The Year of the Rabbit: A Surge in Attention and Concern
As 2023 ushered in the Year of the Rabbit, news stories, events, and programs about rabbits continually appeared. Their irresistibly cute looks have captured the hearts of many, inspiring some people to impulsively keep a rabbit as a symbol of good luck for the new year.
However, this sudden surge of attention toward rabbits is not necessarily a good thing. At a press conference on January 9, the Rabbit Lovers Association issued a joint appeal to the public, reminding everyone that although rabbits are inexpensive and easy to acquire, one should never adopt one solely because of their cuteness.
Adopting an animal means taking responsibility, not following a trend.
Advocates Urge Greater Care for Rabbits in the Year of the Rabbit
At a recent public event, lawmakers and representatives from the Taiwan Rabbit Loving Association reminded the public to pay special attention to rabbit welfare during the Year of the Rabbit. They emphasized that people should celebrate responsibly so that this symbolic year does not become one of suffering for the animals it honors.
Lin Chiao, head of the association's Public Affairs Department, issued ten key recommendations to promote compassion and responsible care:
- Do not adopt or purchase rabbits on impulse.
- Choose adoption over buying from pet stores.
- Avoid keeping rabbits in pairs unless properly prepared.
- Refuse live animals as gifts.
- Do not attend shows or performances using animals.
- Never use live animals as stage or photography props.
- Stop the use of rabbits and other animals in magic shows.
- Learn about Taiwan's native wild rabbit species.
- Appreciate the contribution of laboratory rabbits and promote humane research practices.
- Support the work of the Taiwan Rabbit Loving Association.
1. Think Before You Adopt: Don't Give in to Impulse
Every Year of the Rabbit, many people decide on a whim to adopt rabbits—sometimes even giving them as gifts during the New Year festivities. However, a few months later, as the novelty fades and the rabbits grow, abandonment becomes sadly common. Though it may seem odd, this is a recurring and very real problem.
Regardless of the type of pet, owners should always be fully prepared and take the time to learn proper care before bringing an animal home. This is the only responsible attitude toward life.
We also remind schools and teachers that there are many meaningful ways to conduct life education without resorting to keeping class or school rabbits just because it is the Year of the Rabbit. Impulsive adoptions often lead to improper care, illness, and ultimately abandonment.
2. Adopt, Don't Buy: A Commitment to Responsible Rabbit Care
Before bringing a rabbit into your home, make sure you've done thorough research and fully understand the responsibilities involved. A rabbit can live for more than ten years, and caring for one requires long-term commitment, time, and love. If you feel ready for this responsibility, please choose adoption over purchase.
In recent years, adoption options for rabbits have become increasingly accessible. In addition to organizations such as the Rabbit Society, many rabbit enthusiast groups and online communities have adoption listings where you can find rabbits waiting for a loving home.
Likewise, if you ever find yourself unable to continue caring for your rabbit, remember to fulfill your final responsibility as an owner—help your rabbit find a suitable new home. Abandonment should never be an option.
Choosing adoption not only saves lives but also encourages a more compassionate and sustainable way of keeping pets. Let's all practice "Adoption Instead of Purchase" and give every rabbit the chance to be loved and cared for.
3. Avoid Keeping Rabbits in Pairs
Many people in Taiwan hold the mistaken belief that having "one male and one female" is perfectly balanced when keeping rabbits. However, this idea often leads to serious consequences. A single unneutered pair of rabbits can produce dozens, even hundreds, of offspring within just one year due to their rapid breeding cycle.
Every year, uncontrolled rabbit overpopulation becomes a recurring issue across Taiwan. The Rabbit Welfare Association has spent vast amounts of time and resources dealing with cases of runaway breeding caused by unneutered pets.
For new rabbit owners, it is strongly recommended to start with just one rabbit. If you wish to keep more than one, make sure all are spayed or neutered, and remember that rabbits are highly territorial animals. In many cases, even after sterilization, they must be kept separately for life to avoid stress and fighting.
When the public continues to keep unneutered rabbits, it inevitably leads to uncontrolled breeding and an overwhelming number of unwanted animals. Responsible ownership means preventing this cycle before it starts.
4. Say No to Live Animal Prizes: Protect Rabbits This Year
During the Year of the Rabbit, many night markets are expected to feature even more stalls than usual offering "win-a-bunny" games as a promotional gimmick. These activities may seem harmless fun at first, but they often cause unnecessary suffering for the animals involved.
The Taiwan Rabbit Association completed a public petition in 2022, which was accepted by the Council of Agriculture. The organization has since been actively advocating for legal amendments that would ban the use of live animals as prizes in night market games.
In addition, the association is urging the public not to participate in these games or support any business models that treat animals as disposable entertainment. Common examples seen at markets include raffles, marble shooting, and point-based prize games that give away live animals such as rabbits and fish.
Let's work together to promote kindness and responsible pet ownership—say no to live animal prizes and choose compassion this festive season.
5. Say No to Animal Performances
As the Year of the Rabbit arrives, many farms and tourist attractions begin heavily promoting "rabbit-feeding" or "animal interaction" experiences. However, most of these exhibition venues fail to treat animals properly. Many animals do not receive appropriate medical care when they fall ill and are often left to suffer or die unattended.
Such displays also send the wrong message to families and children, failing to provide a positive example of compassion and respect toward living beings. We would like to remind the public that any animal performance conducted without proper licensing from the authorities is illegal.
If you truly love animals, the right way to show it is by refusing to support animal performances. Unlicensed and unqualified animal farms often prioritize profit over the welfare and care of the animals.
Let's choose respect, empathy, and ethical treatment for all animals—because real love doesn't come at their expense.
6. No Live Props: Protecting Rabbits During the Year of the Rabbit
As the Year of the Rabbit brings a surge in rabbit-themed programming, the Rabbit Lovers Association is calling on all media and production teams to avoid using live rabbits as props.
The association urges anyone needing pet rabbits for filming or photography to work with local rabbit groups. They recommend coordinating with rabbit owners and ensuring the animals are handled safely and under the owner's supervision. Another option is to conduct shoots at rabbit shelters, such as the "Home for Rabbits," where staff can assist with proper care.
The group emphasizes: Do not buy rabbits as props. Purchasing live rabbits for temporary use often leads to abandonment, neglect, or inadequate care once filming ends. Such irresponsible practices cause real harm to the animals.
Sadly, there have been cases where crews bought live rabbits for production, only to discard them after the shoot. The association reminds everyone that ethical production means treating all living creatures with respect, both on and off camera.
7. Stop Using Animals in Magic Shows
Rabbits have long been a common live prop in many magic performances. However, due to growing public concern and ethical controversies, such acts have gradually decreased over the years.
With the arrival of the Year of the Rabbit, there has been a noticeable resurgence in magic shows featuring live rabbits—appearing on stage, televised performances, and even street magic acts. During these performances, animals might not always suffer visible harm, yet many cases of mistreatment still occur. For instance, rabbits may be squeezed into tight magician hats, wrapped in cloth, or have their ears pulled.
The Rabbit Lovers Association reminds everyone that using live animals in performances without official approval from relevant authorities violates exhibition and performance animal regulations. Most magic acts involving live animals not only disregard animal welfare but may also be illegal.
Warning: Please refuse to watch performances that use live animals as props — protect them from harm and exploitation!
8. Thank You, Laboratory Rabbits
Every year in Taiwan, between ten thousand and twenty thousand laboratory rabbits lose their lives for scientific experiments. Many of these tests, particularly those directly related to human applications, must pass the LD50 (median lethal dose) animal test before they can move on to human trials.
The Rabbit Lovers Association understands that in humanity's pursuit of social progress, animal testing has often been considered inevitable. However, the association emphasizes that future research should move toward reducing and replacing such experiments whenever possible.
Members of the public can take meaningful action by supporting cruelty-free products, visiting the Rabbit Lovers Association to pet, adopt, or sponsor rescued rabbits. These small gestures are powerful ways of expressing gratitude and compassion toward the rabbits who have sacrificed so much.
Did you know that more than 20,000 rabbits in Taiwan give their lives each year for human benefit? Let's work together for a kinder, more humane future.
9. Get to Know the Formosan Hare
Did you know that Taiwan has its very own native species of hare? The Formosan hare is a true endemic subspecies, born and bred on this island. It represents a unique part of Taiwan's natural heritage.
Unfortunately, rapid land development in recent years has severely damaged their habitats. As open fields and grasslands disappear, the population of Formosan hares has continued to decline, with some local groups completely wiped out.
Beyond rescuing domestic rabbits, the Bunny Lovers Association has long been dedicated to spreading knowledge about the Formosan hare. Their goal is to raise public awareness and appreciation for this small yet important national treasure.
Let's all take some time to learn more about the Formosan hare—the only native rabbit species in Taiwan—and do our part to protect it for the future.
10. Support the Rabbit Lovers Association
To be honest, the Year of the Rabbit has been nothing short of a disaster for the Rabbit Lovers Association.
Looking back at the previous Year of the Rabbit, the newly founded Association faced an overwhelming surge in the number of rabbits it had to take in — a shocking 184% increase in capacity. The sudden influx nearly brought the organization to its knees.
Many people assume that the Year of the Rabbit brings more help and support to the Association, but in reality, it leads to the opposite. More people abandon their rabbits during this year, and the Association faces far greater pressure to conduct rescues and provide care for the animals left behind.
As the new Year of the Rabbit continues, the wave of abandonment has already begun. If you are able, please extend a helping hand. Your support will give the Rabbit Lovers Association the resources it needs to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect these gentle creatures.
Together, we can keep hope alive — one rabbit at a time.
Animal Welfare Groups Urge Action for Year of the Rabbit
This year marks the Year of the Rabbit, but animal welfare groups warn that, under heavy media promotion, it could ironically become a disastrous year for rabbits. Concerned organizations have issued four appeals to Taiwan's Council of Agriculture (COA) to protect the welfare of these animals.
1. Publish Rabbit Care Guidelines
The groups urge the COA to promptly release and implement official rabbit care guidelines. These would serve as clear inspection standards for frontline animal inspectors and ensure proper oversight of rabbit welfare nationwide.
2. Address the Live Animal Gift Ban
Last July, a proposal to ban live animals as prizes in games successfully passed the petition stage on the Public Policy Participation Platform. Although the COA gave a brief response at the time, no consultation or legislative review has yet taken place. The groups call on the COA to provide an update on the progress of relevant legal amendments.
3. Prevent Rabbit Exploitation in Entertainment
Animal protection organizations report that, since late last year, television production teams have been inquiring about using live animals in performances. Some have openly stated plans to buy young rabbits for filming purposes without allocating sufficient care funds. This raises fears that more innocent rabbits will suffer for entertainment. The groups urge the authorities to issue a formal notice to major broadcasters, reminding them that no animal performances may be filmed without proper exhibition licenses.
4. Control Rabbit Reproduction Through Chip Registration
Given rabbits' strong reproductive abilities that can easily lead to overpopulation, welfare groups also call on the government to develop a pet rabbit microchip registration system and offer sterilization subsidies. They believe these measures would help prevent uncontrolled breeding and abandonment.
Through these four appeals, animal welfare organizations hope to ensure that the Year of the Rabbit truly becomes a time of compassion, not suffering, for the species it celebrates.
Guests at the Press Conference Said
Legislator Lai Hui-Yuan Advocates Animal Welfare and Responsible Pet Ownership
Legislator Lai Hui-Yuan stated that since this year marks the Year of the Rabbit—and given the rabbit's naturally adorable appearance—the number of people wanting to keep rabbits as pets may increase significantly. She urged everyone to adopt rather than purchase animals, and reminded potential owners not to act on impulse. Before bringing a rabbit home, one must fully understand proper care methods, living conditions, and necessary precautions to ensure these animals receive the best possible care.
Lai pledged to promote legislative amendments that would prohibit the gifting of live animals as prizes or promotional items. However, she emphasized that during the interim period before such laws take effect, businesses should begin transforming their practices as soon as possible to avoid future legal violations. She also called on the responsible government agencies to provide guidance and assistance to businesses while educating the public about refusing live animal gifts, helping to prevent these animals from suffering, being treated inhumanely during games, or later abandoned.
Legislator Lai stressed that to truly resolve this issue, society must focus on life education. By fostering correct values regarding life and animal rights, she believes we can advance the principle of equality among all living beings.
Taiwan Legislator Calls for Responsible Rabbit Ownership Amid Zodiac Craze
KMT legislator Hung Meng-kai has reminded the public that rabbits are crepuscular animals—active mainly at dawn and dusk—and that their primary diet consists of leafy greens, not carrots. He emphasized that true love for animals comes from understanding their habits and needs, not from impulsively keeping them as pets. Without the intention to care for them over the long term, taking them in would be irresponsible, he said.
Hung noted that he has already included a key resolution during budget negotiations, urging the Council of Agriculture to address issues arising from impulsive adoptions driven by the Chinese zodiac trend. The council, he added, has promised to launch awareness campaigns within one month and to present a detailed progress report within three months.
He further called on the public and relevant authorities to prohibit the use of live animals as props or gifts, stressing the need for stricter laws and enforcement. "I hope both humans and rabbits can live safely and peacefully," Hung said.
Legislator Claire Wang Urges Thoughtful Rabbit Adoption
Taiwanese legislator Claire Wang (Wu Hsin-ying) called on the public to "think carefully before adopting" and avoid making impulsive decisions when considering pet ownership. Speaking as a self-described "rabbit mom," Wang reminded people that while rabbits are undeniably adorable, bringing one home is a lifelong commitment.
"Every animal is a living being, and we must cherish life," Wang said during a press conference titled "Rabbits Are More Than Just Cute!" held earlier today.
The Taiwan Rabbit Loving Association and the Taiwan Animal Protection Watchdog Alliance also urged the public not to buy rabbits on a whim. They emphasized that although rabbits are inexpensive and easy to obtain, animal welfare should come first. The organizations warned that if people act impulsively, the Year of the Rabbit could sadly become a year of suffering for these gentle animals.
Legislator Chen Jiau-hua Calls for Greater Animal Welfare Protections
Legislator Chen Jiau-hua expressed that people's love for animals and the sense of healing they bring are positive signs of humanity's inherent closeness to nature. However, she warned that excessive commercialization has caused society to overlook animal welfare, leading to widespread cases of mistreatment.
Chen pointed out examples such as venues that allow the public to interact with small animals but fail to provide proper care and management. These animals often suffer from stress and inadequate attention, with operators neglecting to apply for exhibition permits and thus evading government supervision.
She also highlighted that each year, around 10,000 to 20,000 rabbits are used in experiments to develop products for human use, yet many endure suffering and death without the care of qualified veterinarians. Such issues reveal the hidden costs and lack of oversight in systems that prioritize human needs over animal welfare.
Chen further urged the government to actively investigate whether establishments showcasing rabbits have obtained the required exhibition permits. Regarding laboratory animals, she noted that a budget proposal has already been submitted to the Council of Agriculture to collaborate with academic institutions in establishing a veterinary care system specifically for laboratory animals.
Through these initiatives, Chen hopes to enhance animal welfare across all aspects and called on society to respect animal life, so that all living beings can coexist happily on this island.
Calls for Reform on Live Rabbit Giveaway Practices
Legislator Chen Ting-fei criticized the practice of using live rabbits as promotional gifts, stating that such actions show a lack of understanding and compassion for animals. She emphasized that because these animals are given away so casually, it is urgent to amend the relevant laws to prevent further mistreatment.
Meanwhile, Legislator Hung Meng-kai urged the public not to impulsively adopt or purchase rabbits, warning that doing so without proper preparation is irresponsible. He also used the recent budget negotiations to propose a key resolution requiring the Council of Agriculture to launch public awareness campaigns addressing the problem of pet abandonment caused by impulsive purchases. The Council has since agreed to implement these measures and will submit a follow-up report.
Love Rabbit Association Calls for Responsible Pet Ownership
He Chih-wei pointed out that the Love Rabbit Association emphasized in today's press conference the recurring issue of rabbit abandonment during the Year of the Rabbit. He noted that during this period, there is a noticeable surge in cases where rabbits are discarded — some even boxed up and thrown into piles of trash. The association urged the public to show respect for life when deciding to adopt pets, reminding everyone that cherishing life is an important part of education.
He added that compared with twelve years ago, when the association was first established, its intake capacity has increased by 184 percent. This reflects how many people in Taiwan love to raise furry companions. However, he stressed that with pet ownership comes the responsibility of providing proper care.
As an example, he shared his own experience of raising a dog that lived for eighteen years. In the months before the dog passed away, he sometimes imagined hearing its voice and continued to miss it deeply after it was gone. He emphasized that every pet is a living being and urged everyone to take good care of their furry friends.
Taiwan to Publish Rabbit Care Guidelines and Amend Animal Protection Law
The competent authorities in Taiwan plan to release official Rabbit Care Guidelines and expedite amendments to the Animal Protection Act, marking a new step forward in pet welfare management.
According to Sung Nien-jie, Chief of the Pet Management Division, discussions have already been held with relevant experts to draft the guidelines. The next stage will involve consultations with rabbit welfare associations and other social groups to refine the document. The finalized version is expected to be made public within this year.
Sung also explained that the Council of Agriculture (COA) will propose amendments to Article 10 of the Animal Protection Act, which would prohibit businesses from giving away live animals as promotional gifts. She added that the COA aims to push this legislative change in the next session of the Legislative Yuan.
Addressing concerns over the use of rabbits in performances and exhibitions, Sung said the COA plans to revise the Regulations on the Management of Animal Exhibitions and Performances. Under the proposed changes, the use of live animals in short-term activities—such as video recordings or stage performances—would require a temporary exhibition permit.
On the issue of microchip registration for rabbits, Wu Jin-an, Technical Specialist at the Pet Management Division, stated that although Taipei City has already introduced a local microchip registration system for rabbits, implementing the policy nationwide will take time. For now, the government will focus on encouraging voluntary registration among rabbit owners.
Chen Chi-chung, Minister of the Council of Agriculture, expressed gratitude to animal welfare organizations for their input. He noted that dog and cat care guidelines have been completed, and the rabbit version will be finalized in the first half of this year. The goal is to help all pet owners follow responsible and friendly care practices.
Regarding the sale or display of live animals in venues such as night markets or claw machine shops, Chen stressed that such activities should not occur. Since no regulations currently cover these situations, the COA has begun reviewing existing laws and will propose the necessary legal foundation within the first half of the year to prevent animal abuse.
When asked about measures during the transitional period, Chen emphasized that officials will prioritize public education and persuasion while quickly consolidating and drafting the relevant regulations.
