Montreal, March 27th, 2018 – The Montreal SPCA invites children and adults alike to participate in free workshops on the needs and behaviour of rabbits to prevent the abandonment of newly acquired rabbits in the months following Easter. This event will be held on Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1, 2018. The first day is for people who are thinking about adopting a rabbit or want to learn more about their little companion. The second day is designed especially for people who already have a rabbit and wish to deepen their knowledge; they will also be able to get their animal groomed and give them little gifts, such as hay and speciality toys.
Although the Montreal SPCA is opposed to the sale and breeding of small pets, history repeats itself tirelessly: every year, nearly 250 abandoned rabbits are found at our shelter! If you are thinking of getting a rabbit, adopt from a shelter rather than buying one at a pet store, from a breeder or online. Adoption gives a second chance and a home to a healthy animal, while helping to curb animal overpopulation.
Workshop schedule
- Saturday, March 31, 2018 – The ABCs of rabbits and craft-making for people of all ages!
12 pm – Information session on rabbits (45 minutes)
Are you thinking of adopting a rabbit, or do you just want to learn more about your pet? Join this session to have all your questions answered!
1 pm – Enriching your rabbit’s living environment (1 hour 45 minutes)
Do you feel like your rabbit spends too much time in their cage? Learn several ways to develop an even stronger bond with them, while making their environment more stimulating. During this workshop, you will create rabbit toys and learn how to build a spacious condo for your rabbit.
- Sunday, April 1, 2018 – Bring your rabbit!
12 pm – Clicker training (45 minutes)
Do you want to teach your rabbit some new things? Participate in this workshop, with or without your rabbit, to learn the basics of clicker training, a tool that uses positive reinforcement.
1 pm to 5 pm – Nail trimming and sale of hay, toys and accessories
Our team will be onsite to help you with some of the basic care of your rabbit (nail trimming, brushing, shaving, etc.). A $5 donation is recommended. We will be available to answer all your questions. You will also be able to purchase quality hay ($10 a bag), which will appeal even to the most fussy rabbits!
Location:
Montreal SPCA
5215 Jean-Talon West
Montreal (Quebec)
H4P 1X4
Near metro Namur
*No appointment needed. At the end of the workshop, participants who are ready to offer a fur-ever home to a rabbit will have the option of visiting our adoptable animals in the company of an adoption counselor.
Did you know?
- Rabbits require a minimum of 4 hours per day of free time in a rabbit-proof area.
- Rabbits’ life expectancy exceeds 10 years.
- Carrots can be dangerous for rabbits if given in excessive quantities.
- Sterilized rabbits can be litter-trained.
- Generally, larger rabbits are calmer.
Not a gift! While planned pet adoptions are great, we don’t recommend giving pets as “surprise” gifts to friends or family members. Adopting a pet is a big decision and represents a long-term commitment. Like any other animal, a small companion is not a toy; an animal is a living being who has physiological and psychological needs that must be catered to. Because the decision to adopt an animal affects all family members, we recommend families take the time to discuss the adoption together beforehand.
Ducklings and chicks aren’t toys Furthermore, the Montreal SPCA condemns the sale and rental of animals for Easter. Ducklings and chicks do not make suitable pets. They are very delicate, are easily injured and should not be handled, especially by children.
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Media contact: Anita Kapuscinska, Communications Manager, Montreal SPCA, 514 656-2760, or anitak@spca.com.
About the Montreal SPCA Founded in Montreal in 1869, we were the first animal welfare society in Canada and our mission is to:
- protect animals against negligence, abuse, and exploitation;
- represent their interests and ensure their well-being;
- raise public awareness and help develop compassion for all living beings.
For more information about the Montreal SPCA, please visit our website at www.spca.com.
