Rabbit abandonment, breeding and adoption

Rabbits are the third most popular companion animal in Canada, and the third most abandoned. Unfortunately, there is a fundamental misunderstanding among the general public of the care and cost that rabbits require. Contrary to popular belief and pet-industry marketing, these social and intelligent creatures are not short-lived, low-maintenance, or cheap pets that are suitable for children.

Rabbits in Shelters

Rabbits have high reproductive rates and can live over 10 years indoors with proper care, but large numbers of abandoned rabbits end up in shelters every year. From 2005–2010, 5,408 rabbits were brought to animal shelters in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, U.S.A. Of these, approximately 77% were surrendered by their caregivers, and approximately 81% of the surrendered rabbits were unaltered (not neutered or spayed) when received [1]. In 2016, the Ottawa Humane Society took in 208 rabbits; approximately 40% of these were surrendered, 36% were strays, and 23% were transferred from other humane societies and groups [2].

Shelters and rescues often see a spike in abandoned rabbits during the few months after Easter [3], when cute baby bunnies purchased from pet stores and breeders reach puberty (five–eight months old) and begin to display unwelcome behaviour such as spraying, poor litter habits, aggression, and chewing. In fact, some studies estimate 80% of all rabbits purchased at Easter die or are abandoned before their first birthday[4]. Owners and parents are often shocked to learn that rabbits require alteration for behavioural and health reasons, in addition to lots of space and exercise to thrive. Furthermore, rabbits are social creatures that prefer to live in groups of two or more. What was originally intended to be a fun and easy pet for a child becomes an expensive burden to the parents.

Tragically, many people decide to “release” their unwanted rabbit into the wild, but this is a cruel death sentence to domestic rabbits. Domestic rabbits (Oryctolaguscuniculus) are not the same species as wild rabbits (in Canada: Eastern Cottontail [Sylvilagusfloridanus], Arctic Hare [Lepusarcticus], White-tailed Jackrabbit [Lepustownsendii]), and are not evolved or easily adapted to our climate and ecosystems. They are easily targeted by predators, hit by cars, or quickly succumb to malnutrition, parasites, and disease. Sometimes, the lucky ones are found and brought into shelters and rescues.

The Breeding Industry

In the rabbit breeding industry, babies are often separated from their mothers before they are old enough to be weaned (eight weeks of age), adding to the disturbing number of rabbits from pet stores that die before their first birthday [1]. Even “responsible” breeders are still guilty of encouraging an overpopulation crisis in shelters and rescues for the purpose of producing animals with a particular set of physical traits. These arbitrarily chosen traits are often achieved through inbreeding, which can result in genetic disorders, blindness, deafness, and other problems. Rabbits that do not fit breed standards, that are not “desirable” enough in physical appearance, or too old to sell or reproduce are often culled (killed).

Some traits that are selectively bred for in the pet industry are inherently harmful. For example, the Lionhead (Figure 1) and Netherland dwarf (Figure 2) rabbit breeds frequently suffer from dental problems, ear infections, and overflowing tear ducts due to their flat, shortened faces. Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. When they are bred to have shortened faces, their teeth do not line up properly (a condition known as malocclusion) and are not sufficiently worn down. Overgrown teeth can cause chronic pain, lacerations in the mouth, abscesses, starvation or nutrient-deficits, and a painful death [2].

Adoption

Should you choose a rabbit (or rabbits) as a companion, adoption is often ultimately cheaper than purchasing from a breeder or pet store. Unspayed female rabbits are at risk of developing uterine, ovarian and/or mammary cancers, and this risk increases with age. Most rabbits in the breeding industry are used to produce multiple litters a year and do not live beyond four–five years of age [5]. Conversely, a spayed and well-cared for house rabbit can live 10+ years. For males, neutering relieves the biological stress to mate and reproduce, and can reduce aggression, spraying, and destructive behaviour. Shelters and rescue groups often have these surgical procedures performed at a discounted rate, in addition to health checking and vaccinating (where necessary). These savings are passed on to the adopter, and costs are recuperated in a one-time initial adoption fee.

For every rabbit that is purchased from a breeder or pet store, one from a rescue, humane society, or shelter will languish or die. Adoption saves two lives: the rabbit you take in, and the next abandoned rabbit that benefits from the newly available space and resources. Purchasing from breeders and pet stores funds an unnecessary demand and unethical practice to create more rabbits when shelters and rescues are already overpopulated. To learn about adoptable rabbits available now visit the Rabbit Rescue Page.