Bunny-related Rant – Ugh! Not disposable!

[Lis]

Ugh, I’m fuming right now.

To make a long story short, my SIL and her ex used to live with us, so they got lots of experience with the bunnies. This SIL was not raised with my husband – he was put up for adoption and met his birthfamily about 3 years ago, so this was the first time they lived together. They moved out a year ago, and promptly got a dog, cat, chinchilla, and guinea pig. The two small animals passed away, and they got a bunny at the pet store, despite my telling them that they should adopt if they were going to get a rabbit (with secret hints not to get one at all, because they were not responsible pet owners).

They really aren’t responsible pet owners – the ex refused to get prevention for the dog or cat. They were always covered in fleas, and when it got bad, expected us or other family to give flea baths, buy prevention, etc. 

A month ago, that relationship blew up, colossally. My husband and I (nearest family) drove to pick up my SIL at 2 AM because she had beaten my SIL. My SIL then went to live with her mom, but left all animals behind (which was her choice, despite offers from us to temporarily take the bunny and other family to take the dog and cat).

Well, now the ex is getting rid of the bunny. So she enlists my SIL to get ahold of me, expecting me to take the rabbit.

Well, I adopted Ciri not even a week ago. If you’d asked me a week ago, I’d have said yes. He’s a beautiful 6 month old Flemmie, identical in color to Ciri. But I have three rabbits already, two of them Flemish Giants, one of whom is scheduled for a spay next week. I can’t afford a 4th rabbit, especially one who needs to be neutered. 

I’m going to help this bunny find a new home – I can say no to the SIL/her ex, but I can’t say no to those wiggly ears. But I’m frustrated and angry and saw this coming the second they “surprised” me by bringing this bunny outside to see me when I last stopped by. 

My mom is thinking of maybe taking him, but she’s waffling because she just adopted a new pony and two new animals might be a lot at once. It would also be tough on me if she takes him, because there are no places to neuter a rabbit within several hours of her house, so I’d have to hold onto him here until I could get him into the local SPCA or PETA’s SNIP clinic. In addition, she lives 8 hours away. That would be a very long transport for me and him. 

[LongEaredLions]

I hate when things like this happen. Many people just don’t realize or don’t care about the tremendous needs of rabbits and other animals, and often they consider them more disposable toys than living creatures. Feeling your pain.
I am, however, very happy that you are going to help find this bunny a new home. It’s great to know he will have a better life from now on.

[LBJ10]

LEL is right. A lot of people don’t realize the amount of care that goes into bunnies. They are definitely not “starter” pets and it saddens me when people dump them because they didn’t meet their expectations. That being said, I would not worry about your SIL. Focus on finding the bunny a new home. If that means you need to foster him for a bit, then so be it. I know that puts you in a tough spot, but I think you will feel better in the long run knowing you did the right thing.

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