By Derek Schlennstedt
While most people associate Easter with holidays and chocolate eggs, those luxuries couldn’t be further from the minds of animal shelters around Victoria.
Many shelters will be preparing themselves to be inundated with abandoned ’Easter’ bunnies, which they are left to deal with after the cuteness-factor fades and owners realise the responsibilities of keeping a pet.
Pet stores throughout Victoria traditionally report a significant increase in the selling of domestic rabbits during the Easter period.
In the weeks and months following, many of these rabbits may find themselves at the Rabbit Run-away Orphanage in Olinda, where they will be looked after.
Though, not all will make it there, with many being abandoned.
Judi Inglis, owner of the orphanage, said that each Easter the orphanage sees an influx of rabbits.
Last year they received a call only two weeks after Easter from people wanting to get rid of their recently bought bunny.
Judi said that people need to recognise that rabbits are pets that require responsibility and that – unlike the general consensus – rabbits aren’t an ‘easy pet’.
“If you’re going to consider a rabbit as a pet, consider it as a pet and not as an Easter present or a way to placate the kids,” she said.
“Learn about the animal before purchase, find out if that animal is going to suit your lifestyle and is the best pet for your family.
“Rabbits are a prey animal and are not good with children under eight, they’re not as interactive as a dog.”
Meanwhile, Judi is unsure if she will be able to take many of the rabbits that will be brought to them after the Easter holidays.
The Rabbit Orphanage is facing continuous vet bills for the 120 unwanted pet rabbits they have taken in over the last three months.
The orphanage is the only non-kill rabbit rescue in Victoria and is the only rescue with a permanent foster program for animals needing ongoing veterinary support.
There are currently 200 rabbits in their permanent foster program. The foster program provides an alternative to euthanasia for other rescues that have rabbits with health issues, and these animals are transferred to the Orphanage.
Raising funds for ongoing vet bills is a major challenge in the orphanage’s efforts to care for these bunnies, with some requiring treatment for broken bones, removal of cysts and various important dental work.
“A young bunny called Fae has required ongoing veterinary work after she was found with a bite and flystrike on her face … she has had three surgeries so far,” Judi said.
“Another little rabbit called Hobson, was abandoned with severely overgrown teeth, and has had his front incisors removed.”
The orphanage is completely run by volunteers and and relies solely on community support through donations.
Judi welcomes people to visit the orphanage over the Easter period, where visitors can learn about what is required to look after a bunny and meet some of the rabbits.
The orphanage is open on Easter Saturday and Easter Monday from 1pm until 4pm.
“We are always full with a waiting list; so if you’re considering rabbits for Easter, then perhaps come up for a visit and make that the Easter treat instead,” Judi said.
Rabbit Run-Away Orphanage is located at 19 Stanley Street, Olinda,
You can donate money to help the orphanage at https://sponsoranunwantedpetrabbit.raisely.com/
