Live Rabbits do Not Belong in Children’s Easter Baskets

Woburn, MA, March 28, 2007 As Easter approaches, many parents can’t resist the temptation to buy their child a real live "Easter bunny" for this spring holiday. Unfortunately, most people who do this don't realize what they have just gotten themselves into. Weeks after Easter, a child often loses interest in the rabbit and by that time the parents have realized that they vastly underestimated the amount of care that bunnies require. Sadly, many rabbits are dumped at the shelter, or simply set free outdoors, where they will likely starve or be killed by predators.

The House Rabbit Network would like to make sure all parents know that a live rabbit given to a child for Easter is never a good idea. First, please remember this is a long term commitment. Would you sign your child up for 8 years of karate or soccer? Bunnies live 8-10 years which is too long of a commitment for your child. If your kids are begging "Easter bunny," you should consider the responsibilities of being a rabbit owner and decide if you, the parent, are willing to provide the long term care and love that the rabbit deserves. Do you know that rabbits must be spayed or neutered for behavioral and medical reasons and require annual veterinary check ups? Being that they are prey animals, rabbits usually dislike being picked up or held. Younger children can also pose a danger to rabbits; a bunny’s fragile spine can break if accidentally dropped. A pet rabbit can thrive in an indoor home, but cannot remain confined in a cage all day. Bunny-proofing your home so that your rabbit does not get injured by chewing on wires is also important.

Rabbits can make wonderful, rewarding pets for the right home, but you must understand what you are getting into first. If you decide that you do want a bunny for your family, please do your research. You can teach your children a valuable lesson by waiting until after Easter and adopting a rescue rabbit. Please, do not buy a rabbit from a pet shop as they are often too young and may die; a rabbit must be at least 8 weeks to thrive without his or her mother. Rabbits have a variety of personalities, many are playful, affectionate and fun. The House Rabbit Network does adopt rabbits to homes with children, but the parents must be genuinely interested in having a bunny and agree to take primary responsibility. For general information on rabbit care, please read our "Bunny Basics" article found on our website www.rabbitnetwork.org. If you are ready to adopt rabbit, check out the listings of adoptable rabbits on the website and call us at 781-431-1211.

The House Rabbit Network is a Massachusetts-based 501 ©3 non-profit, all-volunteer organization. We are dedicated to saving and adopting out unwanted bunnies and educating the public about rabbits. We can always use more volunteers! Donations of any amount are always welcome and are used to support our efforts to find loving, forever homes for each and every bunny. Thank you for your continued support.