SPCA warns: Easter bunnies are not just cute gifts, they’re a commitment
The Kloof & Highway SPCA reports that, although they have not seen an increase in abandoned or surrendered rabbits immediately after Easter, a common reason for surrendering them is the high cost of care.
FOR many families, getting or gifting a rabbit during Easter seems like a cute idea. But sometimes, with the cuteness that comes, a harsher reality follows. Once the excitement wears off, hundreds of rabbits are surrendered, neglected, and abandoned. Animal experts encourage families to think twice before impulsively making a decision that could lead to long-term consequences for owners and their new pets.
Veterinarians and the SPCA warn that rabbits are not low-maintenance pets and require special care and proper diets.
Dr Werner Odendaal from Village Veterinary Clinic explained that rabbits are frequently misunderstood and need to be seen less like small dogs or cats and more like ‘little goats’ due to their specialised dietary and housing requirements.
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“Due to them being herbivores, their nutritional requirements are usually the biggest hurdle in care. Their teeth also keep growing, and thus, they need lots of long fibre to help them grind
their teeth short. They ferment their food as well, another reason for high fibre foods. They chew a lot and can be quite destructive,” said Dr Odendaal.
Although the Kloof and Highway SPCA reports that they have not seen an increase in abandoned or surrendered rabbits right after Easter, some common reasons people surrender
their rabbits are because they are unable to afford and care for them, the rabbits have too many babies, and because they are relocating. Barbara Patrick, manager of the Kloof and Highway SPCA, said, “Rabbits, just like any other pet, are a long-term responsibility and commitment.”
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Durban rabbit owner Charmaine Reddy shares that while her family loves their rabbits, they require a lot of attention, care, and time. “The hutch needs to be cleaned out regularly, and this takes time; trying to juggle work, family responsibilities, and seeing to the rabbits gets tiring,” said Reddy.
One of her rabbits also requires special dental care, which is not available in all areas.
Nicole Basel from RinaldoRiverside Veterinary Clinic said that many people don’t realise how fragile rabbits can be. “A bunny doesn’t necessarily want to be cuddled and may
try to hop away or scramble away. A child then grabs hold of a leg, so the bunny doesn’t run away, and we end up with a broken leg or a broken back,” said Basel.
Animal experts agree that families who are serious about getting rabbits should adopt rather than shop, as there are many rabbits without homes, and getting a rabbit that is already used
to human interaction can be less stressful for both the rabbits and their owners. This Easter, opt for a chocolate bunny unless your family is prepared for a long-lasting commitment.
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