Why you should think twice before gifting bunnies for Easter

ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. – As we get ready to celebrate Easter, you may be thinking to adopt a furry animal to gift to your child. But, you are probably better off buying chocolate bunnies than the real thing. Officials at the Humane Society of Elkhart County are asking you to think twice, as they require a lot of work.

Depending on the breed, rabbits can grow to be up to 14 pounds and have a life span of 12 years. And while it's common to gift children bunnies, especially around this holiday season, Benjamin Mathews, who’s the facility manager on animal control at the Humane Society of Elkhart County, said to do your research.

“They don’t stay cute and cuddly their whole lives. They do get big, and they do require care until their old. So, we ask that it’s a commitment, “Mathews said. 

The Humane Society Of Elkhart County doesn’t see an influx of rabbits coming in and out of their facility during Easter, rather, Mathews said it’s a steady trend throughout the year. But, they do see them occasionally being surrendered, especially when they get too big.  

This is why Mathews mentioned the importance of educating yourself before bringing a bunny home. And while we tend to associate bunnies with Easter, Mathews said they require a lot of attention and care, more than one would think. 

 “If you just think that it should be on the desk or a dresser, and that’s where it’ll be for the rest of its life, please don’t adopt," Mathews said "If you have done your research and you want to take care of an animal, just like with any animal, then please come adopt. But understand that it still requires specific requirements.”