Pet shop owner warns Easter rabbit trend could lead to abandoned animals

With Easter Sunday approaching, Shauna Geraghty said some prospective buyers appear to view rabbits as little more than seasonal accessories. File picture

A pet store owner has issued a stark warning against the growing trend of buying rabbits as Easter gifts, saying many of the animals risk being abandoned once the holiday has passed.

Shauna Geraghty, who runs Shauna’s Pet Store in Dublin, said she has been inundated in recent days with what she describes as “reckless” requests from customers seeking to purchase rabbits as novelty presents for young children.

With Easter Sunday approaching, Ms Geraghty said some prospective buyers appear to view rabbits as little more than seasonal accessories.

She told the Irish Examiner: “I had one customer ask what we had for €100 ‘for the weekend’, while another was looking for a ‘cute, cuddly gift’ to go alongside a chocolate egg”.

She also stressed that such attitudes ignore the long-term commitment required to care for a rabbit, which can live for 7–10 years.

“These are not short-term pets,” she explained. “They require neutering at around six months, annual vaccinations, proper housing, and consistent care."

Ms Geraghty does not sell small animals and instead focuses on pet supplies and education.

She said she regularly tries to educate customers on whether they are prepared for the responsibility of owning a pet.

“I ask what kind of habitat they have, and explain the level of care involved, but often you can see people lose interest.

“There is a misconception that rabbits are simple, low-maintenance pets, when in reality they are not.” 

She also pointed to health considerations, saying rabbits can carry diseases and must be properly cared for to ensure both animal and human wellbeing.

“They are not for toddlers or children, they require a lot of care.”

The warning comes amid wider concerns about animal welfare, with increasing reports of pets being dumped at rescue centres around the country or, worse, out in the wild.

Ms Geraghty fears that impulse purchases around Easter contribute to the problem.

“Some are domestic pets, and when they are dumped in the wild, they meet a very cruel end,” she said.

“It’s not about buying something cute and fluffy, a rabbit is a living animal, not a gift. They may look appealing, but they are a commitment for life.” 

She urged those considering adopting a rabbit to reconsider their motivations.

“If people really want a rabbit, they should wait a few weeks after Easter and visit a rescue centre. Sadly, that’s when many of the animals bought for the holiday end up being left behind for others to care for.” 

As an alternative, Ms Geraghty suggested non-animal gifts for the season, including decorative planted terrariums.

“We have them in an egg-shaped glass and that is what I suggest when people come into the store now.”