With Easter just around the corner, pet stores across the country have usually reported increases in people buying rabbits as pets, but several Mid-State animal rescue groups said in most cases it's a bad idea.
Those with the group Southern Bunny Sanctuary said each year around Easter they see an increase in rabbits who have been turned loose or left at the pound by their former owners after they realize how much of a handful rabbits can be to take care of.
The group said rabbits require special diets and constant attention, and they don't like to be picked up or cuddled.
The group said parents should be fully aware of all the challenges of having a rabbit as a pet before deciding to get one.
“They’re very energetic, high maintenance. They're fragile and expensive,” said Alexa Sullivant with Southern Bunny Sanctuary. “They're not for kids, they don't like to be picked up, and they don't like to cuddle. A lot of people don't understand that.”
Southern Bunny Sanctuary said it and similar groups have helped hundreds of rabbits over the years, many of them following the Easter holiday.
