House Rabbit Society Rabbit Care Guide
http://www.rabbit.org/
Contrary to Eastertime hype, rabbits and small children
are not a good match. The natural exuberance and rambunctiousness of
even the gentlest toddler are stressful for the sensitive rabbit.
Children like a companion they can hold, carry, and
cuddle. That's why stuffed animals are so popular. Rabbits are not
passive and cuddly. They are ground-loving creatures who feel frightened
and insecure when held and restrained. The result: the child loses
interest, and the rabbit ends up neglected or abandoned.
Those cute baby Easter bunnies soon grow large and reach
adolescence. If left unspayed/unneutered they are likely to chew, spray
or exhibit other generally unappreciated behaviors. Many end up
neglected or abandoned. The result? Humane organizations such as House
Rabbit Society see a
huge increase in the number of abandoned rabbits that continues through
the end of summer. Help us stop this yearly cycle! Know the facts about
rabbits as pets, and what you can do to educate those who have purchased
or are thinking of purchasing a rabbit as a pet.
Know the Facts.
Rabbits are not "low-maintenance" pets, and are a poor
choice as a pet for children. They have a lifespan of 10 years and
require as much work as a dog or cat. Your home must be bunny-proofed,
or Thumper will chew electrical cords and furniture. Rabbits must be
spayed or neutered or they will mark your house with feces and urine.
They should live indoors, as members of the family. To consign these
sensitive, intelligent, social animals to life in a hutch is to miss the
joy of sharing your life with a rabbit.
Clearly, rabbits aren't for everyone. Are you a gentle
adult living in a quiet household? If you think you're one of those rare
individuals who would enjoy sharing life with a rabbit, please visit
your local rabbit-rescue group.
For more information, see the House Rabbit Society
website
Go on to National
Homeless Animal's Day
Return to 11 April 2001 Issue
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