Spay your pets - rabbits and others

To the editor,

While the Alliance for NYC’s Animals applauds Philip Selbon’s efforts to have his 36 bunnies adopted (“Anybody want to adopt an adorable bunny?” July 2), there’s a valuable lesson to be learned here: having pets spayed or neutered should be a pet owner’s first priority. To prevent pet overpopulation, all pets (but especially rabbits) should be spayed or neutered — something pet stores don’t do. All too often, owners who find themselves in Mr. Selbon’s position release their pets into the wild, which puts them in grave danger; or drop them off at a shelter which puts a huge strain on the system. 

Recently, the New York City Council recognized this critical situation. On July 1, the Council passed a law making it illegal for pet stores to sell rabbits. If you want to adopt a rabbit, here are two good options: PETCO Union Square, which every weekend  has adoptable bunnies on-site from NYC Metro Rabbit; and Animal Care Center of New York City. These animals are all spayed and neutered. 

As for Mr. Selbon, before he places his rabbits in adoptive homes, he should reach out to the Humane Society of New York which will spay/neuter his rabbits for little to no cost. Doing so will prevent the problem from multiplying. 

Jane Hoffman
President
Alliance for NYC’s Animals