MINNEAPOLIS — For some people, this time of year promises the chance for new beginnings — and it wouldn't be a leap to say the same for our critter companions.
Take Sunny for example.
The rabbit recently came to the Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society (MCRS), sick and injured, after being dumped outside by his previous family and left to fend for himself. After being taken to St. Paul Animal Control as a stray, officials found he was covered in feces and urine — an early indicator to his rescuers that his previous inside life might not have been much better.
Sunny then ended up at MCRS, where doctors found he had infections and broken bones in both of his front paws, as well as other various superficial wounds. Further, they found arthritis in his spine, suggesting, again, he had not been receiving proper care.
Now, Sunny is being treated and cared for by an experienced medical foster, where MCRS volunteers said it's likely he'll need one or both paws amputated. According to the rescue, Sunny and his foster continue to take it one day at a time.
But Sunny's story, sadly, is not unique, according to MCRS. The nonprofit rabbit rescue said that around the Easter holiday, rabbits just like Sunny tend to flood into shelters and rescues, as their adopters soon realize what it takes to care for them.
While some people might think leaving their pet rabbit outdoors when they're no longer wanted is akin to "setting them free," the staff and volunteers at MCRS work every day to dispel similar rabbit-related myths, and help unwanted rabbits find their forever homes and families.
That's why, in anticipation for the Easter holiday and inevitable influx of unhoused rabbits, MCRS teamed up with the Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota (AERC) to share their expertise with prospective pet parents.
Here are some takeaways from their conversation Friday:
MYTH: Domesticated rabbits CAN survive on their own in the wild.
They're very different from the rabbits you see in your backyard. In some ways, they're like a pet cat or dog: Pet rabbits are not any better adjusted to the outside world than, say, your Pomeranian.
MYTH: Bunnies make great pets for kids. I mean, they're adorable!
It's certainly OK to have them as a family pet if there's a parent or adult that's directly supervising interactions and keeping tabs on the animals' health.
They're prey animals so they tend to hide their illnesses more; are a little more nervous than other pets in general; and are more delicate so they need to be handled in a certain way. They require a lot of close supervision and special care that can't necessarily be provided by children.
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MYTH: They're called snuggle bunnies for a reason!
The feeling isn't always mutual. When being picked up off the ground, a rabbits' instincts can tell them they're being handled by a predator.
They are extremely affectionate creatures — but it's mostly on their terms.
MYTH: Pet rabbits can be kept outdoors.
The best way to keep a pet rabbit is inside. They're really sensitive to temperature extremes — hello, Minnesota — but especially heat. They're also more prone to parasites, like fleas and ticks, and as prey animals, they're automatically more vulnerable to predators like coyotes, foxes, birds of prey — and even your other pets.
Again, pet rabbits are generally companion animals. When they're outside, they're separated from the rest of their family.
At the end of the day, AERC and MCRS said pet owners should not adopt a rabbit if they aren't prepared/haven't educated themselves about their care. So before you think about making a rabbit part of your family's new begging this spring, keep in mind they're animals — not just an Easter novelty.
"It's a lot of work; lots of vet bills — it's more than just a throwaway pet."
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