catlover said:
Does anyone else enjoy coloring eggs and the chocolate rabbits?
We know Easter is about The Resurrection, but should we even celebrate Easter with eggs and rabbits?
IMO, a harmless cultural expression of NEW LIFE - which is a central theme in Easter.
But, to get off topic for a sec, since my mother is active in the House Rabbit Soceity, I must post the following:
Stick to Chocolate and toy rabbits! Not real ones!
1. Each Easter, thousands upon thousands of bunnies are given to children as Easter gifts. The great majority are abused, abandoned (and thus quickly killed) or surrendered to humane societies where they are often euthenized (probably the best alternative of these) - although a few are rescued by various rabbit societies - including the one my mother is active with. Needless to say, my mother DREADS Easter - and the thousands and thousands of "pets" that will be abused or killed because of it.
2. Rabbits are highly social animals. My mom has had a "bonded pair" all my life, very spoiled ones. They live an average of 10 years under good care - some much longer. They make WONDERFUL house pets, especially for those that live in homes without big yards (pet rabbits should never be outside anyway) and working couples (rabbits largely sleep during the day anyway). The kind sold as "pets" are NOT wild, they don't have the digestive system to handle being on their own, and while a few do okay (wild rabbits sometimes "adopt" and take care of them) most die or are killed within 24 hours. If they are put in some cage in a room or in a yard, neglected, they mentally "zone out" to the point where they become unable to socialize or interact - with other rabbits or with humans. People complain, "My rabbit just sits there" - well, who caused this mental disorder???? It's abuse and sadly often not reversable.
3. Rabbits are sweet, friendly, wonderful pets. Their popularity is rapidly growing especially in Europe and the USA. BUT, like all pets, they have special needs.
A. They need a very special diet consisting almost entirely of a variety of FRESH vegies and special hay (very, very few of those commerial pellets). Wrong food is a leading cause of death in domestic rabbits.
B. Protection. Rabbits are at the bottom of the food chain and have no defense. Sadly, rabbits let to run in the yard can be scooped up by a hawk so fast you'll hardly see it. Thousands of pet rabbits are killed every year by dogs and cats - often other pets of the family.
C. Interaction. Rabbits are HIGHLY social animals. They need interaction or they literally can go insane. They need at least on hour (several is better) of free time to run and dance around the house, get petted, and talked to. Mentally, this is required. The more it's done, the more interactive and social the rabbit will be.
D. Neutered. We all know about rabbits and reproduction! While some are okay, most rabbits are obsessed by this aspect worse than any teenage guy
For most (not all), this can cause them to ignore all humans and since there's no outlet, became frustrated and even mean. Neutering solves the issue.
If loved and cared for, they are sweet, loving and often funny pets - each with very distinct personalities. They are especially good for people living in apartments and condos, and for people where no one is home during the day. But it IS a major commitment!
For more information, google "House Rabbit Society."
Help avoid animal cruelty this Easter! Don't give real rabbits! And discourage others from doing so!
