Trinity River Hop

Pet Rabbits Are Not Easter Bunnies
Every year thousands of rabbits are gifted for Easter. But within weeks, most of these "Easter Bunnies" are 'set free' to die, or they are surrendered to municipal shelters, where they don't do well. Our beneficiary, The Bunny Burrow, works with local shelters to give these bunnies a more suitable environment while they wait for forever homes.
There are a lot of myths around Rabbit care, and the rabbits pay for this misinformation :(

Myth: Rabbits are good "starter pets" for kids.
Reality: Rabbits are delicate, prey animals that require gentle handling, patience, and a safe environment. Rabbits don’t like being picked up or cuddled, so the children that own them often cause stress or injury when they try to cuddle them like a stuffed animal.

Myth: Rabbits are low-maintenance pets.
Reality: Rabbits require regular stimulation, interaction & play time. Like cats & dogs, they can live 10-12 years and need spaying/neutering to prevent aggressive behavior. They also need regular maintenance: nail-trims, grooming, regular vet checkups and vaccinations.  

Myth: A 'hutch' in the backyard is fine. 
Reality: Rabbits require a large amount of space in order to run & jump. And they are highly social animals that won't do well isolated in the backyard.

Myth: All they need is some lettuce and carrots.
Reality: Rabbits have finicky gastro-intestinal systems. The wrong foods can cause Gastric Stasis, a potentially fatal condition. So they do best with a hay-based diet, with occasional treats like small amounts of fresh herbs, vegetables or berries.

Rabbits are not Easter toys! What can you do instead?
  - Choose chocolate or plush bunnies as Easter gifts.  
  - Donate to rabbit rescues, like The Bunny Burrow, that care for abandoned bunnies, and that educate owners (and potential owners) about the reality of rabbit care.

About The Bunny Burrow:
The Bunny Burrow Rabbit Rescue is an all volunteer, donor funded, non-profit rescue organization dedicated to educating the community on how to properly care for rabbits and enjoy them as loving companions.
Rabbits are delicate animals and don't do well in city shelters, so we work with shelters to provide a more rabbit-friendly environment while they wait for their forever homes.  We do NOT accept surrendered rabbits from the public.