As Easter approaches, many people are considering what unique gifts to give to their children. While the tradition of the Easter Bunny brings joy to many, some animals may not be as fortunate. Rabbits and baby chicks have become a staple of holiday gift-giving, but are these pets truly suitable for children? Animal welfare organizations are urging families to rethink their gift-giving plans, instead opting for a stuffed toy or other non-living companion for kids’ Easter baskets.
Shelter officials and animal rescue groups are sounding the alarm about the dangers of buying live animals, particularly rabbits and baby chicks, as holiday gifts. These pets require specialized care and attention, which can be overwhelming for families, especially children. Los Angeles Animal Services has stated that bunnies and chicks are pets who require care and love, and should not be given as gifts.
According to Kevin McManus, communications director for the Pasadena Humane Society, “Our advice to people is to consider the long-term needs of any animal one chooses to bring into their household: That rabbit that is so cute on Easter has a lifespan of eight to 12 years. Rabbits need specific food, housing, and care. Be sure to research that to make sure your family is prepared for that.”
Rabbits require a lot of care, including a specific diet, humane indoor housing in a bunny-proofed room, and veterinary care that can be expensive. They’re also not ideal pets for small children, as they respond best to quiet energy and can be easily spooked by the hyperactivity of a child. Rabbits make poor pets for small children, according to the Los Angeles Rabbit Foundation, a chapter of the House Rabbit Society.
These concerns are echoed by Colleen O’Brien, senior vice president for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, who stated, “Buying animals as gifts teaches kids the dangerous lesson that these thinking, feeling individuals are toys that can be tossed aside when the children tire of them. Animal companions are a years-long commitment, not a holiday prop, and PETA urges everyone never to give any animal as a gift.”
Spring is the worst time of year for the Bunny World Foundation, a Southland-based rabbit rescue organization, as the post-Easter dumping phenomenon coincides with rabbits’ natural breeding season. The organization attends events like the L.A. Arboretum’s Spring Fling to educate the public about the realities of caring for rabbits.
Lejla Hadzimuratovic, founder of the Bunny World Foundation, said, “Let this be the year more people finally show mercy and say no to treating living rabbits like Easter toys. Rabbits are not disposable props, toys, or gifts — they are highly sensitive, fragile, intelligent, high maintenance companion animals who need and deserve responsible adopters ready for the 10-plus year commitment of proper care.”
The Los Angeles Rabbit Foundation also spreads a similar message. They state that rabbits are not well-suited for small children and that the typical ‘Easter bunnies’ illegally sold on the streets or in pet stores are usually babies, taken from their mothers before they are properly weaned. These rabbits often die soon after purchase, making them a poor choice for kids.
California pet stores are prohibited from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits unless they are obtained from a public animal control agency. However, direct sales of rabbits are still permitted, including online, and illegal street sales also occur, where baby bunnies are deceptively marketed as adult “dwarfs.”
Rabbits are not low-maintenance pets and require specific care, including a diet, humane housing, and veterinary care. They’re also not ideal pets for small children, as they can be easily spooked by the hyperactivity of a child. However, for those who are willing to make a 10- to 12-year commitment and learn about their specific needs, domestic rabbits can be wonderful companions.
To ensure the well-being of these animals, animal advocates offer several tips:
• Domestic rabbits should be kept indoors at all times.
• Rabbits need to be spayed or neutered as soon as they’re old enough (between four and six months) to avoid unnecessary breeding and to aid their health.
• Once they’ve been spayed or neutered, bunnies should be paired with a mate who’s also been spayed or neutered for lifelong companionship. Single bunnies can be lonely and depressed.
• They should be fed a diet of unlimited timothy hay (or alfalfa hay for rabbits under 6 months), plus a daily portion of leafy greens and limited pellets.
• They should never be kept in cages, as they need room to hop around and exercise their legs.
• They need to be thoroughly groomed every two to three months to remove excess fur and have their nails trimmed.
• They’re aggressive chewers, and need to be kept away from electrical cords and anything that can be dangerous if ingested, such as taped or glued boxes.
• Bunnies who stop eating or appear to be in pain can die within 36 hours, and need immediate care from a veterinarian trained in rabbit care.
For families looking for a more animal-friendly Easter event, Love Always Sanctuary in Sun Valley is hosting its fourth annual Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. at 9841 La Tuna Canyon Road. The Easter Bunny will be on hand, and children can search for hidden eggs throughout the sanctuary.