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Courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society
With the advent of spring and the Easter holiday, many well-meaning people are tempted, by the sight of cute, adorable bunnies, to run out and buy one on impulse. Best Friends Animal Society implores the public to consider the impact this action can have on animals’ lives, shelters and rescue groups nationwide. Best Friends is a grassroots organization that works with shelter and animal rescue groups across the country to advance animal welfare initiatives. According to Ellen Gilmore, Best Friends coordinator of First Home Forever Home, a campaign to keep pets in stable, committed homes, the rush to acquire bunnies can contribute to the burden animal shelters and rescue groups have been experiencing across the country.
When bunnies are given to children during the holiday, it can be overlooked that owning any pet is a significant commitment to its care for the duration of that sentient, living being’s lifetime. A common scenario is children receive a bunny as a gift and play with it while small and novel but lose interest once it has grown and the reality dawns of what the responsibility of having the pet entails. Often, other family members bear the burden of caring for the rabbit but may tire of this and relinquish it. It is essential to remember, before buying, that owning a pet requires work, time, energy and resources to ensure the animal has the quality of life it deserves. It is imperative to learn about the animal one is thinking of taking on. Thorough education and preparation for the behavior, habits, temperament, needs and requirements of the prospective pet is fundamental in deciding if and which animal is right for someone and their lifestyle. Careful consideration of whether the recipient would be responsible for the pet and willing and able to give the necessary, ongoing daily care for the entire life of that animal is critical. Releasing any pet, including a rabbit, free into the wild or surrendering it to a shelter may lead to its harm, suffering and, very likely, its death. Animal abandonment for any reason is inhumane and unlawful. Former pets may not have the skills necessary to survive on their own in uncertain, unfamiliar environments.
To celebrate the spring season and Easter holiday, please consider alternatives to acquiring bunnies suggested by Gilmore:
• Join the First Home Forever Home campaign on the Best Friends Network and learn how to help rabbits.
• Sponsor a rabbit at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
• Learn about living with a rabbit companion from the House Rabbit Society website.
• Adopt a toy rabbit from Stuffed Adoptions.
• Buy chocolate bunnies from “Make Mine Chocolate!”, a campaign dedicated to educating the public about the responsibilities of caring for rabbit companions thereby breaking the tragic, avoidable cycle of acquisition and abandonment.
• Those seriously committed to the lifetime care of a rabbit can save the life of a homeless one by adopting from a shelter or rescue organization. Best Friends Adorable Adoptables features bunnies and rabbits through local chapters of House Rabbit Society.
These are but a few of the many creative, educational and fun ways to help children learn to appreciate the splendor of nature and cherish the precious lives of animals while deeply contributing to their welfare. Numerous local rabbit and other animal rescue organizations need and welcome volunteer help and involvement in the care of the animals. This is a wonderful, rewarding way to learn about, experience and help animals. Here are a few local rabbit rescue groups:
• Angela Carrigan’s San Fernando Valley Rabbit Rescue
• Bunny Bunch, Chino
• BunnyLuv, Van Nuys
• Bunny World Foundation, Los Angeles
• L.A. Animal Services
• L.A. Rabbits
• Rabbit Match, Los Angeles
• Rabbit Rescue, La Habra
• Rabbit Rescue, Inc., Downey
• Sweet Pea Foundation, Los Angeles
• Too Many Bunnies, Redondo Beach
• Zooh Corner Rabbit Rescue, San Gabriel
Access their websites and learn of more rabbit rescue groups on House Rabbit Society’s rescue group page.
A couple of Easter bunny tips for those who care about and love animals: While it is popular to dye eggs during Easter, it is against the law to dye or artificially color live animals such as rabbits, chicks, ducklings or other fowl according to Linda Baley of Too Many Bunnies, a local rabbit rescue organization. It is unlawful to sell or give away live rabbits, chicks, ducklings or other fowl as a prize or inducement to enter any contest, game or competition warns Baley. Though a common practice in magic shows, never pick up a rabbit by its ears or grab them out of hats. It is irresponsible for entertainers and magicians to model for children this mishandling of rabbits. According to 3 Bunnies Rabbit Rescue, rabbits are sensitive, delicate creatures with fragile bones and strong legs. Not all like to be picked up. They are easily traumatized and can break their own bones or be seriously damaged and injured when restrained. As with all animals, approaching them with restraint, courtesy and respect is an effective way to earn their trust.
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