MONTHLY INFORMATION
(MARCH)

Pet Licensing

Rabbits as Pets

Now that it is March, we know that spring is just around the corner, and this is a good time for us to start thinking about our spring clean-up projects.  One project we need to look at is the dog defecation in our yards and kennels that we need to clean when the cold weather breaks. 

            Another issue that comes to mind is all dogs must be licensed by the end of March before a late fee is charged.  License your pets on time. 

            Spring also brings forth puppies and kittens.  Please remember to research the pet you think you want as a family member and realize that this animal will live eight to twelve years.  This also stands true for rabbits. 

            Easter will soon be upon us, and many parents are tempted to buy one of those cute little bunnies that appear in all the pet stores.  Unless the child is twelve and very responsible, a toy stuffed bunny will make a much better gift. 

            Rabbits are fragile creatures.  They have a lighter bone density than dogs or cats, and their spine can break easily if dropped.  Baby bunnies are cute and cuddly and tolerate handling.  But babyhood doesn’t last long.  In two short months, puberty turns that baby rabbit into Bugs Bunny.  Often the bunny will no longer tolerate being held.  Powerful hind legs can scratch and sharp teeth can bite.  Unneutered males spray and mark their territory just like dogs.  Unspayed females are territorial and may attack little hands that enter her cage.  Every summer humane shelters receive a large influx of former Easter rabbits as they reach adolescence. 

            Rabbits live ten to twelve years.  Will your child still care for the rabbit after the novelty wears off?  Or will Thumper spend this summer abandoned to a backyard hutch?  Like dogs, rabbits are social animals and need daily interactions with their human owners.  Nine of ten rabbits don’t live to reach their first birthday.  In 1999 more than 350 rabbits were surrendered at animal shelters throughout Wisconsin.  And unlike wild rabbits, pet rabbits released to the wild cannot fend for themselves. 

            Older rabbits in animal shelters have little chance of being adopted because most people mistakenly want a baby rabbit.  This is unfortunate because older rabbits make the best pets.  They are more tolerant of children and have reached their affectionate adult personality.  Rabbits make great pets provided you accept them on their own terms.  They need a safe and loving environment in your home—not in an outdoor hutch.  Save a life--don’t buy an Easter bunny.  If you must have a rabbit, then rescue a spayed or neutered adult rabbit from your local animal shelter or from the House Rabbit Society.  Call 608-232-7044 for more information, or visit their Web site at www.rabbit.org.