Choose chocolate bunnies over real ones, the BC SPCA asks as the Easter holiday nears this long weekend.
In a press release, the non-profit group urges parents not to adopt a pet rabbit for their kids unless families are already considering bringing a real one home.
The annual call comes as SPCA branches around the province take in dozens of unwanted bunnies after the Easter excitement has passed — and the reality of caring for a new pet has set in.
“The animals turned in to SPCA shelters are the fortunate ones,” BC SPCA’s Lorie Chortyk said in a news 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.”
Rabbits that are dumped in the wild can also cause a serious overpopulation crisis for a community, she said.
Visit spca.bc.ca/rabbitcare for more details about responsibly adopting a pet bunny.
