With Easter right around the corner, now is a good time to discuss a serious matter that affects many of my hoppety friends.
Rabbits are bought and sold in extremely high numbers all over the U.S. this time of year. Sure they’re cute and fuzzy, and they make great pets, but the novelty often wears off after Easter. People often fail to realize that rabbits require the same amount of care and attention as their family dogs and cats.
Sadly, thousands of bunnies are relinquished to the animal shelters in the months following Easter, with many innocent rabbits being euthanized as they can find no homes. Worse yet, many people with good intentions turn them loose in their backyards. While it is true that wild rabbits readily survive in nature, store bought bunnies were raised in captivity. They lack the necessary survival skills that mom would’ve taught them as baby bunnies. Many of these rabbits easily become victims of predators (ie. birds, raccoons, dogs, etc), while many others fall victim to the extreme weather conditions.
Folks, if you want a bunny rabbit as part of your Easter celebration, make it a chocolate bunny. Also keep in mind that the same problem exists with baby chicks and ducks. Please do your part to spare the lives of countless innocent animals.
– Beardie the Bearded Dragon with the Help of Dr. Brooks -
Brad Bolton
10:06 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
I have had several house bunnies over the years, and can attest to the special care they require. For an in-depth look at why not to get a rabbit for Easter, read what the House Rabbit Society has to say: http://rabbit.org/easter-and-rabbits-do-not-mix/
Stow-Kent Animal Hospital
10:56 am on Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Thank you for your insight and for the link.
Linda Rogers
3:16 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
I went for my usual run around Lakewood one day last year and saw something run under a car. I didn't think it was a cat so I stopped and looked. It was a young angora rabbit. I crawled around after it until I got it. Luckily, my neice had a rabbit and room for another so she took it. I felt so bad for that little guy. I figured someone turned it loose to fend for itself. I never saw a notice about anyone looking for it. Please don't get rabbits or chicks just for a smile for one day. It's not fair. If you have the means to keep them for life, then go for it. Otherwise please stick to chocolate.
Stow-Kent Animal Hospital
10:59 am on Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Thank you for sharing your story. This is a very common occurrence when they are released after the novelty wears off and often it does not have such a happy ending. Only two days ago a guinea pig was brought to our clinic after being found wandering around outside in the cold.