By Charles Lefebvre

Shelter reminding people rabbits are a lifetime responsibility

Apr 18, 2017 | 1:38 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Easter has come and gone, and for some families, a rabbit is now part of the family.

However, local animal rescue organizations are reminding families that a pet is a lifetime responsibility, at a time when the number of rabbits being surrendered starts to increase.

In addition to dogs and cats, the Alberta Pound and Rescue Centre (APARC) also receives rabbits which have been dropped off at its shelter.

“We do see quite a few rabbits, and we’ve seen an increase in them this year,” said Kaylyn Genio, general manager of APARC, saying they have 10 rabbits in the shelter this year. “There has been an influx of them this year because… they’re a trend pet, so (people are) not always ready for the commitment of having a bunny.”

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Genio adds the spring months is the busiest time for rabbits in the shelter, due to it being the breeding season. She adds when people decide to get a pet, whether it is a rabbit or another animal, it becomes a commitment.

“You need to have at least a 10 year commitment for a bunny,” she said. “Some people, they’re good for a little while, but maybe they lose interest, so they do let them go.”

Genio says there are domestic rabbits that have been abandoned throughout the city, and have started reproducing.

“It is a living being, so you need to be sure you’re ready to care for it,” she said. “You can’t just kick them out in the wild when you’re not ready for them anymore. There are places and rescues that will take them in for you.”