# Parents Discouraged from Buying Live Easter Bunnies By Rose A. Valenta | Published 2007-04-02 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/parents-discouraged-from-buying-live-easter-bunnies References: [msnbc.msn](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17804511/) & [msnbc.msn](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17804511/) Animal rights activists are discouraging parents from buying children [live rabbits for Easter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/topps-i-love-bunnies). Pet store owners fear that when the novelty wears off, nearly half of the rabbits sold at Easter time are abandoned when the new owners lose interest in them. The [House Rabbit Society](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gochujang-finishing-sauce) (HRS) claims that rabbits don't make very good house pets and provides information on how to care for them on its website: http://www.rabbit.org/ If you have already purchased a bunny, don't abandon it later, use my recipe for [rabbit stew](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/affordable-easter-meal): 1 dissed Easter bunny, skinned and quartered 3 onions, chopped 1 bay leaf ½ cup chopped celery 2 tsp. salt 2 cups carrots, diced 3 cut up white potatoes 3 tbs. flour Clean the rabbit and soak it in salt water. Drain, cut up, and place pieces in a large Dutch oven with onions, bay leaf, salt and celery. Cover with fresh water and cook slowly until tender (two hours). Add the diced carrots and potatoes and continue cooking until vegetables are tender. Stir corn starch or flour into cold water and slowly add to the stew until thickened, serve. Still want to buy that rabbit? ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Adopt, Don't Shop:** The trend towards adopting pets rather than buying them presents an opportunity for animal welfare organizations and pet shelters to partner with local pet stores for adoption events and promotions. - **Virtual Pet Experiences:** The rise of virtual reality and online gaming presents an opportunity for pet stores to offer virtual pet ownership experiences, allowing customers to interact with animated virtual pets without the responsibility and commitment required for real pet ownership. - **Eco-friendly Pet Products:** The trend towards sustainability and eco-consciousness creates an opportunity for pet stores to offer a range of green and sustainable pet products, such as biodegradable litter, organic pet food, and eco-friendly toys. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Animal Welfare:** Animal welfare organizations can capitalize on the trend towards adopting pets rather than buying them by partnering with local pet stores for adoption events and promotions. - **Virtual Reality:** The rise of virtual reality and online gaming presents an opportunity for companies in the virtual reality industry to develop and offer virtual pet ownership experiences. - **Eco-friendly Products:** Pet stores can capitalize on the trend towards sustainability and eco-consciousness by offering a range of green and sustainable pet products, such as biodegradable litter, organic pet food, and eco-friendly toys. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Painterly Chocolate Bunny Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solid-chocolate-bunnies.md) - [Ham-Inspired Seasonal Easter Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honey-baked-ham-company.md) - [Cheeky Easter Candy Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/save-a-chocolate-bunny-eat-hichew-campaign.md) - [Savory Easter Buns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/savory-easter-buns.md) - [Artisanal Easter Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoppy-easter-basket.md) - [Swirled Bunny Face Cakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bunny-face-chocolate-cake.md) - [Bunny-Shaped Strawberry Licorice](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twizzlers-bunnies.md) - [Easter-Themed Collectible Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lol-surprise-pastel-party.md) - [Adoptable Rabbit Races](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-bunny-bowl.md)