Whether you subscribe to the belief or not, the Chinese zodiac is certainly an entertaining story. But it has a downside as well, and that usually happens when it comes to the zodiac year of a cute domestic animal, such as this year’s Year of the Rabbit.
As rabbit-themed decorations and merchandise are taking center stage in Chinese malls and on online shopping platforms, the darker side of this bunny craze is seeing increased sales of live rabbits as pets. Local news sources report that a single pet store owner can sell as many as 20 to 30 pet rabbits each day in the lead-up to the Chinese New Year festival. Prices range from just RMB 10 to RMB 200 depending on how reputable the store is, and the breed and age of the rabbit.
While rabbits are absolutely adorable creatures, they are notoriously difficult to rear as pets due to their sensitive nature. Plus, the more unusual the breed, such as the super fluffy Angora, the more specific their needs and the more care they require. But of course this information is not being circulated as widely as photos and videos of these cute critters nibbling on carrots and looking like the perfect laid-back pet.
“Thirty percent more rabbits are abandoned in the Year of the Rabbit than usual,” reports the Rabbit Association of Singapore (RAS), which does not recommend young children raise rabbits. An RAS volunteer who was gifted a pet rabbit that died shortly afterwards warns the public not to gift other people pet rabbits in the hopes of good luck in the Year of the Rabbit, cautioning: “It’s not very expensive to buy a rabbit, but you need to take them to see a veterinarian once you bring them home. It costs hundreds of yuan to get them properly vaccinated and licensed. In addition, rabbits are easily prone to illness and their medical costs are very high.”
Most people are not even aware that the average lifespan of a rabbit goes beyond ten years! Is your family really ready for this decade-long commitment to raising a vulnerable life? If not, we suggest that parents get bunny toys for their little ones instead.
Alternatively, you could also adopt instead of shop. There are so many abandoned animals out there just hoping for a home. Check out these two cuties up for adoption right now!
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Images: Pexels, Eve Kinsella
