Leo's Story.

Leo is a handsome Lionhead rabbit who came to VRRA via a pet store. He was an impulse purchase by young people who meant well but soon realized that their life style did not suit a rabbit. Leo was very lucky that his human was an intelligent enough person to realize that throwing him out in the local "rabbit park" (a place in Richmond where many misguided people throw out their pet rabbits) would not be kind. Although many of his friends urged him to do just that, the young man instead turned to VRRA to find a home for the bunny. Leo is a "designer rabbit", bred especially for a certain look to appeal to the pet market. The pet store clerk was quick to build him up as a "rare", "unusual breed" that they couldn't usually get in order to encourage the impulse purchase. We feel his story needs to be told.

Leo was sexed by the veterinarian that works for this pet store as a "female". Luckily, the purchasers did not get another "female" to be a friend or they would have been very surprised with a nest of baby rabbits. Leo is a male. They were told that one hour out of the cage would be sufficient exercise for this baby rabbit. The cage is too small except to use if the rabbit was free most of the time. They were told that Leo did not need veterinary care nor did his nails need clipping - that "wasn't important". His nails were already too long when VRRA took him in. So many pet stores have staff ignorant about rabbit care that even if they go to well-meaning and kind homes they still suffer due to misinformation.

Leo is now neutered and looking for a loving home with people who realize that his "cute" features are nothing more than window dressing and that underneath he is a little rabbit like other little rabbits who needs daily care, love and attention for 10 years.

VRRA would like to see by-laws changed to prevent pet stores from selling rabbits. At the very least, pet stores should be required to have staff trained in animal care and knowledgeable about the kind of homes they need. We work towards making these things happen and welcome your support. Please, do not buy animals in pet stores. Please boycott pet stores that do sell animals. Please advise friends, relatives, acquaintances who speak of getting pets to visit a rescue or shelter to get one.

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