As Easter approaches, now just a week away, Riverside County shelter officials and animal rescue organizations are making a heartfelt plea to the public: refrain from purchasing rabbits as Easter gifts for children. This well-intentioned act often results in the animals being abandoned as families come to the realization that they lack the necessary resources and knowledge to provide appropriate care for these pets.
Kerri Mabee, a spokesperson for the Riverside County Department of Animal Services, shared with City News Service, “Post-holiday, we often find ourselves caring for bunnies that were initially brought home as festive gifts.” She urges parents and potential bunny owners to thoroughly research and understand the commitment involved. “Bunnies, like all pets, need a dedicated care regimen, including specific foods and supplies, as well as exercise and a clean, comfortable living environment,” Mabee emphasized. She highlighted the importance of being fully aware of the responsibilities and costs associated with bunny ownership, which extend far beyond the holiday season.
To spread awareness about this issue, the department is planning a social media campaign this week. Animal rescue groups are suggesting alternative Easter gifts, such as stuffed toy bunnies or chocolate rabbits, to avoid the implications of live animal gifts.
In California, while retail sales of rabbits, dogs, and cats are banned, direct and sometimes illegal street sales persist. These sales often misleadingly promote baby bunnies as adult “dwarfs.”
Jude Ferguson of Kribs for Kritters, a rabbit rescue in Lake Elsinore, notes a surge in abandoned rabbits post-Easter. “We see a spike in the summer as the young rabbits mature and become hormonal,” Ferguson explained to CNS in 2023. She advises rabbit owners to seek out local rescues for affordable spaying and neutering options to manage costs effectively.
Catie Cryar of PETA highlighted the grim reality that shelters face an influx of rabbits purchased for Easter, only to be discarded once their novelty fades. “Rabbits are the third-most surrendered animals in U.S. shelters, with an estimated 80% of Easter bunnies dying or being abandoned within their first year. This is a matter of life and death,” Cryar stated. PETA is actively disseminating the message through radio PSAs and social media that rabbits are sentient beings deserving of a lifelong commitment. The organization advocates for adoption over purchasing.
Rabbits demand a high level of care, including a specific diet, regular cleaning, and indoor housing in a secure environment. They are not suitable pets for young children due to their need for a calm atmosphere and can be easily stressed by loud and energetic behavior.
Animal advocates offer essential advice for rabbit care, including keeping domestic rabbits indoors, spaying or neutering at the appropriate age, providing a companion for spayed or neutered rabbits, feeding a diet rich in timothy hay, leafy greens, and limited pellets, avoiding cages to allow for exercise, regular grooming, and immediate veterinary care for any signs of distress or illness.
For those ready to commit to the 8- to 12-year responsibility of rabbit ownership, adopting from a local rescue group or Riverside County shelter, open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is encouraged. This Easter, consider the lifelong commitment required to care for these sensitive and intelligent animals before deciding to bring one into your home.