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Easter and Bunnies Don't Mix

Easter and rabbits seem to go together like flowers on Valentine's day or presents on Christmas morning, but in reality, the opposite is true. Easter is the saddest time of the year for rabbits. A few weeks after Easter, shelters and rescues are flooded with abandoned Easter bunnies that were an impulse purchase as gifts for children. When the newness wears off, the rabbit is forgotten, either left to sit neglected in a cage, abandoned at a shelter or released outside, which is certain death for a domestic rabbit that lacks the survival skills of his or her wild counterparts.

Rabbits are not starter or "low-maintenance" pets, and are not ideal pets for children. They can live up to ten years and require just as much responsibility and care as cats and dogs. A key difference is that rabbits are prey animals making their mentality much different from cats and dogs. They can become scared easily if they feel threatened or unsafe. Children are very loving and like animals they can pick up and cuddle, but this is very scary and dangerous for a rabbit. Love to a rabbit means getting down to their level and gently petting them while they have all four feet on the ground. They have fragile spines and improper handling can result in severe injury or death.

Easter gives you an opportunity to spend some quality time with your child and to teach them to care for animals in need. Instead of buying a rabbit this Easter, try one of these options instead:

• Give your child a plush or chocolate rabbit instead of a live one.
• Give them the gift of empathy and make an appointment to volunteer for an hour or two at the rescue.
• Help them to make an Easter Basket for the abandoned, abused and neglected rabbits out there that need a little hope and understanding. They love toys and treats, like fruit and vegetables.

To learn more about the plight of Easter bunnies, take some time to visit these websites:

Did you know...a new survey shows chocolate bunnies are preferred 20-to-1 over live bunnies as the most desired Easter gift? Find out more here.

If you are serious about adopting a rabbit as a member of the family, take some time to do a little research and to make an informed decision. The best place to start is with the House Rabbit Society. Their website has a wealth of information about rabbits as household companions. If you think a rabbit is the right pet for you, please fill out our adoption questionnaire and make an appointment to meet the many rabbits at Heartland who are looking for a forever home. You may want to plan to make a couple visits to give you a chance to get to know the many personalities and find the right rabbit for your family. Often it is the rabbit that chooses the person, rather than the other way around.

A Note About Easter Photos

What do you think happens to that little rabbit in your child's Easter photo? The truth is, you don't want to know. Many photo studios buy rabbits with only profit in mind and have no plans for the rabbit after the season is over. There are many fates for these "Easter Bunnies" and all of them are tragic. Many are just released outside only to face a certain and terrible death. Easter photos can still capture truly beautiful moments without the use of a live rabbit. Please encourage your local photography studio not to use live rabbits and boycott those that do. Ask them to use Easter baskets, plush animals or any of the other many Easter decorations available instead of live rabbits to ensure a happy Easter for all involved, including the rabbits.