Hop on Down to the Rabbit Festival At the Vancouver SPCA on Oct. 23
October 17, 2005. For immediate release.

Vancouver's growing community of dedicated rabbit enthusiasts will be converging at the Vancouver SPCA shelter at 1205 East 7th Avenue on Sunday, Oct. 23 between 12:30 and 4:30 p.m.

Co-sponsored by Vancouver Rabbit Rescue and the BC SPCA, the festival will bring together experienced and novice rabbit owners, animal welfare enthusiasts, and the increasing number of veterinary professionals who deal with these cute but frequently misunderstood animals. "Unfortunately both the SPCA and rabbit rescue groups take in hundreds of abandoned and surrendered rabbits every year because people don't appreciate or understand these animals," says Mark Takhar, manager of the Vancouver SPCA shelter. "The lucky ones make it to shelters, but others are just dumped in parks or along roads, which leads to suffering for the animals and a growing feral rabbit population."

One of the goals of the festival is to raise awareness about the correct care of rabbits and suitability of these wonderful animals as pets for condos and apartments. "Rabbits make great pets for adults and their daily routine fits in nicely for people who are working, since rabbits are most active in the morning and in the evening," says Takhar. So hop on down to the Rabbit Festival where you'll find out lots of bunnies for adoption or foster. There will also be free vet checks for owned rabbits, presentations on rabbit care, behaviour and health, nail clipping, rabbit supplies and lots of prizes and fun.

Further information:
Mark Takhar, Manager, Vancouver SPCA, 604-841-6079.