Our sweet Scully was an “Easter Bunny” present to some kids, and was then dumped at the pound. She was traumatized from her early experiences in life. It took a lot of work and time to make her finally feel safe enough to be touched by humans again. We have finally gained her trust, and she is happier than ever being a free-range house bunny. She has changed our lives and made our Spooky boy so happy. I am so glad she came into our lives, despite the rough beginning she had in life. Help us spread the word with our PSA, so more bunnies don’t have to start their lives like Scully did. Bunnies are not Easter presents, and not Easter bunnies. They are HIGH MAINTENANCE pets that require special care, attention and commitment.

WHY RABBITS AND EASTER DON’T MIX

Before you decide to get a rabbit for a child this Easter, please understand that they do not make good “starter” pets

for children. Rabbits require a life time commitment of care and expense that is the same or greater than that of

a cat or a dog. They need exercise, a proper diet, and indoor housing, an outdoor hutch is not appropriate. Medical

attention is sometimes needed and they should be spayed or neutered. Rabbits enjoy receiving affection from

people, but some do not like being held because it instigates a feeling of being caught by a predator.

Every year, many thousands of rabbits are abandoned to shelters or released outdoors (a sure death sentence for

a domestic rabbit) often because of misunderstandings on the part of the parents who bought them for their kids.

Rabbits are not the cuddly creatures people often assume they are.

Rabbits are prey animals by nature. They are physically delicate and fragile, and require specialized veterinary care.

Children are naturally energetic, exuberant, and loving. However, “loving” to a small child usually means holding,

cuddling, carrying an animal around in whatever grip their small hands can manage— precisely the kinds of things

that make most rabbits feel insecure and frightened. Rabbits handled in this way will often start to scratch or bite

simply out of fear.

Many rabbits are accidentally dropped by small children, resulting in broken legs and backs. Curious children often

poke at a fragile rabbit eyes or laugh in delight at a rabbit who is running away in panicked fear. Not understanding

fear can kill a rabbit. Those rabbits who survive the first few months quickly reach maturity. When they are no longer

tiny and “cute,” kids often lose interest, and the rabbit, who has no voice to remind you he’s hungry or thirsty or

needs his cage cleaned, is gradually neglected.

Parents, please help. Don’t buy on impulse.

Make an informed decision by learning about rabbit care first. Consider adopting a rabbit from your local shelter or

rescue group. For the rabbit’s health and well-being (as well as for your child’s) make sure an adult will be the primary

caretaker and will always supervise any children in the household who are interacting with the rabbit. Domestic

rabbits are inquisitive, intelligent, and very social by nature. A rabbit is a delightful companion animal as long as you

remember: he’s not a child’s toy. He’s a real, live, 10-year commitment!

http://www.rabbitron.com

http://www.rabbit.org