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To the Editor:
Easter is a time when baby chicks and
bunnies are sold around the world. I am so saddened that we make
these precious little ones our objects of affections for a few days
or weeks and then tire of them. At that point, most of the little
ones are forgotten and if lucky are dumped in a shelter or rescue
organization. Both organizations are overloaded and under funded.
The unfortunate ones will be tossed out into the wild. People in
particular think that bunnies are wild and can take care of
themselves.
Unfortunately most retailers do not have
the well-being of the bunny at heart. Speaking from the viewpoint
of a bunny rescue person, I can tell you that in the four months
following Easter I receive upwards of 50 calls from people with
bunnies.
They want to dump their bunnies because
they are urinating on the carpet, are too messy, growl and
nip, won't let their child hold and cuddle them, are chewing the
furniture, eating/digging their carpets, etc. This is bunny
behavior and you can expect it!
Bunnies are prey animals (lunch for other
creatures in the wild) and do not like to be grabbed and lifted off
of the ground. Bunnies are fragile and too many die from
preventable injuries, most often after being dropped. They chew and
they dig, and baby bunnies are the worst about this. Period.
Let's discuss the cost of properly caring
for your cute "$24.99" bunny, most of which costs impulse shoppers
are reluctant to pay. Food, hay and greens can run upwards of $20
per week per bunny. Bunnies should be spayed or neutered. Costs
range from $150 (low end) to more than $200. Now for the correct
housing, not in one of those little cages that provide the bunny
just enough room to turn around, but a real home for your bunny.
Those can run from $80 to well over $400. You'll also need litter
for the bottom of the cage and/or a litter box. You cannot use
pine or cedar bedding; this is deadly to rabbits and other small
animals. Cost of one large bag of quality litter can run from $13
to $30. Last, but certainly not least, your bunny will need toys to
chew on and play with. Costs on those, and remember that you will
need to replace them on a regular basis, run $2-$10. In addition to
all of the other costs, bunnies require regular vet care. Cost?
This can be quite expensive, especially if the bunny gets sick.
Finally, pet store and/or rescue bunnies
are not wild animals and should not be kept outside in a hutch,
where they are susceptible to disease, heat stroke, predators and
parasites.
If you feel that your family is ready to
make an eight- to 12-year commitment to a house rabbit, wonderful.
There are plenty of bunnies who need good homes. However, bunnies
are not "impulse" items, but living, breathing, sentient beings who
deserve a good home, food and a family who will love them and care
for them correctly.
If you want more information, please look
at either www.rabbit.org or www.makeminechocolate.org. Please make
an informed decision or purchase a stuffed bunny until you can.
Karen Severiens
Dunedin
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