Cute Bunnies Are Not Good Easter Gifts
Each year, rabbit rescues and animal shelters see an influx of bunnies a few months after Easter.
Cute cuddly bunnies may seem like the perfect Easter gift, but they are not a "low maintenance" pet. Most don't like to be held, and they are a 10- to 12-year commitment.
Alison Giese with San Diego House Rabbit Society says, "Rabbits are really wonderful pets, but do your research first know what you are getting yourself into."
Giese fosters several rabbits, has nine of her own and runs a rabbit-sitting business. She says many people turn in their Easter bunnies in the summer when the rabbit is about three months old and starts getting hormonal, messier and needs to be spayed or neutered.
Rabbits are the third most abandoned animal at shelters nationwide. Unless you are fully prepared for rabbit responsibilities (lots of fresh hay, daily clean-ups, a bunny-proofed home, vet trips, etc), consider giving an adorable stuffed animal or chocolate bunny instead this Easter.
Judy Chauncey
4:11 pm on Friday, April 22, 2011
We had a white lop-eared bunny who lived for 6 years. He was amazing, our "Lucky." We loved him. He was housed-trained like a cat would be, and loved to jump and play with our kids. HOWEVER, he took some work. So don't get one if you can't invest time in them.