Domestic Rabbit Abandonment in Canada

The Law and Societal Perspectives on Rabbits

Abstract

This paper describes the extent of the problem of domestic rabbit abandonment in Canada, examines the source and resolution of the problem from a socio-legal perspective, and makes recommendations as to how this problem might be effectively addressed. It argues that the problem is perpetuated by the combination of inadequate legislation and public misconceptions about the needs of domestic rabbits as pets. Through an examination of the wide range of Canadian laws relevant to the problem, this paper demonstrates that these laws do not adequately address the issue of rabbit abandonment because they treat animals as property rather than as sentient beings and are often inconsistent, unclear and difficult to enforce. Further, by examining popular societal perceptions and misconceptions about domestic rabbits, this paper explains how pet rabbit abandonment is perpetuated by societal norms which fail to identify it as an animal cruelty issue. Combined with the inadequacies of legislative protections for domestic rabbits, Canadian popular culture views domestic rabbits alternately as rodents or as temporary pets who are able to fend for themselves when released into the wild. The paper concludes with recommendations for decreasing the rate of domestic rabbit abandonment, or eliminating it altogether. These suggestions reflect the idea that clear, consistent and enforceable legal prohibitions, coupled with efforts to educate the public about domestic rabbits, are the most effective way of deterring people from abandoning their rabbits.