WHY CREATE MORE BUNNIES WHEN THERE ARE SO MANY STILL UNLOVED?

Recently we have seen some interesting articles floating on the internet. One of them talks about a father who was arrested because he hit his son for playing with his $3000 pet rabbit. The other talks about a rabbit paradise that was created in a petshop. While we are very happy to see so many rabbit lovers in Singapore, we can’t help getting a little worried about some of the message they are conveying! We understand that not everyone are as aware about rabbit matters. Today, we will like to share some misconceptions and hope you can SHARE them with your friends who may not know as much about rabbits.

#1 – I CAN ONLY BUY RABBITS FROM PETSHOP
To most consumers who only knows things through advertisement, that could be all they know. But to those who actually tried to google on the internet, they will actually find rabbit rescues all over the world who are looking for adopters for their rescued rabbits. In Singapore, there are SPCA Singapore, House Rabbit Society Singapore (HRSS) and us, Bunny Wonderland!

#2 –  PURCHASED RABBITS ARE HEALTHIER
Well, a living thing is not like a toy that can be ‘brandnew and sealed’. Depending on how the rabbit is bred, their health condition differs from one to another. Ethical breeders are not easy to find and unless you get to meet the parents of your baby rabbit and saw their health record, there will always be uncertainties. On the contrary, responsible rescuers actually bring their rabbits to good vets for regular checkup and ensure they are healthy and sterilized before putting them up for adoption. Bunny Wonderland will even go the extra mile to transfer their medical record to you so you know their health history with crystal clear clarity.

#3 – I WANT THE MOST EXPENSIVE RABBIT ON THE SHELF!
*Face palm* It is unfortunate that our materialistic society has evolved to include ‘living things’ as a sign of wealth. While this will sound very nice in a Chanel boutique, having that mentality in a petshop will just be too silly. In fact, it will be insulting to any rabbit lover to know that their priceless pets are given a price tag. Not to say the practical aspects of things when the most expensive rabbit may not be the easiest to care for. For example, a Mini Lop has a tendency for ear infection and the Netherland Dwarf is prone to eye injuries and have complicated dental structure due to their tiny round head. While it is true that a good rabbit owner needs to be financially stable to ensure proper caregiving, a committed and sincere heart will worth so much more than a heavy payslip.

#4 – PETSHOPS KNOW IT BEST!
It is indeed true that we have met some really good petshop staffs who knows their stuff. But these folks are fewer than few. The odds of finding one in your neighbourhood may be as tough as striking the jackpot. Instead, rescue groups who actually cares for the rabbits are a more trusted source of information. We love House Rabbit Society (www.rabbit.org) and locally, your faithful Bunny Wonderland does have a combined 30 years of experience slaving for rabbits just between our 2 founders. And when your rabbit is sick (or you think is sick), please bring it to a medically-trained veterinarian and not a petshop. That’s just common sense.

While we can think of 101 misconceptions about bunnies that we wish to bust, we hope that the above 4 is enough to help some rabbit lovers make some wiser decisions. There will always be two sides to a story and we hope that all prospective rabbit owners will consider both before concluding on what’s right to do. Until there is no more rabbit at the shelters, Bunny Wonderland will never feel it is right to buy a rabbit from a petshop. Why create more lives when so many are still unloved?