| NO Bunny Buying For Easter! |
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Los Angeles – April 2009 – As Easter approaches, the Found Animals Foundation (www.foundanimals.org) and the “Rabbitat” (www.petsave.org), remind you that buying a bunny for Easter is a bad idea! Rabbits make wonderful pets, but they require care and commitment and should be much more than a seasonal gift. If you just need a bunny fix in the spirit of the season, please visit our LIVE streaming “Bunny Cam” (http://www.foundanimals.org/index.php/kitten-cam.html) where an ongoing rotation of adorable, ADOPTABLE rabbits will be doing the “hippity-hop” 24/7 from now through Easter. And, if you are ready to add a rabbit as a permanent member of your family, please “Adopt! Don’t Shop!” All of the bunnies featured on camera are available for adoption in Los Angeles – so please check it out! And, no matter where you live you can adopt a rabbit in need of a “fur-ever” home from a shelter or rescue in your neighborhood! Here are the facts…Rabbits are the animal that is third most frequently surrendered to animal shelters, right after cats and dogs. 95% of all Bunnies purchased at Easter are dumped within their first year as pets and 90% of these adorable “Easter Buns” end up, if not homeless…DEAD! Many ignorant owners even abandon them in parks, thinking they are doing the right thing and not realizing that although they feel they’re setting them free, these little guys are just becoming food for other animals. Because of their enormous appeal, people often acquire rabbits for the wrong reasons and without doing the homework they should before bringing home any animal. Tiny, underage bunnies are often sold at 3 weeks old, before even being fully weaned (at 8 weeks). Between 20 – 30% of all bunnies sent to pet shops die on the way to the retailer and 20% of rabbits at pet shops die before they’re ever purchased. Almost 100% of the bunnies you see being offered for sale at Easter in pet shops or Santee Alley are supplied by commercial operations that care more about profit than the health and well being of the animals. Rabbits become sexually mature as early as 3 months old and can have a new litter of about 12 little baby buns every 28 days!!! Their low cost, generally under $20, especially around Easter and their rapid reproduction rate makes these animals an easy commodity for wholesalers to pump out, while encouraging the view that they are easily replaceable. Their soft, fluffy fur and cuddly appearance also give the impression that they are equal to a stuffed animal that you might easily keep on your bed. The fact of the matter is, when cared for properly, bunnies can live 10 – 15 years and make wonderful companion pets. Rabbit ownership requires the same commitment as if you were to have a dog or cat. So if you chose to have a bun as part of your family, please educate yourself on rabbit care prior to bringing this ball of fluff home with you and remember to “Adopt! Don’t Shop!” For All Inquiries & Interview Requests Contact: Michael Gilman, Director of Communications Found Animals Foundation, Inc. (office) 310-566-7389 (e-mail) This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it www.foundanimals.org |
