the lifetime commitment of adopting a rabbit. Anyone considering bringing home a rabbit should know they aren’t “low-maintenance” or “starter” pets, and require as much attention as cats and dogs. Rabbits need lots of exercise and must spend at least two hours out of their cages each day. Specialized medical care can also be expensive, as vets and insurance companies consider them to be exotic pets.

 

Though baby bunnies seem cuddly and cute, most rabbits do not enjoy being handled. Developing a bond with your pet rabbit demands several months of patience. Since rabbits are prey animals, they will run and hide on instinct when startled. Rabbits as pets are not recommended to families with small children, as frightened rabbits can die of a heart attack. 

 

Bunnies grow quickly, becoming aggressive and even destructive by the six-month mark. The hormonal teenage period will pass after they are spayed or neutered, but it is when most rabbits end up in shelters. 

 

Many children may also lose interest in their pet bunny within weeks, even though rabbits require an adult caregiver for life. So, think about whether or not your child is ready for the responsibility, and is truly interested in having a pet rabbit. 

Should you decide to care for a rabbit, never buy from a pet store. Just like with puppy mills, profits from bunny sales support breeding in large facilities where they’re indifferent to ensuring animal welfare. Bunny mills confine rabbits to cages for life, or snatch babies from their mothers at just a few weeks of age, amongst other inhumane practices. If you and your family are truly committed to providing a loving forever home, please adopt from a charitable organization, such as Rabbit Rescue Inc., Quebec Rabbit Rescue, or Toronto Rabbit Rescue.

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