Cuddly bunnies of all kinds
There were cuddles aplenty at Paeroa’s first rabbit show.
Pet rabbits were showing off their best at last Saturday’s Pet and Breed show held at the Paeroa Co-operating Parish Church Hall.
A total of 59 rabbits and their owners vied for the Best of Breed title.
Taking part in the event, Paeroa breeder and judge Donna Handley said rare breeds to be seen on the day such as the Enderby island rabbit, are extinct in the wild.
“This cream Enderby Island rabbit is very rare with only 200 last counted in 2012, all in captivity,” she said.
Other bunnies, like the Flemish Giant, are easily as large as a cat. Rosie ( pictured above) is only two and is not planning to grow more, her owner said.
The full-day show was organised by the newly formed Hauraki-Piako Rabbit Club (HPRC) following a successful inaugural event held earlier this year, in July in Matamata.
At the Matamata show there were 84 entries and was the catalyst that launched the HPRC.
For president George Payne and the 16 members, the fundraising shows are for members and visitors to learn more about rabbits.
“We want to show people that rabbits are not pests, they are pets. Here they can get more information about the breeds and it is a lot of fun too for visitors.” Donna said that bunnies can be litter-box trained too.
A steady flow of families visited the show, and children were all eyes for the fur balls.
Youngest members of the club, sisters Arabella and Georgia Lowry of Paeroa, entered a rabbit each in the show. Both said they love bunnies because they are “soft and cuddly”.
Many breeds, from Angora, Dutch, Jersey Wooly, and Netherland to normal classes of New Zealand White, and chinchilla were also showing.
The show was well-supported by businesses donating items, pet food, wool socks, cakes and more to be raffled on the day.
■ Tofind out more, contact Donna Handley 0212312946 or visit Hauraki Piako Rabbit Club on Facebook.