A living and breathing rabbit is long-term commitment.
That's why the BC SPCA is reminding the public that chocolate bunnies make better gifts for Easter than real rabbits unless a family is already considering adopting a pet.
Each year, the SPCA said it receives dozens of abandoned rabbits at its branches across the province after the spring holiday weekend has passed once the excitement of a new pet is replaced by the reality of caring for its needs.
“The animals turned in to SPCA shelters are the fortunate ones,” said Lorie Chortyk, BC SPCA 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.”
Chortyk said if there are no predators the rabbits can multiply and create a serious overpopulation problem as the animals can live for more than 12 years.
“We encourage people to be fully aware of what caring for a rabbit involves before they adopt any bunny as a pet." she said.
