Rabbit Advocacy Animal Matters

 

In memory of all the bunnies we couldn't save.


I remember Easter Sunday
It was colorful and fun
The new life that I'd begun
In my new cage.

I was just a little thing
When they brought me from the store
And they put me on the floor
In my cage.

They would take me out to play
Love and pet me all the time
Then at day's end I would climb
In my cage.

But as days and weeks went by
I saw less of them it seemed
Of their loving touch I dreamed
In my cage.

In the night outside their house
I felt sad and so neglected
Often scared and unprotected
In my cage.

In the dry or rainy weather
Sometimes hotter sometimes colder
I just sat there growing older
In my cage.


The cat and dog raced by me
Playing with each other only
While I sat there feeling lonely
In my cage.

Upon the fresh green grass
Children skipped and laughed all day
I could only watch them play
From my cage.

They used to take me out
And let me scamper in the sun
I no longer get to run
In my cage.

Once a cute and cuddly bunny
Like a little ball of cotton
Now I'm grown up and forgotten
In my cage.

I don't know what went wrong
At the home I did inhabit
I just grew to be a rabbit
In my cage.

But they've brought me to the pound
I was once loved and enjoyed
Now I wait to be destroyed
In my cage.

                                                  

This is the all too true tragic consequence of many thousands of baby rabbits purchased on impulse as an Easter gift.
The majority will die after a brief existence of misery, unmourned, unwanted and unremembered, before reaching their first birthday.  It's the cycle from easy acquisition to disposal.  (Carmina Gooch)

March 2010 We all associate rabbits with Easter, but in our evolving times it's unfortunate that these animals are still being given away in draws.  The Enzian Inn, Leavenworth WA, is one such example.  Despite the fact that we, and other family members, have been regular guests for two decades, and have voiced our concerns, two little baby bunnies were once again on display in the lobby.  We had hoped this family-run business would have been receptive to change, and considered a floral arrangement or other suitable alternative, as suggested.  

March 2013

Sadly, the Enzian Inn continues to exploit baby rabbits at Easter. This year, there are two baby lops in the same tiny enclosure in the lobby that will be available for adoption. Application forms are available at the front desk. If this establishment thinks they are attracting business by doing this, they are mistaken. We spoke with several guests who had also voiced their displeasure to staff.

According to the House Rabbit Society, in an interview with the Huffington Post, they said that almost 80% of rabbits up for adoption at shelters were once purchased as Easter gifts. Lorie Chortyk, of the BC SPCA, estimated bunnies spend around 100 days in shelters before finding a new home. (Source: Delta Optimist, 13/03/29) Most rabbits are abandoned outdoors as that’s the most expedient way to get rid of an unwanted pet. Dumping pets is illegal under provincial law,(the PCA Act)  but without bylaws, enforcement, and it being a priority issue for politicians, justice of perpetrators is extremely unlikely.

True change and advancement of a humane society begins with each of us. “But the eyes are blind. One must look with the heart." ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince, Chapter 25

Spring 2014 Sadly, the Enzian Inn had two baby bunnies in their lobby again this year. If interested, guests can fill out an application for adoption, and the bunnies will be given away after Easter.

It is terribly disappointing and sad that even today one can find rabbits and chicks exploited as gifts for young children. They can be found for sale at various feed stores, hobby farms, or pet stores, during the early spring. Sometimes they are given away for free in order to promote their business. Purchasing or accepting these young animals at Easter time is usually a heartbreaking mistake. 

Chicks and rabbits, no matter how young, are living, breathing, feeling creatures who do not deserve to be used for a few days to as disposable toys for young children. If you are tempted to give in to a child’s excitement over a young rabbit or chick, be prepared to adopt this pet as a member of your family. If you cannot make this commitment, then do not give the gift of a live animal. 

It is also illegal to keep farm animals in many neighborhoods and subdivisions. Chicks are considered farm animals. If you are truly interested in giving an animal a home, do your research first. There are plenty of unwanted rabbits and chickens at shelters, in rescue, or at auctions all around the country.