Year of the Rabbit Not So Lucky for Rabbits

02/01/2011

This Thursday, China and other Asian nations will ring in the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Rabbit. This means good luck for those born under the Chinese zodiac sign, but it may not be so lucky for rabbits. The cute creatures are being loved to death in Asia and some species are in danger of dying away altogether.

Read the AP story at Google News.

All the excitement has led to a rush to purchase rabbits from pet stores and farms because of the belief that the animals will bring good luck and love. But conservationists and animal rights organizations are warning that the animals will be abandoned when owners realize the cost and amount of care involved.

"People think they are small and cute, (but) they are a lot of work. They just can't be stuffed into a cage," says Ashley Fruno, Asia representative for the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA.

 
A report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) says that several Asian species of rabbit and others are victims of overhunting, habitat loss and viral diseases. Declines of the Sumatran striped rabbit, hispid hare, Amari rabbit and the Annamite striped rabbit have been rapid and dramatic.

Photo Credits: Qin Gang/XinHua/Xinhua Press/Corbis | Zhang Qingyun/XinHua/Xinhua Press/Corbis | KuS/plainpicture/Corbis |

Comments

[A.F. for Animal Planet]

A few years back, my spouse and I bore witness first-hand to the consequences of irresponsible owners abandoning their pet rabbits.

There was one floppy-eared bunny in particular named Miguel; he was purchased for Easter, then shortly after the holiday abandoned by his owners. The little guy did not last long on his own. We would have taken him in ourselves if we could, but we did not have the financial means to properly care for him.

These are living beings, not disposable playthings for humanity's amusement, and deserve to be treated with more respect!

[online writing]

Wow, they are so cute!!!))

[trace]

I don't know why people think they can just keep rabbits in little cages; they're way bigger than hamsters and are obviously built for running and hopping. I love my little female bunnykins, and she will never be abandoned!!

[carol rich]

I'M SURE THEY WOULD HAVE THE RABBIT FOR DINNER BEFORE THEY WOULD ABANDON IT...DON'T YOU THINK??

[mightystudent]

Poor rabbits. If people don't eat them they put them into the cage.

[Chris]

At least their lucky charms need to stay alive to work. It's better than in the West. "Lucky rabbit's foot? Well, I guess it wasn't so lucky for the rabbit."

[Christian Louboutin Daffodile]

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