Rabbits make good pets, as they can be litter-box trained and are quiet. However, this time of year, young rabbits are often purchased as gifts without full consideration of the long-term commitment for their care. Above, these bunnies are for sale at a farm-supply store, and their cuteness and low price is an easy attraction for impulse buyers. When bunnies become unwanted, or injured, the North Texas Rabbit Sanctuary tries to take them in.  — Staff photo by Kramer

April 13, 2006 - For those thinking about inviting an Easter bunny into their home permanently, Barbara Yule with the North Texas Rabbit Sanctuary advises rethinking the commitment.

Each year, thousands of people purchase rabbits as Easter presents. The cheap gift (most go for between $10 and $20) will require plenty of care and financial support throughout its life, said Yule.

 Yule, 60, is the founder and vice president of the North Texas Rabbit Sanctuary (a non-profit corporation) in Garland. Her facilities can hold 50 rabbits, but she said she receives calls on a regular basis from people who no longer want their rabbit.

 “We get hundreds of calls from people with give ups,” she said. “We can’t take them. Our mission is to rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured and unwanted animals and adopt them into permanent indoor homes as house rabbits.”

 Yule said if someone is getting rid of a rabbit because of behavior problems, she will try to take it in, but in most cases she is only able to offer advice and guidance to help the people in finding their rabbit a new home.

This bunny is recuperating from a broken hind leg at the sanctuary. “Sparky” was either injured by children playing with him, or when a board fell on his leg, according to the bunny’s original family who could not afford the veterinary bill for repairing the leg.  -- Courtesy photo

 And according to Dr. James Wright, a veterinarian with the Texas Department of State Health Services, the former Easter bunnies who end up at a sanctuary, such as Yule’s, are among the lucky ones.

“A large number of these gift pets end up at animals shelters or die every year,” said Wright.

Yule said there is a laundry list of reasons people decide to get rid of their rabbits. Often she said no one wants to care for the rabbit, the family is moving, landlords won’t allow the rabbit to be kept, the family is going to be having a child, they get a new dog and no longer want their rabbit, and she said some admit they just don’t have time for a rabbit.

Usually, Yule said the problem arises when the child the rabbit was given to loses interest.

“Parents need to consider the fact that most children will tire easily of their new pet, no matter what it is - rabbit, cat, or dog,” she said.

Wright added, “If you are the parent, be sure you are ready to assume the responsibility for the animal if the child will not.”

Yule said it is a situation she tries to avoid when placing animals for adoption.

“We will only adopt to a family where the parents realistically understand they will be responsible for the care of the rabbit,” she said. “The rabbit must be something everyone agrees on and not get rid of it when they tire of it.”

With some education, Yule said the situation could be different. 

“They don’t bother to learn anything about the care of rabbits before they rush to the pet store and purchase them.”

Often the care a rabbit requires may be underestimated.

“Rabbits need a great deal of care,” Yule explained. “They must see exotic vets when sick, (rabbits) can’t be left sitting in a cage all day. At least two hours of quality time with humans and getting exercise is expected (each day).

“Clean water, fresh hay and vegetables are needed every day. They must have running and playing time, and toys to entertain them when they are in the cage.”

But, Yule said, most rabbits don’t need to be in a cage at all. In fact, they make wonderful house pets.

“Many rabbits do not need to ever be in a cage,” she said. “They use a litter box and can run freely in a home that is rabbit proofed- that means electrical cords are covered.”

She added that rabbits can be great companions for the right people with proper care (including spaying and neutering).

“Rabbits, given the opportunity to bond and interact with humans are extremely intelligent. They are clean, love to be petted, and are very quiet.”

In contrast, Yule said rabbits can be the wrong pet in the wrong situation.

“They are bad pets if expected to interact with children,” she said. “Small children and rabbits are not a good mix.

“Rabbits do not like to be picked up and carried, so most children under eight years of age are not able to hold them securely, resulting in the child being scratched and often the bunny being dropped and sustaining injuries such as a broken back or broken leg.”

Yule sees many rabbits that come from these types of situations. Her latest example is a rabbit she named Sparky. 

“It seems either this baby bunny broke its leg running from the kids in the yard or a two-by-four fell on it,” she said. The former owners did not have the money to pay for medical treatment, so now Yule and her group are planning to spend $500 and the next six to eight weeks to see that the animal has a chance. 

“He is one of the lucky ones that found his way to us,” said Yule. “Most that get hurt are either euthanized or simply allowed to die.”

Yule hopes that through education, other rabbits might be spared from a dismal situation. Her group offers workshops and will answer questions for anyone who needs help caring for a rabbit.

Still, she recommends people think deeply about their decision to purchase a rabbit for Easter.

“I don’t think Easter should have anything to do with getting a rabbit,” she reiterated. “Prospective owners need to educate themselves as to the needs of a rabbit, rather than get it because of Easter.”

Even if the parents realize the responsibility necessary, their child may not, reminded Wright.

“It is not a good idea to give live animals, especially young animals, to children as gifts,” he said.

“Small children and bunnies do not mix,” added Yule. “Children who want a rabbit- and the parents don’t want one - should be given a stuffed toy to sit on the bed; not a live, feeling creature that is not really wanted.”

For more information about the North Texas Rabbit Sanctuary, their rescued rabbits, adoption program and fees, or educational events, visit www.ntrs.org.