Rabbits might be irresistibly cute and seem easy to care for because they’re small, but they can be just as expensive as dogs and cats and require a lot of specialized care that many people may not be prepared for. Unfortunately, countless rabbits are thoughtlessly given as gifts every Easter only to be discarded once the novelty wears off. Don’t be part of the problem. Never give rabbits as gifts and discourage others from doing so as well.

Did you know that nine out of ten rabbits never make it to the age of one? Rabbits who are spared the misfortune of being dumped at shelters are faced with futures often equally as bad. They may be dumped in parks and fields when people get bored of them, where they are killed by dogs, hawks, or other animals, or they are hit by cars trying to cross the street. Since their natural food is not manicured lawns, often rabbits “turned loose” just starve or succumb to the elements. Pet store sales of rabbits also fuel the demand that keeps bunny mills operating and perpetuate this vicious cycle.

Rabbits are quiet and extremely sensitive by nature and are especially unsuited to loud and boisterous groups of people, so generally are not suitable companions for children. While parents may eventually figure this out, it is the rabbits who pay the price, by being ignored, abandoned outside, or surrendered to already overburdened shelters and rescues. 

Please be a responsible guardian, and if you would like to adopt a rabbit, please consider adopting more than one, they are social animals and need friendships of their own species, and please also wait until after Easter, when all the rabbit rescue groups are overflowing with discarded Easter “toys” and when rabbits have the least chance of making it out alive from a shelter. Rabbits can live a long time and are generally about the same level of responsibility as caring for cats, but they need special veterinary care, and they are happiest inside in a bunny-proof house.

Find out more about how to be an advocate for domestic and wild rabbits and don’t be afraid to attempt to pass a rabbit sales ban in your community.