Look through the eyes of the animal that is bred to be a food source, its fur used in the making of coats, its body used in medical experimentation.

You are looking through the eyes of the domestic rabbit bred by the thousands for consumption by the public this Eastertime for the children of this country. As you look through these eyes, see the dichotomy in terms: a beautiful, soft, bright-eyed wonder which can double as dinner, if necessary, or be thrown away after the newness of this pet has worn off, its fate often which is to be killed in an animal shelter. We are looking through the eyes of a creature known for its beauty, quite and gentle behavior, unconditional love and spontaneous joy.

To purchase a baby rabbit from a pet store instantly creates a scenario in many households - one of misinformation on how to take care of this fragile and delicate new-to-this-world creature. Rabbits that are taken away from their mothers before the weaning age of 6-7 weeks of age do not have well-developed immune systems. They can barely eat the commercial rabbit pellets put in front of them. They are housed usually in a bin with many other babies which, of its own accord, creates an additional stress on their delicate being. And that is one of the many reasons they often die after a few weeks after being purchased.

Are you committed to this new pet? Will this darling, sweet, and tiny creature become and stay a part of your family? Will the entire family partake in the caretaking and interaction of this baby rabbit? Will you be a responsible pet owner and spay or neuter your rabbit when it reaches an appropriate age? Or will a family set its child up for failure stating that they are instilling responsibility into the life of their child by giving them a life to care for. It is neither fair nor ethical as a parent to put such a carrot in front of the child only to have the carrot taken away when the pet dies from lack of proper care.

How can I be so against the selling or rabbits as pets at Eastertime? Because over the past 20+ years Rabbit Rescue has rescued well over 1,500 rabbits from pounds, shelter, abandoned in fields and on the street - thrown-away domestic rabbits..

Think before buying a rabbit this Easter. Think about the responsibility and commitment. 

And then think about adopting a rescued rabbit before doing the impulsive act of bringing a rabbit home from a pet store. Looking through their eyes I would hope that you would see bright green grass, laughter, and gentle bunny caresses. I would hope that you would not see the bars of a final cage.