More than 40 rabbits at the MSPCA need new homes ahead of Easter Sunday (2025)

Dozens of bunnies surrendered to the MSPCA are ready to hop into new homes with new owners in the lead-up to Easter Sunday.

The 44 rabbits range in age, with some as young as 8 weeks old, and consist of primarily large breeds such as Californian, Chinchilla and Rex rabbits, according to the MSPCA-Angell in a news release.

The rabbits were seized by the MSPCA’s law enforcement division on Feb. 12 from a property in Bristol County because they were “allegedly subjected to unsanitary conditions,” Mike Keiley, MSPCA vice president of the animal protection division, said in a statement.

Animal cruelty charges are pending against the rabbits’ former owner, the MSPCA-Angell said, adding that the rabbits were surrendered to the organization on April 9.

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“Despite their previous situation, the rabbits are really sweet,” Keiley said. “We know that many people are thinking about bunnies given how close we are to Easter, so we’re putting out a call to them: If you’re considering adopting a rabbit, now’s the time, despite what some persistent internet myths may suggest.”

A “misguided belief” exists that those who adopt a rabbit around Easter “aren’t actually committed to caring for them,” Keiley said.

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“People who are considering getting a rabbit often think about doing so now, just given the season, and there’s no shame in that,” Keiley said.

“We want people to come in and adopt because they’ll still talk to an adoption counselor to see if a rabbit is a good fit for their family, and we don’t see them being surrendered at higher rates,” he added.

Larger breeds of rabbits, of which many of the 44 rabbits are, tend to be “more docile than smaller breeds,” Keiley said.

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The MSPCA-Angell intends to spay and neuter all of the rabbits before they are ready for adoption.

“Rabbits are great pets — they can be litter box trained and have a similar relationship with people as cats and dogs,” Keiley said. “That includes how they share their home; they don’t need to be kept in cages all the time.”

Those interested in adopting a rabbit from the MSPCA can visit one of their three shelters during open hours.

• Boston Adoption Center — Tuesday through Sunday from 12 to 3 p.m.
• MSPCA at Nevins Farm (Methuen) — Tuesday through Sunday from 12 to 4:30 p.m.
• Cape Cod Adoption Center (Centerville) — Tuesday through Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Rabbits currently available for adoption are now listed on the MSPCA-Angell’s website, with more added as they become available.