Rabbit rescue: please do not buy a bunny as a gift this Easter

While we love Easter as much as everyone else, as one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the UK we see more than our fair share of abandoned animals, with rabbits being one of the ones we take more rehoming enquiries for than any. While it may seem charming to gift a live rabbit to someone during this Easter, it’s important to understand the significant responsibilities involved in caring for these complex creatures. Rabbits require a serious commitment and are not an ‘easy pet for the children’ that they seem to get a reputation for. With there estimated to be around 100,000 rabbits in animal shelters and rescues in the UK each year, please do seriously think about whether you can provide a home for life for a bunny if you’re going to get one – and make sure that a) it is a rescue, and b) it’s not an Easter present! 

Why rabbit ownership is not as easy as people think 

It is a misconception that rabbits are a low-maintenance pet, and while they do make wonderful additions to the family, they have a very specific set of needs, including their diet, housing, and medical care. Rabbits need a well-balanced diet consisting of hay, fresh herbs, and good quality rabbit pellets. Their housing must be spacious enough to allow them to hop around, and they require enrichment activities to prevent boredom. It is cruel to keep them in a traditional hutch, and you should only adopt a bunny if you can provide adequate space. Do have a look at our guide to rabbit welfare for a comprehensive checklist before you bring a bunny into your life.

Additionally, rabbits are prone to certain health issues and need regular veterinary checkups and vaccinations are a must. Please do factor these extra costs into your decision making.

Rabbits are social animals that thrive on companionship, but they can also be skittish and require gentle handling. They are best suited to a calm and quiet environment, meaning that while they are often bought for children, children do tend to get bored of them quite quickly, especially when they realise how much effort needs to be put into and maintained when it comes to their rabbit’s socialisation and handling. The majority of the requests we get to take on a rabbit is from a family where the children no longer show interest in their pet, and the parents don’t have the time to take on the responsibility. As we give a home for life here at Hopefield, our space is incredibly limited and like many other rabbit shelters in Essex and beyond, we face daily heartbreak at not being able to take them all in. 

Too many people underestimate the space and resources needed to keep a rabbit happy and healthy, often leading to neglect or abandonment. 

A Lifetime Commitment 

Before bringing a rabbit into your home, consider that these animals can live up to 10 years or more with proper care. This is not a temporary pet; it’s a long-term commitment akin to adopting a dog or cat. Many people purchase rabbits on a whim, especially during Easter, without fully understanding the dedication required to care for them over their lifetime. Without proper commitment, rabbits can suffer from neglect, inadequate care, and loneliness. They require daily attention, social interaction, and a safe environment to thrive. If you’re not prepared for a decade-long commitment, it’s best to reconsider. 

Easter Bunny alternatives this Easter

Instead of giving a live rabbit this Easter, consider gifting a stuffed animal – still adorable but with no upkeep! There are also plenty of Easter events in Essex where the Easter Bunny will be making an appearance, including at our own Easter holiday programme and at our four-day huge Easter Eggstravaganza over the Easter weekend. We will also be having meet-and-greets with our own real bunnies so you can learn more about them and talk to our animal caregivers about owning a rabbit. 

The impact of rabbit abandonment 

Every year, countless rabbits are given up to animal shelters because their owners were unprepared for the commitment. Thousands of rabbits are abandoned annually, particularly after Easter. Shelters, including our own, are often overwhelmed with the number of animals in need of care and rehoming. This seasonal influx of surrendered rabbits puts a strain on animal sanctuary resources and reduces the chances of these animals finding their forever homes. By choosing not to give live rabbits as presents you can help reduce the number of rabbits that end up homeless and ensure that fewer animals suffer from abandonment. 

Please do share this blog to help us highlight this very real annual plight. Happy, hoppy Easter, everyone!