| It is Sunday afternoon at the shopping centre. Seeing rabbits in a pet shop window display, a child pulls his parents into the shop. He coos excitedly at the rabbits' cage and begs his parents to buy "that cute little bunny". His parents think, rabbits are so small and easy to take care of. Boy-boy can learn about animals too. They decide to get a pair, and off the rabbits go to a home filled with tender, loving care. Six months later, the rabbits are left at the SPCA, together with their six baby bunnies. The reasons given: The rabbits are too smelly, they bite my son and we don't have time them anymore. Repeat the above scenario a few more times and you will understand why 60 rabbits are abandoned at the SPCA every month. Since 1998, the annual figures have jumped from 400 to 720 last year and there are no signs of decrease. Every year, in the western countries, it is the "Easter Bunny" hype that drives impulse purchase of rabbits as pets or worse, gifts. Rabbit shelters often experience an influx of abandoned rabbits after Easter. "Fortunately, Easter is not celebrated in a big way here, and the Year of the Rabbit (1999) comes by only once every 12 years", says the SPCA education officer, Selena Sebastian. "But in that year alone, 800 rabbits were given up." So much for good luck rabbits. Popular pets in Singapore
The numerous exhibitions held in 1999 exposed the public to many special breeds of rabbits, such as the Netherland Dwarfs and Mini-lops, but not to the high level of care and attention that these little animals require. Netherland Dwarfs are the smallest breed of rabbits and a fully-grown one can be held within a pair of hands. Mini-lops have floppy ears which give them an adorable puppy-like appearance. Since then, rabbits have become popular pets. According to the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority (AVA), 642 rabbits and guinea pigs were imported last year. The authority does not have the breakdown of figures. Local breeders are another source of supply of rabbits. But these are unaccounted for because a license is not required to keep or breed rabbits. A check with several pet shops reveals that rabbits are selling very well in Singapore. The owner of Pet Essentials, who only wanted to be known as Barbara says, "The more popular breeds are the Netherland Dwarfs because of their smaller size. Rabbits are becoming more popular because people feel they do not take up much space and are suitable for HDB flat-dwellers." A staff member at another pet shop, who did not want to be named, comments that "many of my customers buy (rabbits) for their children". She also says that there have been cases of customers coming back a week later to say that they wish to return the animal because "they decided they cannot take care of the animal". Most of the shop owners say they try to verify customers' knowledge of the animals before they sell the pets. "We ask the customers if they know how to look after the animals. We also try to share as much information with them as possible because we don't want them to abandon the animals later," says Barbara.
Poor understanding of rabbits
Contrary to popular belief, rabbits are not low-maintenance pets suitable for young children. The House Rabbit Society (HRS), a U.S. based non-profit rabbit shelter, says on its website, "The natural exuberance of even the gentlest toddler is stressful for the sensitive rabbit. Children like a companion they can hold, carry, and cuddle. That's why stuffed animals are so popular. Rabbits are not passive and cuddly". This is a ground-dwelling animal that is a prey item for many predators. It is completely against the nature of the rabbit to be held far above the ground where it cannot control its own motions and activities. Restrained rabbits who are frightened and insecure may struggle, scratch or bite. The result: the child loses interest, and the rabbit ends up neglected or abandoned. Ms Sebastian agrees, "Rabbits need lots of time, attention and careful handling that a small child may not be able to provide. To me, rabbits are very difficult to care for, perhaps even more so than cats and dogs, and many people do not realize that." Because of their unique digestive systems, rabbits produce a large amount of waste material daily and cleaning needs to be done at least twice a day to minimize the pungent smell. Rabbits are also highly sensitive animals that can easily be stressed out by changes in the environment. Loud noises from the TV, radio or washing machine, presence of other animals such as dogs and cats or sudden changes in diet and bedding, can cause a rabbit to fall sick or even die. A child is far too young to understand the necessity of constant, devoted care to another life form, much less take on the possible 10-year commitment of looking after a rabbit | 
