Easter is for Chocolate Bunnies, Not Impulse Pets

With Easter quickly approaching, many families seek the perfect gift to give their loved ones. What better way to celebrate the holiday than with a fluffy friend of your very own? 

Unfortunately, many times the decision to purchase a rabbit is done in haste, and new owners realize quickly these animals, who live for six to ten years, require more care and attention than most new owners are prepared to give them.

It is estimated that the number of rabbits abandoned at shelters greatly increases following the Easter holiday. This ends up leading to an influx of rabbits being neglected, improperly cared for, left at animal shelters, or, worst of all, let out into the wild--an inevitable death sentence for domestic rabbits.

Rabbits, like any other pet, need proper love and care to be healthy and happy. A proper diet for a rabbit includes fresh water and plenty of timothy hay and greens, with pellets and carrots given only sparingly.

Because they are prey animals, and sensitive to changes in temperature, it is best to keep rabbits inside at all times with a cage that comfortably accommodates their size.

Rabbits can easily be trained to use a litterbox, and spaying and neutering them has been known to deter aggressive or instinctive behavior like digging or biting.

Instead of buying a rabbit from a pet store, you might consider rescuing one. Rabbits are the third-most-common animals in shelters, several of which dot the South Jersey and Pennsylvania landscapes. Many have already been spayed or neutered, and are waiting to meet their new owners!

If this long-term commitment is not one your family is ready to make, purchase a chocolate bunny instead.

Sara Wuillermin Moreno has helped rescue and foster numerous rabbits through her work with several rabbit rescue organizations across South Jersey.

Looking to rescue a bunny of your own? Moreno suggests checking out organizations like Little Miracles Rabbit Rescue, Animal Coalition of Delaware County or searching for adoptable rabbits on Petfinder.com, which draws from several area shelters