Consumers' Association: Please Don't Buy Rabbits As Pets Just For CNY This Year
The inevitable outcome would be neglect, abuse, mistreatment, and abandonment, they warned.
By May Vin Ang — 09 Jan 2023, 11:39 AM
The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) has advised the public against buying rabbits as pets in conjunction with the coming Chinese New Year celebration
According to New Straits Times, the association said rabbits are among the most neglected animals among pet owners, as people tend to not know how to take care of them.
"Rabbit owners have no idea that their pets need space to exercise as they are social creatures needing social stimulation," said CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader.
"As a matter of fact, many pet rabbits are badly cared for and their needs are commonly misunderstood by families looking after them," he added, saying that they often see rabbits in tiny hutches without proper food or clean water in people's homes.
As with other past zodiac animal trends and hypes, Mohideen said there is bound to be extensive exploitation by pet retailers, petting zoos, and animal farms this festive month
"High demand for rabbits may be inevitable in the run-up to the rabbit year with the belief that it will bring good luck," he said.
However, he is worried that many rabbits will be left to their own fate once the novelty dies.
"The inevitable outcome of which is neglect, abuse, mistreatment, and abandonment. The rabbits will only end up in the backyards and gardens of homes, stuffed into a small cage for life, and fed an inappropriate diet."
Mohideen also noted that online retailers have jumped on the bandwagon, and are posting rabbits to their customers with many dead on arrival or suffocated in their cardboard boxes.
He also saw worrisome sales pitches by irresponsible pet shops pushing the misconception that rabbits were low maintenance pets.
The association implored Malaysians to not follow the trend of buying pets just for the sake of festivities
"It is time for people to change their thoughts about keeping pets and tackle the ignorance that is so prevalent. Acquiring a pet requires forethought and a clear understanding of the animal's basic needs," he stressed.
"If there is a need for a rabbit to symbolise good fortune, elegance, and beauty, people can acquire a toy rabbit or figurine instead."
