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With Easter just around the corner, we are once again surrounded by stores full of rabbit shaped chocolates, pastel coloured plush rabbits, and images of cute little handful-sized baby bunnies. So which will you give as a gift this Easter season? The Ontario Rabbit Education Organization would like you to consider a few things when making that important decision. In 2000, five dedicated rabbit owners formed the Ontario Rabbit Education Organization, a Canadian non-profit group that promotes the health and well being of pet rabbits in Ontario. Today the group boasts a membership of over 140 dedicated rabbit owners. This Easter the Ontario Rabbit Education Organization wants to help educate the public about what pet rabbits are - and especially about what they are not. It is never a good idea to buy a pet on impulse, yet many people are lured by Easter-time photos of smiling children holding cute little bunnies. The truth is that most rabbits, even baby bunnies, do not enjoy being picked up or carried. Along with this "cuddly" misconception come many more. For example, rabbits are considered to be low-maintenance cage-dwelling pets. However, in reality rabbits are social and intelligent companions that require as much care as a dog or cat. Rabbits need several hours of exercise daily and regular veterinary care by a veterinarian who specializes in "exotics". They have a lifespan of 6-10 years, and should be spayed or neutered upon reaching sexual maturity. And what happens when that cute little handful of baby bunny grows to be 4, 6, or even 10 pounds of energetic rabbit? What happens when that rabbit decides your baseboards or carpet are especially tasty things to munch on? Chewing is actually normal rabbit behaviour, so when you welcome a rabbit into your home you must be willing to "bunny-proof" your home to prevent this sort of situation from occurring. You must also provide toys and other means of mental and physical stimulation as well as a proper diet and veterinary care to keep a pet bunny healthy and happy. Getting to know a rabbit on his or her terms (i.e., not forcing it to be held) requires a firm commitment of time and patience. Sadly, every year after the novelty of the "Easter gift" has worn off, thousands of rabbits are surrendered to shelters or released outdoors - which means certain death for a domestic rabbit. Many people buy pet rabbits on impulse, without taking the time to do research prior to bringing their rabbit home. In addition, these people seldom take the time to get to know their new pet after the springtime holiday is over. One independent rescue in Ontario fields hundreds calls in the months following Easter - and all are people looking to dispose of their Easter bunny. In North America 8 out of every 10 rabbits end up abandoned at some point in their lives. Of that 80%, rescues and shelters are only able to save 3%, mostly due to the low adoption rate of full-grown rabbits. The Ontario Rabbit Education Organization asks that you consider the fate of most Easter bunnies when shopping for an Easter gift. Are you ready for this commitment? How much do you really know about these wonderful creatures and are you willing to learn more? Not sure? Please contact the Ontario Rabbit Education Organization (www.ontariorabbits.org) or stop by your local shelter to visit last year's Easter presents. Otherwise, this Easter, give a chocolate rabbit instead. Ontario Rabbit Eduaction Organization
is a partner with Download our Easter posters: back to Events page |
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"The
Ontario Rabbit Education Organization wants you to know that a chocolate
bunny is the best Easter gift!"
