Get an unwanted pet rabbit for Easter?

Do not release it into wild

Some folks’ idea of a gift on Easter over the weekend may have been an Easter Bunny. Literally.

Not a great idea.

The Coulee Region Humane Society’s Samantha Luhmann is against the practice of giving someone a pet as a holiday gift, including bunnies or rabbits.

“People think it’s a cute idea to adopt a bunny for Easter, and, often times, people don’t do proper research in the animal they’re adopting,” she said. “They don’t realize the animal lives for 10-plus years.”

Luhmann is expecting an increase in the number of rabbits that come into the shelter soon, as parents realize those bunny rabbits weren’t such a great gift.

But, she adds, that’s better than some alternatives.

“Or they’ll release them to the wild,” Luhmann said. “I think we see that more here, as we’ll be picking up stray rabbits. ‘Oh it’ll survive in the wild.’ 

“Well, these are domesticated rabbits. They will not survive in the wild.”

Luhmann insists that if you are unable to take care of the animal, surrender it to a shelter instead of releasing it into the wild.

If you did get a rabbit, and have no idea what to do, but want to keep it, Luhmann has some tips.

“Proper sheltering for sure,” she said. “They’re going to need exercise. Make sure to proof your house for rabbits, because they like to chew on cords and stuff. Fresh bedding every day. You can litter box train rabbits. They’re going to need healthy greens to stay healthy, instead of just eating pellets.”

Otherwise, read up here on how to care for a pet rabbit.