Rabbits are cute and fluffy but London's only all-rabbit rescue group says they are not an appropriate gift for Easter.
Hoppy Hearts, a non-profit group, sees an increase in abandoned or surrendered rabbits following the Christian holiday each year, with nearly 80% of those given as gifts cast out within six months.
"Many people impulse purchase rabbits during this time of year and it ends up leaving a lot of rabbits in bad situations due to individuals not doing proper research before getting a rabbit, or the novelty wearing off on the children," said Kaylie MacIntosh, head of Hoppy Hearts. "That ends up filling humane societies and small rescues like ours and some people abandon them outdoors as well."
In addition to suspending all adoptions during the month of April, Hoppy Hearts joined in the global campaign called Make Mine Chocolate. The campaign is meant to get people to consider purchasing chocolate bunnies for Easter, instead of live ones.
MacIntosh said most people purchasing a rabbit from pet stores or online, don't realize the attention, specialized diet, and veterinarian care the animal requires.
"They require quite a large space, free roam in the house, or a spare bedroom. They have a very specific diet which consists of 75% hay, followed by fresh vegetable grains, and a little bit of pellets," said MacIntosh. "Despite being the third most popular pet in North America, rabbits are considered an exotic pet. Most veterinarians only have a little bit of knowledge on rabbits and they often don't receive the medical care that they require as a result."
What's really troubling to MacIntosh, is when people release domestic rabbits they no longer want into the wild.
"Each year we get multiple calls for stray rabbits throughout the summer months. We are preparing for that now because once they are put outside it is a death sentence. It's like putting your chihuahua or golden retriever outside," said MacIntosh.
Hoppy Hearts, which does not have a shelter but rather places unwanted rabbits in foster homes, currently has seven rabbits in its care.
"If you're looking at having rabbits maybe consider fostering first to see if they're right for you," said MacIntosh. "They are really not what anyone expects them to be. They're a lot of work."
