Montreal, March 22, 2016 – Every year, during Easter holidays, many people adopt rabbits as family pets. Not long after, many rabbits are abandoned in shelters, either because they were impulse decisions or they were unaware of the care that was required. The reality is that the Montreal SPCA receives nearly 300 rabbits a year, many of which are abandoned the months following the Easter period.

In order to help counter this issue and promote awareness, the Montreal SPCA is holding a special Easter event on Friday March 25th and Saturday March 26^th, 2016. We are inviting everyone who is interested to discover the wonderful world of rabbits, to a free workshop to demystify these extraordinary, yet misunderstood little companions.

During these two days, the Montreal SPCA will offer free workshops for people to discover the 101’s of rabbit behavior and special needs. Essentially, what to expect when you’re expecting a rabbit, and what types of activities can be done with rabbits! This is a great opportunity for anyone who is thinking of adopting a rabbit, but is still undecided. This is also fantastic for people who already have a rabbit, but would like to learn more about their unique behavior, and how to further develop a bond with their furry companion.

WORKSHOP HOURS

• • Friday, March 25^th:
    • 11:00am (in French)
    • 1:00pm (in English)
    • 3:00pm (in French)
  • Saturday, March 26^th:
    • 11:00am (in French)
    • 1:00pm (in English)
    • 3:00pm (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, of course, families will have the option to visit our rabbits in the company of an adoption counselor, with the intention to adopt one for life!

While planned pet adoptions are great, it’s not always recommended to give pets as “surprise” gifts to friends or family members. Adopting a pet is a big decision and represents a long-term commitment. A rabbit, like any animal, is not a toy; an animal is a living being who has physiological and psychological needs that must be catered to. The decision to adopt an animal affects all family members, so we recommend families to take the time to discuss it together beforehand.

We also want to promote the importance of adopting a pet from a shelter rather than buying one from a pet store or online. Adopting gives a second chance and a home to a healthy animal, while helping stop pet overpopulation.

Further, the Montreal SPCA denounces the sale and leasing of animals for Easter. Ducklings and chicks are not suitable as pets. They are very delicate, and can be easily injured and should not be handled, especially by children. Instead of offering an animal for Easter, offer a stuffed toy or chocolate, and join one of our workshops.

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Media contact: Anita Kapuscinska, Media Relations Coordinator, Montreal SPCA, 514-226-3932, or anitak@spca.com.

About the Montreal SPCA
Founded in Montreal in 1869, we were the first humane 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.