Don't release your Easter Bunny warn animal welfare experts

The SPCA's Justine Somerville says that “letting go” is the biggest problem Kiwi pet owners are causing as people tend to release their bunnies into the wild, thinking they’ll survive.

“Pet rabbits are domestic pets so they aren’t wild rabbits born into their families and won’t survive for long if they are released. They don’t have the instincts to survive, like find shelter and food.”

She stresses that like any other pet rabbits are long-term investments which need caring for long after occasions like Easter.

Hope Rescue South Auckland says calls for abandoned rabbits are much more prominent after Easter, but it’s also the same for abandoned cats or dogs around Christmas.

Former pet store employee Ellie Marsden says she came across many families who tried to buy rabbits in store and lectured adults after hearing their initial reason for wanting pet supplies.

“When they referred to their adopted rabbits as ‘just an Easter present’, it concerned me because I couldn’t stop thinking about the long-term sake of the animal because rabbits are not just for Easter, they’re for life,” she says.

Pet stores like Animates stopped selling pets over five years ago and started supporting NZ animal rescue organisations, advocating that pet adoption is best for the animals.

“And it’s not just rabbits, this applies to all house pets. Like us, they are living creatures too and how they grow up is essential. They need good food, clean water, and shelter to live under to survive.”