April 2, 2006 — Noting that many people can’t resist the temptation to buy their child a real live “Easter bunny,” the House Rabbit Network, a Woburn-based nonprofit, is asking parents not to give a rabbit to their child for Easter.

“A live rabbit given to a child for Easter is never a good idea,” House Rabbit Network noted in an advisory issued this week.

Weeks after Easter, a child often loses interest in the rabbit and by that time the parents have realized that they vastly underestimated the amount of care that bunnies require, according to House Rabbit Network. Typically, the bunnies are dumped at the shelter, or simply set free outdoors, where they will likely starve or be killed by predators.

The organization advises waiting until after Easter to get a rabbit.

“If f you do decide on a rabbit, try to get one from a shelter or rescue group. You will be teaching your children the value of rescuing a life,” the House Rabbit Network advises.

The organization said that the responsibilities of being a rabbit owner includes spaying or neutering the animals for behavioral and medical reasons. A rabbit spay or neuter generally costs over $150. Bunnies typically live 8-10 years, and owners should be able to commit to owning the rabbit for their entire life.

Since they are prey animals, rabbits usually dislike being picked up, held or cuddled. Younger children can also pose a danger to rabbits; a bunny’s fragile spine can break if accidentally dropped. A pet rabbit can thrive in an indoor home, but cannot remain confined to his or her cage all day. A rabbit running around a home requires that the bunny be litter box trained. Bunny-proofing one’s home so that a rabbit does not get injured by chewing on wires is also important.

Information on “Bunny Basics” is available at www.rabbitnetwork.org.