Somebunny Needs A Little Education: Can't Keep A Pet, Don't Get It

BRANFORD, CT — Some who likely thought that buying a bunny for their child for Easter was a good idea are kicking themselves days after. But, far worse, is the glut of bunnies now in need of new homes. Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter director Laura Burban has a lot of patience, but it's not infinite. Here's what she wrote on Facebook.

"I feel compelled to do this post today because as I have answered the phone all day, I have had over 10 calls from people looking to give up bunnies. ALL of the BUNNIES were purchased from Pet Stores. ALL of the Pet Stores told the people that they cannot/will not take the bunnies back."

Since the holiday, the shelter has taken in six bunnies, though two were pregnant (they're bunnies!) at the time, they were abandoned to the shelter, so it's bunnies galore.

And sadly, one was found abandoned at a Branford gas station.

Burban said that, "Right now we are receiving literally dozens of calls, emails, social media messages every day of people who no longer want their animals, so you may not be able to find placement within 24 hours."

"We try to educate people," she wrote.

For example, the dos and don'ts:

• Don't buy but if you must, research their care and enrichment needs
• Spend time handling them (over and over again) to ensure you are not having any reactions to them
• Understand their personalities
• Critter or animal proof your house
• Learn about how long they live, their medical needs, the costs of altering them, etc.

Burban also advised what people who decide to give up pets should do. But first, she said, "understand that it may take six months to find placement."

• Contact local vets and let them know you have an animal that needs a home.
• Put your name on waiting lists at shelters.
• Contact breed specific or specie specific rescues by Googling places in the Northeast.
• Be patient. Finding homes for animals takes time.