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April 7, 2009 Parents who are thinking of getting a live rabbit as an Easter surprise for their children would do better to buy a stuffed toy instead. The Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society cautions the rabbit that looks so cute with a satin bow on its neck on Easter morning may quickly lose its appeal and become neglected or abandoned. "This is seen across the country each year," said Brad Shear, Executive Director of the Society. "The rabbit that is such a happy surprise at Easter often finds its way to the local animal shelter a couple months later, once the children tire of the novelty of having it." The Society received almost 100 rabbits in 2008, the third most common pet surrendered, after dogs and cats. Although they look cuddly, rabbits are actually ground-loving animals that feel vulnerable and frightened when held and restrained. "Most children naturally want to hug and cuddle an animal, and rabbits simply are not the right kind of pet for that," he said. "A stuffed toy would be much better for the child to hug and hold, and it requires no care except a little love and imagination. Many rabbits do like human attention and enjoy being petted, but children will need to learn the proper way to interact with their new pet." In order to minimize the number of rabbits purchased this Easter, the Humane Society is giving a free Beanie Baby to any child who comes to the shelter in Menands and pledges not to buy a baby bunny or chick for Easter. The Society has about 200 Beanie Babies and will continue to hand out one per pledging child until Easter, while supplies last. Unlike stuffed animals, rabbits need a lot of care. Shear explained, "Rabbits are sensitive, gentle animals that require proper care and generally do much better as indoor pets." When indoors, they can live about 10 years, but need to be housebroken and must be spayed or neutered or they will "mark" a house with their waste. Homes must be bunny-proofed, because rabbits like to gnaw on electrical cords, rugs, books and furniture. Also, some breeds grow to be quite large. "Contrary to popular opinion, rabbits live long lives and need to be well cared for," he said. Many families choose to keep a rabbit in an outdoor hutch, but these unlucky creatures have a much shorter lifespan, according to Shear. They easily become bored and depressed from isolation and are vulnerable to outdoor predators. Shear said a rabbit can be a good pet for the right household, preferably a quiet home with family members who are willing to take the time to get to know a rabbit on its own terms and allow it to initiate gestures of trust. Animal shelter employees or rabbit rescue groups would be happy to discuss rabbit care with families who are seriously considering one as a permanent pet. "We want families to make good, informed decisions about adopting a pet, whether that is a rabbit, cat, dog or other animal," Shear said. "Companion animals can bring great happiness to a home when properly trained and cared for, and they should certainly not be holiday impulse purchases." The Society currently houses five rabbits waiting for homes. All rabbits adopted from the Society will be spayed or neutered before going home. |