Rescue Tails / The Slippery Slope of Expectations

By Cathy Baier

“Awwww!!”  Few of us can resist a baby rabbit. This is what creates their great appeal as a pet. But when novelty wears off and reality sets in, a new home can become only one short chapter in the life of a pet rabbit. The majority of  baby rabbits never make it past a year in a home. Many die from accidents, inappropriate care, or neglect. Others are abandoned or “set free.” Unlike native rabbits, domestic rabbits have not adapted to conditions in the wild, and life on the outside can be tough at best, perilous at worst. Many of the rabbits we get are found on the streets as strays.

Rabbits are the third most common animals surrendered to shelters. Currently the FKSPCA has 24 rabbits! The responsible rescues we network with are already at or over capacity, even now before the dreaded Easter “Dump”. This is the nationally-recognized seasonal influx of unwanted rabbits purchased as Easter gifts, then given up a short time later, often due to unmet expectations. Rabbits are not who we expect them to be!

Most rescues we network with are currently at or over capacity, even now before Easter. Unfortunately Easter temptations are not all about chocolate bunnies. In fact,  Easter season is a time of dread for rabbit rescues and shelters, due to the well-recognized after-Easter ” Dump”—that notable influx of unwanted rabbits purchased for the holiday then  given up a short time later, often due to unmet expectations. Rabbits are not who we expect them to be!

Rabbits are not low-maintenance animals.

Rabbit care is not inexpensive.

Rabbits are not appropriate pets for very young children.

Rabbits do not like to be picked up and cuddled.

Rabbits are not a short-term commitment; their lifespan is 8-10 years.

A backyard hutch is not appropriate housing.

The most common reasons for giving up a rabbit are: more work, more time, more expensive than expected; not good with children or children lost interest; more aggressive than expected; or simply “no longer wanted.” Most rabbit welfare organizations recognize that the root cause of homeless pet rabbits is the profound disconnect between the needs of rabbits and the expectations of people getting them as pets.  Our goal is to help create a better understanding of rabbits so families can make good decisions for their families and for rabbits.

BUT, the good news is:

Rabbits make great indoor pets.

Rabbits can be litter-trained

Rabbits are playful.

Rabbits are quiet.

Rabbits are smart and can learn tricks.

Rabbits can be very social and affectionate.
Rabbits can be addictive and once you fall in love, you may want more!

There are many benefits to adopting a rabbit from a reputable shelter or rescue rather than purchasing a rabbit. FKSPCA rabbits are already spayed/neutered  to maintain health, improve behavior, and prevent litters. We provide counseling to help families decide if a rabbit is right for them; we offer care and housing guidance; and we help families find the right bunny match for their lifestyle. Post-adoption support is made available to adopters, and behavior counseling helps adopters bond with their rabbits. Best of all, we adopt out wonderful rabbits! For more information, contact us at [email protected]  and if you are looking for a rabbit, we hope you will come see us!

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