Rabbit Breeding, Abandonment, and Adoption

The Breeding Industry

In the rabbit breeding industry, babies are often separated from their mothers before they are old enough to be weaned (eight weeks of age), adding to the disturbing number of rabbits that die before their first birthday (Krempels). Even “responsible” breeders are still guilty of encouraging an overpopulation crisis in shelters and rescues for the purpose of producing animals with a particular set of physical traits in the name of financial gain or personal hobby.
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Many traits that are selectively bred for in the pet industry are inherently detrimental. For example, lops, lionheads, and Netherland dwarf rabbits frequently suffer from dental problems, ear infections, and overflowing tear ducts due to their flat, shortened faces. Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. When they are bred to have shortened faces, their teeth do not line up properly (a condition known as malocclusion) and are not sufficiently worn down. Overgrown teeth can cause chronic pain, lacerations in the mouth, abscesses, starvation or nutrient deficiencies, and a painful death (Brulliard, 2017). Jezebel was an abandoned “Easter bunny” of the Netherland dwarf breed who I adopted in 2010. She had genetic dental disease and required regular, expensive molar trims by an exotic animal veterinarian that specialized in rabbits.

These arbitrarily chosen physical traits are often achieved through inbreeding, which can result in genetic disorders, blindness, deafness, and other problems. Rabbits that do not fit breed standards, are not “desirable” enough in physical appearance, too old to breed or sell, or otherwise are no longer considered profitable are often culled (i.e. killed). ⁣Buying from a breeder supports these cruel practices.

Rabbit Abandonment⁣

Rabbits are the third most popular companion animal in the U.S.A., and the third most abandoned. This seems to be due to a fundamental misunderstanding and lack of education among the general public of the high cost and care that rabbits require. Contrary to successful but deceptive pet-industry marketing, these social and intelligent creatures are not short-lived, low-maintenance, or cheap pets that are suitable as “starter” pets for children. They are 10+ year commitments that require expert vet care, close attention, and patience.

Sadly, shelters and rescues see a large spike in abandoned rabbits during the few months after Easter, when cute little baby bunnies purchased from pet stores and breeders reach puberty (at five–eight months old) and begin to display unwelcome behaviour such as spraying, poor litter habits, aggression or fear, and chewing. As a prey species, they are generally not cuddly or trusting initially and need time and patience to bond with humans. Owners and parents are often shocked to learn that rabbits require regular, specialized vet care and alteration to prevent reproductive cancers, decrease territorial behaviour, and prevent unwanted litters. Furthermore, rabbits are social and active creatures that require lots of indoor space and stimulation to thrive, and prefer to live in groups of two or more. Children often lose interest in their now fully grown rabbit, who is often described as aggressive, fearful, or boring. What was originally intended to be a fun and easy pet for a child becomes an expensive burden to parents.

Tragically, many people decide to abandon their unwanted domestic rabbit outside, but this is a cruel death sentence. Domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are not the same species as wild rabbits (the Eastern Cottontail [Sylvilagus floridanus] is the most common wild species in North America), and are not evolved to our climate and ecosystems. They are easily targeted by predators, hit by cars, or quickly succumb to malnutrition, parasites, and disease. Sometimes, the lucky ones are found and brought into shelters and rescues. However, since many shelters are poorly equipped to care for these delicate and fearful beings, shelters can sometimes be a death sentence as well.
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Studies estimate that at least 80% of all rabbits purchased at Easter die or are abandoned before their first birthday (Daly, 2017). Between 2005–2010, 5,408 rabbits were brought to animal shelters in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, U.S.A. Of these, approximately 77% were surrendered, and approximately 81% of the surrendered rabbits were unaltered (not neutered or spayed) when received (Cook & McCobb, 2012). ⁣

Adoption⁣⁣

Should you choose a rabbit (or rabbits) as a companion, adoption is often ultimately cheaper than purchasing from a breeder or pet store. Unspayed female rabbits are at great risk of developing uterine, ovarian and/or mammary cancers, and this risk increases with age. Most rabbits in the breeding industry are used to produce multiple litters a year and do not live beyond four–five years of age (Morley, 2016). Conversely, a fixed and well-cared for house rabbit can live 10+ years. For males, neutering relieves the biological stress to mate and reproduce, and can reduce aggression, spraying, and destructive behaviour. Shelters and rescue groups often have these surgical procedures performed at a discounted rate, in addition to health checking and vaccinating (where available). These savings are passed on to the adopter, and costs are recuperated in a one-time initial adoption fee. Furthermore, rescue organizations will often already know about their rabbits’ personalities, especially if they are adult rabbits, and can help match you to the right rabbit.⁣⁣

Purchasing from breeders and pet stores funds an unnecessary demand and unethical practice to create more rabbits when shelters and rescues are already overpopulated. ⁣For every rabbit that is purchased from a breeder or pet store, one from a rescue, humane society, or shelter will languish or die. Adoption saves two lives: the rabbit you adopt, and the next abandoned rabbit that takes their place at the shelter or rescue. ⁣⁣
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Some breeders may caution against adoption, citing that rabbits in shelters and rescues have been surrendered due to chronic illness and will require expensive vet care, or have behavioural problems and thus will not make good companions. Often, these chronic illnesses (such as dental disease, respiratory issues, and overflowing tear ducts) are the result of selective breeding by breeders. Instead of acknowledging their role in producing rabbits with these chronic problems, they will often blame the innocent victims and declare them unworthy of homes and care. Rabbits have evolved as prey species and are thus often naturally fearful, which can manifest as aggressive behaviour. Their fear and aggression can be greatly improved with education, time, and patience. Therefore, please do your research before choosing to bring a rabbit into your life. While rabbits make lovely and rewarding companions, the financial, time, and care commitments throughout their 10+ years of life can be greatly underestimated.

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References

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About the Author

Shannon Seahra studied animal breeding genetics before completing her doctorate in environmental biology. She has had rabbits in her life for over 25 years, actively supports rabbit rescues and humane societies, and fosters and adopts rabbits. As an ethical vegan, she advocates for an end to the exploitation of all human and non-human animals, including rabbits. Currently, she shares her home with four rescued rabbits: Tater, Rocco, Batgirl, and Fifi in Ontario, Canada. 

Instagram: @shan.bunnies