Letting Rabbits Loose
by Mary Huey
http://www.adoptarabbit.com/articles/loose.html
Our domestic companion rabbits are the result of selective
breeding programs and not the result of natural selection where
only the fittest, fastest and smartest survive. They are
dependent on their caretakers for food, water, and safety.
Some people make the choice to release their rabbit in a local
field or park or just let him wander out of their yard never to
see him again. The sad truth is that their rabbit is unprepared
to "fend for himself" and may be injured or killed by a predator.
Because the rabbit and his parents were raised in confinement
they have not learned about dangers in the wild. He will not
initially have the quick reactions necessary to make a rapid
escape. After all, this is not how it was in confinement!
Our domestic rabbits are handicapped in other ways. Their light
coloring makes them very visible and they are easy pickings for a
predatory dog, cat, hawk, owl, raccoon, coyote, fox or human. A
loose rabbit can be hit and killed by a car. Many domestic
rabbits do not know to get in out of the rain, stay dry and avoid
getting chilled. Cold temperatures combined with rain can chill
the rabbit and lead to pneumonia and death.
Because our domestic rabbits have adapted to a captive feeding
schedule they often don't feed between dusk and dawn and hide
during the day as wild rabbits do. They have not developed the
lightning speed reactions they need to make a hasty escape from a
predator.
If a male/female pair of rabbits live long enough to have a
litter then a population explosion may occur. Eventually the
increased population could force the rabbits to seek more
territory. They may invade surrounding neighborhoods, eating
prized garden plants and irritating people to the point of
poisoning or shooting the rabbits.
A domestic rabbit turned loose may survive for a short time but
will probably eventually fall prey to injury and/or illness. His
life might not end peacefully and he might experience
considerable suffering in the process. Of course, the former
owner will be long gone and will not have to witness this sad
ending.
If you or someone you know can not keep their rabbit, please make
a humane choice and try to find him a new home. Rabbit Advocates
are available to give needed support. Call 503-617-1625 (rabbit
help line) or check our web site at http://www.adoptarabbit.org.
Lily
Lily is a beautiful sweet-natured female Rex who was rescued by
one of the Rabbit Advocates after a neighbor reported an
abandoned rabbit in her yard. Lily had a badly broken leg, as you
can see from her photos. How long had she suffered with this
injury? How much longer would it have been before she was
discovered by a predator in this compromised position? Lily was
fortunate that someone cared enough to get her the medical
attention that she needed. The leg could not be saved, and now
Lily's survival is in question due to complications following an
amputation. Is it possible that someone deliberately turned this
wonderful girl out to fend for herself?
Copyright © 2000 Rabbit Advocates
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