Domestic Rabbit Overpopulation

Many people are aware of the fact that there have been and still are significant problems with the overpopulation of wild rabbits. But did you know that domesticated rabbit overpopulation is also a significant problem in many countries? Domesticated rabbits breed just as prolifically as wild rabbits and sometimes even more so. Overpopulation of domesticated rabbits often leads to the unfortunate and untimely demise of many happy and healthy rabbits. Therefore it is a problem we should learn more about in hopes that we may be able to prevent some of the tragic issues associated with it.

After dogs and cats, rabbits are almost always the most prevalent animals at animal shelters around the United States. Especially during Easter season when rabbits are in fashion, many people adopts baby bunnies based solely on the cute factor. Soon, the bunnies begin to mature and many owners realize that taking care of a rabbit actually requires some time and effort. This is when irresponsible rabbit owners will take one of two paths. Some will recognize that they are unwilling or unable to care for a rabbit and they end up taking it to an animal shelter where it will often times be euthanized. Others will keep the rabbit in poor conditions in run down hutches in their backyards where the rabbits will suffer from lack of nutritional needs, mental stimulation, and proper sanitation. Rabbits in these situations often lead hard, lonely and unpleasant lives.

To prevent this from happening, it is important that potential rabbit owners remember a few things. Firstly, resist the urge to obtain a rabbit based solely on how cute they are. Yes, baby bunnies and even grown rabbits are very cute, but they are also animals who need constant care and attention from a responsible owner. They are not the right pets for everyone. Second, if you have decided that a rabbit is the right pet for you, please go to your local animal shelters and look for rabbits there before you buy from a breeder or pet store. By adopting from a shelter you save the life of the rabbit you adopt as well as creating space for another rabbit to come and take its place at the shelter. Lastly, resist the urge to breed your rabbits. There are already way too many domesticated rabbits out there and if you breed another litter, you are only adding to the problem. Even if you manage to find good homes for your bunnies, those homes you find are homes that could have been found for already living rabbits that needed a good home. Also, all of the babies that were bred can potentially grow up and have litters of their own, further exacerbating the problem.

If everyone adhered to the preceding points we would be well on the way to solving the sad problem of domestic rabbit overpopulation in the United States and around the world.