The Now (Surrey) http://www.thenownewspaper.com/issues06/042206/news/042206nn2.html

Curb that bunny urge

Brooke Larsen Now Contributor

The Surrey SPCA is urging people to think before they buy that little white Easter bunny.

"People who buy rabbits as Easter gifts don't realize that they're a big responsibility," said Surrey SPCA manager Tanya Firmage.

Easter rabbits often end up in animal shelters - which are already crowded with unwanted bunnies - because their owners no longer want them, said Firmage.

"That's part of the misconception. People think it's going to be a short-term pet. They don't give it enough thought or realize rabbits can live for 10 years."

Firmage said SPCAs throughout the Lower Mainland are already full of rabbits that need to be adopted.

"We are almost always filled to capacity with rabbits. If people are really determined to get one, I really would recommend they come look at a shelter and adopt one from there."

Aleck Jordan-Knox, supervisor of the Petland at 19475 Fraser Hwy., said the demand for rabbits increases dramatically this time of year.

"A lot of people want the rabbits just because it's Easter. If we wanted to, we could sell rabbits left right and centre."

Many of the customers looking for rabbits are teens, but Jordan-Knox says he only sells to families who have "carefully considered" the decision. "We actually try to push people away from it as much as possible." published on 04/12/2006