Montreal, April 12, 2017 – Every year, during the Easter holidays, many people buy rabbits as family pets. Shortly thereafter, many of these rabbits end up abandoned in shelters, either because they were impulse buys or because their purchasers were unaware of the level of care these animals require. Though the Montreal SPCA opposes the sale and breeding of exotic pets, the reality is that we receive nearly 250 rabbits per year, many of whom are abandoned at our shelter in the months following the Easter period.

In order to help counter this problem and promote public awareness of the care rabbits require, the Montreal SPCA is holding a special Easter event on Saturday, April 15^th, 2017. We are inviting anyone who is interested in discovering the wonderful world of rabbits to a free workshop aimed at demystifying these extraordinary, yet misunderstood, little companions.

What do you really know about these fascinating little furry creatures?
This Saturday, the Montreal SPCA will be offering free workshops for people to discover the ABC’s of rabbit behaviour, as well as their special needs. You will learn what to expect when welcoming a rabbit into your home, and what types of activities you can offer him or her! This is a great opportunity for anyone who is thinking of adopting a small companion, but is still undecided. It is also a fantastic opportunity for people who already have a rabbit, but would like to learn more about their animal’s unique behavior, and how to further develop a bond with their furry friend.

WORKSHOP HOURS*

• • Saturday, April 15^th:
    • 1:00 pm (in French)
    • 2:30 pm (in English)
    • 4:00 pm (in French)

LOCATION:

• • Montreal SPCA, 5215 Jean-Talon West, H4P 1X4, near metro Namur

*Each workshop lasts one hour, no appointment needed. At the end of the workshop, families who are ready to take the plunge and adopt will have the option to visit 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. A small companion, like any animal, 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 together beforehand.

Adopt, don’t shop
Don’t neglect the importance of adopting a pet from a shelter rather than buying one from a pet store or online. Adopting gives a healthy animal a second chance and a home, while also helping stop pet overpopulation.

Ducklings and chicks aren’t toys
Further, 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.

Instead of offering a live animal for Easter, stick to a stuffed toy and join one of our workshops!

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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.