Animal welfare organisations are urging parents not to buy bunnies for their children this Easter because chicks and rabbits may face serious consequences.
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The Cape of Good Hope SPCA and Barefoot Rescue have reported an increase in people giving chicks or rabbits to children without considering proper care and long-term responsibilities.
They have also discovered that when people become aware of this, they frequently abandon their pets.
Michelle du Toit, Director of Barefoot Rescue, stated that while they understand the magic of Easter, they are against giving animals as gifts.
‘Adopting any pet needs to be a family decision. The family needs to be adequately informed about the care of the new family member to make an educated decision.
‘Rabbits are very misunderstood mammals and have been used and abused by people for too long,’ she said.
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Belinda Abraham, spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, stated that any pet acquisition should be well-thought-out.
‘Impulse buys without considering an animal’s welfare often result in suffering that arises from neglect. Despite their cute and fluffy appearance, rabbits are not cuddly creatures, and they’re definitely not low-maintenance pets.
‘They have certain needs that young children cannot possibly be expected to meet. In short, it’s not fair to the child or the rabbit,’ she said.
Anyone found guilty of animal abandonment faces a fine of up to R40,000 or a 12-month prison sentence.
She emphasised that animals are dependent on their human caregivers for their physical and emotional needs.
‘Taking on the responsibility of caring for an animal means committing to their well-being for the entirety of their lifespan,’ she said.
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Picture: Erik-Jan Leusink / Unsplash