The Montreal SPCA has released an appeal to families over this long Easter weekend: please do not buy rabbits as Easter presents. <br />Every year, in a festive flurry, families make a commitment and bring a rabbit or yellow chick home for the family to enjoy. <br />However, in reality, these animals will either be surrendered to rescues or will perish due to improper care. <br />PHOTOS <br /> Rabbit <br />Kristina Tellier, a veteran volunteer of the SPCA, says rabbits make ideal pets in the right care circumstances. (CTV News) <br />Officials at the SPCA say that they receive hundreds of rabbits over the course of a year—many of which come from families who are moving or who, shortly after Easter, relinquish the responsibility of caring for the animals. <br />In fact, the SPCA says, it’s a common misconception that a rabbit makes a great starter pet for a young child. They have care needs that are quite particular—contrary to popular belief. <br />To help counter the problem and promote awareness, the SPCA held a series of workshops over the Easter weekend to discover the ABC’s of rabbit behavior. <br />For example, did you know that carrots are actually too sweet for bunnies to eat regularly? They’re actually dangerous when consumed in large quantities. Experts say that banana is actually a top choice among the hare-brained. <br />Rabbits can also live up to 15 years when provided with the right food and space to thrive. The inexperienced may not know that rabbits can co-exist in do-it-yourself crate “condos” – but require a minimum of four hours a day of “free time” in a rabbit-proof area, away from chewable wires or carpet threads. <br /> It’s also impossible for a rabbit to vomit, so owners need to be extra attentive to behavior patterns that might indicate sickness.
