Today marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year.  Under the Chinese Zodiac it also happens to be the Year of the Rabbit so it’s not surprising that everyone has bunnies on the brain!  Even the Canadian post office has issued various rabbit stamps one of which features adorable rabbits ‘kissing’ on them!   The problem is people are getting so swept up in the hype, they aren’t doing their research before bringing home one of these sweet and gentle creatures – who can also be quite messy, destructive and high maintenance!

The most recent and disturbing article I’ve read was about rabbits being shipped through the mail!  Mail order rabbits have become a horrendous new fad in Asia to ‘celebrate’ the rabbit!  These poor rabbits are ordered online, then literally wrapped in a box marked ‘fragile’ and shipped through regular postal services.  By marking them as ‘fragile’ they avoid completing paperwork or having to maintain specific conditions for shipping livestock.  The poor creatures can spend up to 5 days cooped in these inhumane conditions without food, water and shelter, not to mention proper handling!  After such severe travel conditions many people end up receiving a dead or extremely ill rabbit.

There’s also been an influx of rabbits in pet stores, with the hopes that they will sell with the bunny fad.  The problem is that rabbits appear so cute and cuddly, most people instantly fall in love with them, not realizing the huge commitment that comes with having one as a pet.  Pet stores also give their customers the impression that rabbits are content to spend their day solitary in a cage when in fact they are social creatures who require a lot of attention, exercise and care.  Rabbits can also easily live up to 10 years, that’s a long time to devote to an animal you thought could just hang out in a cage all day!

Something to think about – rabbits are the third most abandoned pet to shelters, after cats and dogs.  Many shelters and rescues are anticipating an increase in abandoned rabbits due to the new year symbolism so if you are seriously considering a rabbit as a pet why not rescue a less fortunate bun and give it a second chance?

Maybe just as disturbing are the many restaurants commemorating the Year of the Rabbit by serving this wonderful pet as their daily ‘special’ (ICK!).  Promoting it as a delicacy in celebration of the zodiac sign….now that’s just wrong!  I can’t see how eating the poor things would give anyone the satisfaction that they ‘honoured’ a rabbit! How is it that on one side these creatures are portrayed as loving, adorable house pets and on the other as a tasty meal?

So this year whether you already share your abode with a Bun or are thinking of adding a rabbit to your family, celebrate the Year of the Rabbit properly!  Rejoice in the wonder that is your bunny!  Spoil him rotten, treat him with respect, love, kindness and compassion.  Remember that owning a rabbit should not be taken lightly.  These wonderful creatures are extremely sensitive and personable but need a full commitment from you!