Think twice before giving a bunny as a gift

During the next few days, thousands of local adults will be tempted to buy an Easter rabbit for a beloved child. In a few months from now, our animal shelters will be, as they are every year, inundated by a flood of cast-off bunnies. E

Even worse, many of these bunnies will be let outside where they cannot survive.

As an experienced bunny owner, I know that a lot of thought and research must go into considering one.

If considering a bunny, please stop and think about three important facts:

Although rabbits can make wonderful pets, they are naturally fragile and timid. An active child who expects a cuddly pet can easily terrify or injure a rabbit. Bunnies often don’t like to be held.

A well-cared-for rabbit should live to 10 years or more and will require just as much love, attention and veterinary care as a dog or cat would. So don’t give an Easter rabbit to a child unless you know that the child’s parents will be happy to take on a decade-long commitment and learn how to properly feed and care for one.

Bunnies need to be indoors and active with the family. Homes need to be bunny-proofed, since rabbits chew wood and molding, wires of all kinds, and will eat your shoes.

Relegating them to an outdoor hutch is just cruel and sad and should never be done.

If you want to make a child’s Easter happy, don’t give a live rabbit unless you know the bunny will be loved and cared for throughout its natural life.

If there’s any doubt, give a stuffed toy bunny or a chocolate bunny instead.

Better yet, take the child for a walk in the arroyo to see all the desert bunnies.