Unless a family is already considering adopting a pet rabbit, it is better to give chocolate bunnies as gifts, rather than real rabbits, says the BC Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Each year, SPCA branches across the province receive dozens of abandoned rabbits after the Easter holiday has passed and the excitement of a new pet has worn off, and the reality of pet care sets in.
"The animals turned in to SPCA shelters are the fortunate ones," said Lorie Chortyk, general manager, community relations. "Many others are simply abandoned in the wild to fend for themselves, and these domesticated rabbits often fall prey to predators such as coyotes, are susceptible to disease, or end up starving to death."
Alternatively, if there are no predators, the rabbits may flourish and upset the balance of nature by multiplying into a serious overpopulation problem.
Rabbits can live more than 12 years, Chortyk noted, and people who are prepared and willing to make a commitment to a pet rabbit or rabbit should learn about what caring for this unique animal entails.
"We encourage people to be fully aware of what caring for a rabbit involves before they adopt any bunny as a pet," Chortyk said.
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