Responsible Rabbit Care
To begin with the conclusion: Absolutely not! The association's message is very clear—if you regard rabbits as pets, then you must treat them as companion animals, not as decorations or toys.
The philosophy is simple but essential: spay or neuter your rabbits, do not allow uncontrolled breeding, and let them live in shared spaces with their human families. Provide a proper diet, clean drinking water, and ensure regular health checks and medical care.
By respecting these principles, owners can give rabbits a safe, healthy, and emotionally fulfilling life that honors their nature as loyal and gentle companions.
Knowledge Is Simple, But People Are Not
Knowledge itself isn't complicated. The guidelines for caring for animals are clear, and information about responsible pet ownership is easy to find. Yet, what makes things difficult isn't the knowledge — it's the people.
Every year, volunteers find themselves cleaning up after the same kind of chaos. Owners ignore advice, overestimate their ability to care for animals, and then turn away when things spiral out of control. The result is a familiar tragedy: dozens of rabbits breeding unchecked, shelters overwhelmed, and kind-hearted volunteers left to pick up the pieces.
It's a cycle born not of ignorance, but of arrogance and neglect. Real compassion means listening, learning, and acting responsibly. Because in the end, it's never the people who pay the price — it's the animals who suffer silently.
— A volunteer's reflection
Why Outdoor Rabbit Keeping Should Be Avoided in Taiwan
Why not allow it? Let's start from a scientific and ecological standpoint. In Taiwan, every pet rabbit is, without exception, a non-native species — in other words, an invasive species. The island's only native member of the rabbit family is a unique subspecies known as the Taiwan hare.
Because of this, any act of releasing or breeding non-native animals in the wild essentially enables biological invasion and displaces native habitats. This ecological risk alone is enough reason to ban outdoor or free-range rabbit keeping in Taiwan.
Why Outdoor Rabbit Keeping Doesn't Work in Taiwan
There's no need to compare everything to how things are done in Europe or America. After all, both regions have many native rabbit species. It's quite common there for wild rabbits to appear in people's backyards or even build nests and raise their young. Because of this, many people believe it's perfectly fine for pet rabbits to live entirely outdoors, just like in those countries.
But that has nothing to do with Taiwan. The local ecosystem and environment are completely different. As the saying goes, non-native species simply don't belong. Trying to copy Western practices without considering local conditions can harm both the animals and the environment.
Times Have Changed: Stop Raising Rabbits with a Livestock Mindset
In the past, rabbits were often viewed as sources of meat or fur, managed in the same way as farm animals. But as society evolves, our understanding of animal welfare and companionship has grown deeper. Rabbits today are not just livestock—they are intelligent, social, and sensitive companions who deserve care suited to their nature.
Understanding Rabbits Beyond Utility
Rabbits are curious, emotional creatures that form bonds with humans and other animals. Treating them as mere commodities overlooks their complex behaviors and emotional needs. Providing space to hop, toys to chew, and safe interaction time are fundamental aspects of modern rabbit care.
The Shift Toward Compassionate Care
Times have changed, and our approach to animal care must reflect that. Thoughtful feeding, proper housing, and regular veterinary checkups are no longer optional—they are part of ethical pet stewardship. A kind approach ensures not only their health, but also a stronger bond between human and rabbit.
A Call for Modern Awareness
Let's move away from outdated, agricultural perspectives and embrace empathy. By understanding rabbits as companions rather than commodities, we nurture a more compassionate and responsible relationship with all living beings.
Responsible Rabbit Companionship: Please Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Rabbits are intelligent, gentle, and affectionate animals that make wonderful companions. However, if you decide to keep a rabbit as a pet, one of the most important responsibilities you have is to ensure that your rabbit is spayed or neutered.
Why Spaying or Neutering Matters
- Health benefits: Sterilized rabbits are less prone to reproductive cancers and hormonal issues.
- Better behavior: Neutered rabbits are usually calmer, less aggressive, and easier to litter train.
- Prevention of overpopulation: Many rabbits end up in shelters due to uncontrolled breeding. Spaying and neutering helps reduce this problem.
When to Spay or Neuter
Most rabbits can safely undergo the procedure when they are around four to six months old. Always consult a veterinarian who specializes in rabbits to determine the best timing and care approach.
Building a Happy Home
Beyond sterilization, rabbits need space, enrichment, fresh hay, and daily social interaction. Treat your rabbit not just as a pet, but as a beloved companion deserving of comfort, safety, and respect.
Remember: raising a rabbit responsibly begins with compassion and education. Please spay or neuter your companion rabbit.
The Importance of Responsible Rabbit Keeping
Many people love keeping rabbits as pets because of their soft fur, calm nature, and adorable looks. However, not every rabbit owner understands how quickly rabbits can reproduce. The saying "Don't keep male and female rabbits together and only look for help after they've overbred" highlights a serious issue in pet ownership—irresponsible breeding.
Why Mixing Males and Females Is Risky
Rabbits can start breeding at just a few months old, and a single pair can produce multiple litters per year. Without proper control, this can lead to overcrowded living spaces, health problems, and financial stress for the owner. More importantly, it often results in the abandonment of unwanted rabbits.
Preventing Overbreeding
- Keep male and female rabbits in separate enclosures unless you intend to breed responsibly.
- Consider spaying or neutering your rabbits to prevent accidental pregnancies and improve their health.
- Educate yourself or seek veterinary advice before breeding any pets.
Promoting Responsible Ownership
Animals rely on their owners for care and protection. By managing rabbit populations responsibly, owners help reduce the number of abandoned animals and ensure every rabbit has a healthy and safe home. Good intentions alone are not enough—planning and responsibility make all the difference.
The Myth of the Happy Rabbit
"Stop repeating that nonsense about rabbits being free and happy in the fields (they're an invasive species, so it's not okay)."
Many people love the image of a rabbit hopping through sunlit fields, free and playful. It's an appealing picture — one that speaks to innocence and harmony with nature. Yet behind that image lies a more complex truth about balance, ecosystems, and responsibility.
In environments where rabbits are introduced species, their presence often disrupts local flora and fauna. What looks "natural" may in fact be harmful, pushing native animals from their habitats and upsetting delicate ecological systems. It's a reminder that not everything that looks peaceful truly is.
Romanticizing wildlife can blind us to difficult facts. Real respect for nature means not only admiring its beauty but also understanding its limits. Sometimes, the kindest thing we can do for the fields — and the creatures that belong there — is to resist our own easy narratives of freedom and happiness.
Love Animals and Their Natural Behavior?
Then why not help restore native hare habitats?
Understanding the Importance of Hare Habitats
The native hare plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Unfortunately, urban development and habitat loss have dramatically reduced their numbers. By restoring natural environments where hares can roam freely, we support biodiversity and strengthen local ecosystems.
Ways You Can Help
- Join local conservation groups focused on rewilding efforts.
- Volunteer for habitat restoration projects in grasslands or rural areas.
- Educate others about the importance of protecting native species.
- Advocate for sustainable land use in your community.
Why It Matters
Restoring native hare habitats isn't just about saving one species—it's about nurturing the entire web of life connected to it. Each patch of land we help recover brings back balance, beauty, and a deeper connection between people and nature.
Take the first step: Support local restoration initiatives and help protect the natural world we all share.
Rabbits Are Pets, Not Produce
"If you want to share about 'pets' in the community, please treat rabbits as pets first — they are not farm crops."
In many online communities, animal lovers gather to share photos, experiences, and advice about their beloved pets. When someone posts about rabbits, though, opinions sometimes differ — are rabbits companions or livestock?
Rabbits are intelligent, social, and sensitive creatures. They recognize voices, form bonds, and even show affection through gentle nudges or soft purr-like sounds made with their teeth. Yet, some still see them merely as sources of meat or fur, forgetting that for many, they are cherished family members.
Respecting animals means understanding their emotional capacity and the commitments involved in their care. Before sharing stories or tips about rabbits, let's remember to approach them as living beings with personalities and needs — not as commodities.
After all, the way we talk about animals often shapes how others treat them. By seeing rabbits as pets rather than produce, we nurture both compassion and understanding within our communities.
Wild Rabbits in Taiwan's Mountains
In Taiwan's lush mountain forests, wild rabbits live quietly among the dense undergrowth. However, these gentle creatures face many dangers in their natural environment.
One major threat comes from stray cats and dogs that roam forested areas near human settlements. These predators hunt instinctively, and rabbits often become their easy targets.
Even in more remote mountain areas, rabbits encounter another challenge: birds of prey. Species such as hawks and owls rely on their sharp vision and speed to capture small mammals, making the rabbits' survival an ongoing struggle.
Conservationists continue to study the balance between natural predators and human influence, hoping to protect Taiwan's mountain wildlife while preserving the natural food chain that sustains it.
If You Truly Love Your Pet
"If a few words from others make you cry and say you want to give up your rabbit, then you never really loved it that much."
Owning a pet is not just about enjoying its cuteness or company when life feels easy. It's about responsibility, patience, and compassion. Pets depend entirely on us — for food, safety, and emotional security. The moment we decide to bring one home, we take on a silent promise: to care for it, even when life gets difficult.
Criticism from others can sting, but our emotions shouldn't dictate the fate of a living being. True love means standing firm, learning from mistakes, and becoming a better caregiver. A rabbit doesn't understand your bad day, but it knows whether you come back to feed it, comfort it, and keep it warm.
Before deciding to adopt a pet, ask yourself if you're ready for the responsibility. And if you already have one, remember — they trust you completely. Don't break that trust so easily. Love is not about convenience; it's about commitment.
Pet Rabbits Are an Invasive Species—Do Not Release Them into the Wild!
Many people believe pet rabbits can easily adapt to nature if released, but in truth, domestic rabbits are not equipped to survive in the wild. More importantly, when they do survive and reproduce, they can become an invasive species, disrupting local ecosystems and harming native wildlife.
Rabbits reproduce rapidly and can overgraze vegetation, leading to soil erosion and diminished food supplies for native animals. In some regions, wild rabbit populations have caused expensive environmental and agricultural damage.
As responsible pet owners, it's vital to care for rabbits properly or find a shelter where they can be rehomed safely. Releasing any non-native animal into nature is never the right solution—it poses serious ecological risks.
Protect local ecosystems and your pets alike: keep your rabbits safe, and keep the wild wild!
The Misguided Kindness Toward Rabbits
"Every tragic case of overbreeding rabbits begins with owners insisting they're letting them live naturally and happily."
Many pet rabbit owners start with the best intentions. They imagine giving their furry companions a free and joyous life, one that reflects the way nature intended. However, the line between "natural" and "neglectful" can be thin and easily crossed.
Unchecked breeding, for instance, often stems from the belief that animals should follow their instincts without human interference. Yet domesticated rabbits live in environments unlike the wild—they rely on humans for food, shelter, and care. When owners refuse to take responsibility for controlling breeding, tragedy often follows: overcrowded cages, malnourishment, and ultimately, abandonment.
True kindness means understanding the difference between what feels natural to us and what is genuinely good for the animal. Compassion isn't about letting go—it's about caring wisely, setting healthy boundaries, and ensuring a peaceful life, not just a "natural" one.
Being responsible doesn't make us stricter masters; it makes us better guardians of life we've chosen to protect.
The Dangers of Releasing Rabbits into the Wild in Taiwan
Taiwan's natural environment is home to a wide variety of animals. Stray cats, dogs, and even predatory birds can attack rabbits at any time. Numerous cases have already shown that allowing rabbits to roam freely outdoors often leads to severe injury or death.
Rabbits rely on high reproduction rates to sustain their populations. When a few survive attacks from wild animals, their numbers can quickly grow out of control. By the time people realize that the population has exploded, it's too late — the rabbits can no longer be brought back indoors or effectively contained. They begin to dig tunnels, creating extensive underground networks.
In many rescue situations, people who seek help after attempting outdoor release often find heartbreaking evidence: burrows filled with the remains of rabbits that didn't survive. What begins as an act of kindness can turn into a tragedy for these animals and the local environment.
