I shudder to think how many unsuspecting rabbits right now are being purchased by impulsive human beings as being cute and cuddly Easter gifts for their equally unsuspecting children. I have no doubt part of the problem of this habit is the fact that most people perceive animals as property verses sentient beings. And like most property, if it doesn't work out, what do we do? Take it back. Give it away. Or if we are particularly lazy, just throw it out without another thought.
In a few weeks, the annual Easter dump will begin at shelters and rescue groups all across America. Parents frustrated at the rabbit who chewed through the Lazyboy massager cord or tired of bending over to pick up the bunny poo that didn't make the litter box will be dumping off the bunny wihout another thought, especially if their three year old child lost complete interest in said rabbit (and I will bet you anything you are willing to wager that will indeed be the case.) It boggles the mind that parents think that children who can barely dress themselves or eat any food without wearing it on their faces are going to be responsible guardians to a living being, a prey animal at that who perceives humans as predators until a bond of trust is established (and with rabbits, this will take months, not the average short duration of a little boy's attention span.)
I fear that until we who fight for animal rights can successfully change people's perception of animals as sentient beings verses things, that the spring dump of thousands of rabbits will remain a tragic Easter tradition for many many years to come.
The Hoppy Vegan (PLEASE--make your rabbit chocolate this year! Visit http://www.makeminechocolate.org/)
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