Rabbits Given As Easter Gifts Often Suffer From Neglect: GA Expert

GEORGIA — Thinking of giving a rabbit to a child for Easter? In a word: Don’t. It could amount to a death sentence for the baby bunny.

“It usually doesn’t go well for the rabbit,” said Gary McConville of Roswell, a Georgia bunny enthusiast active with a rescue organization for rabbits based in Kennesaw.

“The worst thing that can happen is (the rabbit) becomes neglected and lonely,” McConville told Patch. “It becomes a back-seat animal.”

Rabbits Aren't Always Furry Bundles of Joy

To people who assume a rabbit is only a furry bundle of joy, actually owning one can be a rude awakening. For example, rabbits are in some ways much like cats, and they don’t like to be held that much — and especially not held in the air. They also chew on baseboards or furniture legs, McConville said, much the same way a cat will shred your favorite sofa with its claws.

Rabbits require the specialized care of an exotic-pet veterinarian, which means they’re more expensive to maintain than your typical cat or dog. Also, a cornered rabbit will bite or scratch. McConville described biting behavior as “rare” but not unheard of.

Finally, they multiply like … well, rabbits. A mama rabbit can drop six to 12 baby bunnies only a month after being impregnated, McConville said. Worse still, mama rabbit is ready to begin another family almost immediately after giving birth.

That’s how things could go for an unprepared rabbit owner. It’s even worse for the rabbit.

Pet Rabbits Can Be Scared To Death — Literally

An abandoned bunny often ends up in an outdoor hutch, where it may die of neglect. Many domesticated rabbits are released into the wild by overwhelmed owners who assume they can fend for themselves. Spoiler alert: They can’t.

Even more awful: A rabbit can be scared to death — literally.

McConville told Patch that rabbits have what amounts to a “fuse in their heart” that pops when they’re frightened, causing them to bleed internally and die quickly. It’s automatic suicide, nature’s way of saving the rabbit from a painful death if attacked by a predator, he said.

Still thinking of adopting a rabbit? They actually make excellent pets as long as you know what to expect, said McConville, who’s currently “down to seven” rabbits at home after keeping as many as 50 at a time, mostly rescues.

“Some of them will (hop) into your lap or like being held against your chest,” McConville says. “Some are snugglers. It all depends on the personality. There’s nothing like a bunny coming up and licking you.”

And if a rabbit “chins” you — much the same way a cat might head-bump you — “that means ‘you’re mine’,” he said.

The Right Way To Adopt a Rabbit

A more responsible way to adopt a bunny is through the House Rabbit Society, a California-based nonprofit that rescues rabbits and educates the public. According to the organization’s website, HRS has rescued more than 40,000 rabbits since its founding in 1988. It has 19 local chapters, including one in Georgia that maintains a 4,000-square-foot shelter in Kennesaw and offers supplies, boarding and education.

Potential rabbit parents who want to adopt from HRS have to be vetted first, McConville says. They also have to take a course in rabbit care — dubbed “Bunny 101” — and pledge to return the rabbit to their organization if things don’t work out.

In McConville’s case, things worked out well when he caught the bunny bug and gave two rabbits to his wife about 20 years ago. Instead of leading to neglect, the gift rabbits inspired McConville to attend rabbit shows and learn more. Eventually he started rescuing rabbits and helped spearhead the founding of the HRS Georgia chapter.

His advice is to be prepared if you adopt a rabbit.

“It’s your choice,” McConville told Patch, “but it’s an adult responsibility."

Visit the Georgia House Rabbit Association's website for more information.