Easter is a holiday celebrated by several feasts or holidays, marking the resurrection of Jesus three days after his death by crucifixion. The origins of the Easter bunny to the holiday itself are foggy but symbolic, to say the least. One theory relates to pagan tradition and goddess Eostre, characterized by fertility and the bunny symbol. A different theory relates to the nature of rabbits themselves, symbolizing new life and fertility. Nevertheless, bunnies have become the centrepiece of the easter holiday. Bunnies are the third most surrendered animals at shelters, exploited for their meat and fur. Although adopting a bunny this Easter could seem like the perfect way to honor a beautiful tradition, you could be contributing to a heartless and cruel industry. Here are some of the reasons why you should think twice before adopting or purchasing bunnies this Easter.
1. Bunnies are "prey animals" by nature.
Bunnies are known as "prey animals" because they instinctively protect their fragile, delicate bodies. Bunnies are low on the food chain in the wild and are vulnerable to the cat, dog, wolf, hawk, and falcon attacks. This survival instinct protects domesticated and wild bunnies.
2. Bunnies have little-to-no legal protection.
According to PetaKids, although we have become a more progressive society over time, we have failed to pass sufficient legislation protecting bunnies before purchase. Rabbits, the "poster children" for animal rights, are essentially open to abuse by breeders. Rabbit breeders contribute to the animal overpopulation crisis and fail to consider the activity and attention needed by rabbits to fulfill healthy lifestyles.
3. Bunnies can quickly get sick.
Bunnies are very sensitive to strong scents, environments, and the overwhelming excitement of youth. Rabbits can become easily stressed during everyday play or examination. Symptoms of such include excessive nervousness, restlessness, lethargy, bulging eyes, and freezing. Bunnies have sensitivity to new environments and sounds and a larger area for absorption of nutrients. Bunnies follow a plant-based diet and are constantly nibbling, meaning, if bunnies chew on fabrics, it could easily lead to intestinal blockage. These situations become life-threatening for the bunnies' ultimate survival.
4. Bunnies are a long-time commitment.
On average, domesticated Californian rabbits, with rich-white fur, live an estimated five to ten years. After getting a new pet, the excitement can fade into boredom and chore-like. Some bunnies can live as long as twelve years, so before purchasing a bunny (or adopting), make sure you are ready for the financial and actionable commitment you are making.
5. Spay and Neutering in Bunnies
Male rabbits must be de-sexed or neutered to prevent territorial behavior. Neutering calls for castration in males and full ovariohysterectomy in females. Neutering eliminates hormone-induced behaviors and risks of certain cancers. When rabbits develop sexual maturity at four to six months of age, they are gone under the knife. I bring up this point because this operation can take a financial strain on many families. Spay and neuter operations can cost as little as seventy-five dollars or as much as several hundred dollars. The United States average cost is $273.97, substantially exceeding costs to purchase the rabbit itself.
6. Rabbits, in most cases, are NOT good pets for younger children.
Most rabbits are naturally shy animals-requiring attention and patience in household environments. Children can be excited and overwhelming at times, creating stressful environments for rabbits. Rabbits thrown off by this behavior could react violently to children, resulting in a painful bite. Rabbit bites hurt and can often result in bleeding. Rabbits have large, long teeth used to chow down on plant-based favorites but could cut the skin just as quickly. With proper adult supervision, owning a bunny could be a collaborative, effective adoption.
Thank you for reading this article, and I hope you learned something new. I know it can be exciting to welcome a new family member aboard, but make sure you have educated yourself on the pretty and harsh truths of bunny ownership.
Works Cited:
“10 Reasons Not to Buy a Bunny This Easter.” PETA, 31 Mar. 2021, www.peta.org/features/reasons-never-buy-bunny/.
Carter, Written by Lou, et al. “Are Pet Rabbit Bites Dangerous?” Rabbit Care Tips, 15 Dec. 2020, www.rabbitcaretips.com/are-pet-rabbit-bites-dangerous/.
“Spaying and Neutering.” House Rabbit Society, rabbit.org/faq-spaying-and-neutering/.
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