The B.C. SPCA is reminding folks that chocolate bunnies make better Easter gifts than the real thing.
Each year, SPCA branches across the province receive dozens of abandoned rabbits after the Easter holiday has passed and the excitement of a new pet has worn off.
“The animals turned in to SPCA shelters are the fortunate ones,” said Lorie Chortyk, B.C. SPCA general manager of community relations, in a press release. “Many others are simply abandoned in the wild to fend for themselves and these domesticated rabbits often fall prey to predators such as coyotes, are susceptible to disease, or end up starving to death.”
If there are no predators, the rabbits may flourish and upset the balance of nature by multiplying into an overpopulation problem. Rabbits can live more than 12 years, Chortyk said, adding that people who are prepared and willing to make a commitment to a pet rabbit should learn about what caring for the animal entails.
“We encourage people to be fully aware of what caring for a rabbit involves before they adopt any bunny as a pet,” Chortyk said.
For more information on rabbit care, please visit www.spca.bc.ca/rabbitcare.