Getting unwanted bunnies from gumtree

[Flopster]

Hi everyone, my adorable bunny Mr Flopsy passed on Saturday and though I’m not immediately looking for a new buns, I know I would eventually like another one or two. Just wanted your opinions on a matter. I was just looking through Gumtree and there are a fair amount of u wanted rabbit advertised looking for new homes. What is the stance on this versus going to a rescue? Thanks in advance.

[Roberta]

They don’t have Gumtree in the US etc. But it’s no different to saving a bunny off Craiglist. If a bunny needs a home, it needs a home. The only difference is a bunny through an Australian rescue will come vaccinated, desexed and possibly microchipped. If you see a bun that needs a home and can afford the vet work then grabbit, takes some of the pressure off the rescues.

[sarahthegemini]

The way I see it, every bun needs a home. Doesn’t matter where it is ‘advertised’ so to speak.

[Moon_Bunny]

Rescuing animals from those kind of sites is a great thing! The animals listed are usually in pretty bad situations, unlike rabbits available at a rescue who are safe and well cared for.

I’ve rescued various animals and a few rabbits off of the US version of the site which is called Craigslist. Some were horribly neglected/abused. One thing you really need to keep in mind is the rabbits on Gumtree/Craigslist will have no health guarantee. I’ve spent hundreds of dollars in vet bills on animals rescued from Craigslist. You might need to spay and neuter the rabbit yourself. So the possibility of health problems or a vet bill is very real. Also, you do not know their temperament unless you meet the rabbit beforehand, unlike a rabbit rescue who will know each rabbit’s personality very well.

The ethical and moral stance is the same in my opinion, so long as you don’t buy the rabbit. Paying a small re-homing fee is fine since it’s recommended people not list rabbits as free to prevent bunnies from going as snake food. Try and make sure the person isn’t a breeder. Many like to use those kinds of sites even if they aren’t supposed to.

[kirstyol]

First off, I am so sorry for your loss.

Both my bunnies came from Gumtree – the first from an oops litter and the second I rescued from a pretty sad situation as an adult. I dread to think what would have happened to them if I didn’t adopt them, particularly Bramble who costs a small fortune in vet visits every few months.

Just to add that the rabbit I got as an adult (Ron) was neutered when I got him and its not uncommon to find neutered/spayed bunnies on gumtree, Bramble was only six weeks old and obviously not neutered and he does cost me a fortune at the vets but its got nothing to do with how I got him. I worry about the bunnies on gumtree going to people who maybe wouldn’t care for them properly or be willing to pay for their vet bills etc

[Author]

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