One Easter Sunday, a woman noticed her neighbor happily carrying a small cage with a rabbit inside the house. The bunny was obviously to be an Easter present for the kids. Just think of the kids’ surprised faces when they saw a live bunny in their basket! What adorable photos it would make. The kids would love to cuddle the soft, sweet bunny rabbit!
The very next day, the same woman carried the cage, with the live bunny, back outside and dumped it on the curb beside the trash cans.
Tragically, rabbits purchased on an impulse to delight children Easter morning often end up abandoned soon after. In the weeks and months following Easter, shelters are inundated with rabbits.
Worse, some people set the rabbits loose outside, not realizing their chance for survival in the wild is slim. Before considering a live rabbit for an Easter gift, here are 6 rabbit requirements:
1) A big cage, which needs regular cleaning.
2) Other rabbits; they’re happier if kept in pairs.
3) Life indoors where they are safe from the weather and predators. Also, they enjoy being close to family activities.
4) Daily care and regular veterinary care, which may include neutering.
5) Careful handling. Rabbits can be skittish and scratch if not handled properly, or bite if frightened, which makes them a less than ideal pet for very young children.
6) A 10-year commitment–rabbits can live that long.
Fortunately, there is a happy ending for the bunny in this story. A woman involved in animal rehabilitation was alerted, rescued the rabbit and gave it a good home.
Please join me in spreading the word from the Columbus House Rabbit Society’s campaign, Make Mine Chocolate, which encourages people to give chocolate bunnies instead of live Easter rabbits. This Easter, make yours chocolate!
