"Chocolate" bunnies are the smart choice

[InfoPet]

"Chocolate" bunnies are the smart choice  
   
 NEWMARKET, ON, (April 2, 2007) – The Ontario SPCA advises the public to think twice about giving rabbits as gifts for Easter - the furry kind that is. There is no doubting the irresistible attraction of cute, cuddly, furry bunnies, but a great responsibility comes along with this adorable bundle of fur.

Pets given at holidays such as Christmas and Easter may seem like a good idea at the time, but can prove to be a mistake. The novelty of the gift can quickly wear off, especially with young children, and people often don't appreciate the responsibility pet ownership entails.

If adding a bunny to your family is somewhat of an impulsive decision because of all of the cute bunny imagery around Easter, then chocolate bunnies are the smarter way to go cautions the Ontario SPCA. Another option is to give a stuffed, toy bunny as an Easter present. If the novelty of wanting a real bunny doesn't wear off following the Easter holiday, then rabbit adoption can be responsibly explored, with consideration given to the specialized needs and care of rabbits.

In considering a rabbit as a pet, understand that:

Bunnies are fragile and can be easily hurt. Children often want to hug and cuddle a pet bunny as they would a stuffed toy and this can be dangerous for the rabbit. Bunnies are ground-loving creatures and feel frightened and insecure when held and restrained. They may kick and jump to try and get away, which can harm the rabbit and the child. Domestic rabbits have a heavy body density and weight, but also have a small bone density and, thus, are very fragile. Children don't realize this and by hugging bunnies too hard, or not holding them properly, they can cause serious injuries.

Rabbits need exercise. Often, rabbit owners don't appreciate that their pets require space to exercise, confining them to a cage for most of the time. For their physical and mental wellbeing, rabbits need to stretch their legs and run around.

Rabbits should be spayed or neutered. Just like dogs and cats, rabbits should be spayed or neutered to avoid unwanted pregnancies and to help avoid the possibility of their contracting certain diseases and cancers. If spaying or neutering is not done, the animal is likely to mark your house with feces and urine.

Your house should be 'bunny-proofed.' Rabbits will chew electrical cords and furniture, so these things should be protected to prevent damage and injury to your pet. Rabbits are a long-term commitment. These are sensitive, intelligent, social animals that can live up to 10 years. Are you ready for such a long-term commitment?

The unfortunate reality is that many rabbits are neglected or abandoned outright after pet owners lose interest and decide not to provide the necessary care. The Ontario SPCA usually sees an increase in the number of abandoned rabbits each Easter.

If, after much consideration, you decide you still want to add a bunny to your family, please visit your local Ontario SPCA branch or affiliated humane society and adopt a rabbit that someone else wasn't able to care for.

To report suspected animal abuse call the Ontario SPCA at 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) extension 1, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), your local Ontario SPCA Branch, affiliated humane society or police.
 

[RexxyNOB17]

Why did you say that "Chocolate" bunnies are the smart choice? By the way, thanks for the information that you have been shared.



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Patio furniture

[InfoPet]

Because rather than buying a real bunny for Easter you could buy a chocolate one instead. Sometimes people watch a movie with a type of pet in it and then think that their kids should have the same kind as they looked real cute in the movie. At Easter sometimes people think buying a bunny would be cute because bunnies are associated with Easter. People buy pets on a whim without really thinking everything through.

 Pets are for life, not the holidays.

[MarieFB]

I`ve been considering a little playmate for Church but I can`t be charged for more declawing processes (as a reminder, i`m sick and cat claws are dangerous) But I`ve been thinking maybe a guinea pig, chinchilla or rabbit... Just real worried that as nerds, we have wires everywhere. it`s a bummer really, but I do agree, chocolate bunnies and chickens are a better gift than the real thing. Not just rabbits suffer from that, but chickens. Parents give little chicks to kids and that usually ends wrong. Another thing, I find that parents today just slide off acts of cruelty as 'oh he`s just a kid, he doesn`t know better!" That`s not responsible parenting at all. What is alive should be respected and kids should be shown that animals are not toys, that ears being pulled hurts and that squeezing is horridly painfull for animals. Seriously, if you are not a responsible parent, dion`t get a pet for your kids.... at all...

[Flower]

One should never buy a pet 'for the kids' as children are too young to truely understand the full needs and responsibility of caring for pets. It really is the parents job. So if the parents really want a pet, the parent should get one for themselves and let the kids help out.

Do you really expect an 8 year old to take full care and responsibility or a cat/dog/rabbit etc.? When do they seem surprised when months or a year or two later they have to find the pet a new home? The child is 8!!! They change their minds and lose interest daily!!