Five reasons why rabbits should not be Easter gifts

ARE you gearing up for the Easter holidays? If you’re seeking out ideas for presents you might consider gifting a baby rabbit to your child. However, resist this impulse as a favour to both your children and the baby animal.

Giving a bunny as an Easter gift is an appealing thought, due to the fact that the rabbit is widely marketed and featured as a magical addition to the Easter festivities. The domestic rabbit is an extensively misunderstood animal and because of this they are often mistreated and abandoned, especially after being bought as babies.

Sadly, many ‘Easter bunnies’ end up in rescue centres. Tanya Fleischer from Durban and Coast SPCA said, “We always discourage giving animals as gifts. They grow up and people just discard them.”

ALSO READ: Animal rescue organisation gives lost souls a second chance

She said the abandonment of animals is a constant occurrence at the SPCA and continues all year round. “If you can’t look after your animals bring them to your nearest SPCA, don’t abandon them,” Fleischer advises.

If you are prepared to give a rabbit a home, then ditch the trend and wait until after the Easter rush and visit your local rescue centre.

ALSO READ: Council of Churches’ Good Friday service returns

Not only will you be gaining a fluffy new family member, but you will also be gifting a rabbit with a ‘fur-ever home’.

Here’s a short video about why you shouldn’t get a baby rabbit for Easter: 

Five reasons you shouldn’t get a rabbit for Easter:

Rabbits are high-maintenance

Rabbits can be litter-trained, however, they poop over 400 times a day and require fresh hay every day, which leaves the owner constantly having to sweep up or vacuum to keep their environment clean. They also become depressed if they are kept only in a cage or isolated from any means of social interaction or exercise. Rabbits require mental stimulation and exercise. They crave affection and playtime.

Rabbits destroy your home.

Rabbits have constantly growing teeth which they need to file down by gnawing on things. Rabbit owners will admit that these furballs will chew your doors, your cupboards, your cell phone charger, and any cord they can find.

Rabbits shed

Rabbits shed every five months. Imagine putting on your favourite outfit, only to discover your clothing is covered with rabbit hair. This is life with a bunny. You will also have to brush your rabbit all the time because rabbits are self-groomers and can’t cough up hairballs, which can be fatal to them.

Many people who buy rabbits abandon them

Once they grow into adults and grow larger, rabbits are often abandoned because they are not seen as cute or desirable anymore. The animals don’t stand a chance against harsh weather, possible injuries, diseases, or predators.

Pet stores and breeders contribute to the cruelty of the pet-trade

Rabbits at pet stores are not valued for anything but their price and are sold to anyone who will pay for them. They are quickly replaced after they on are sold and pet stores and breeders often disregard the proper conditions that rabbits should be kept in.

* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news