Rabbits are very social and like to be near the rest of the family so they know what everyone’s up to. Domesticated rabbits can form strong bonds with other rabbits if they grow up together, and they even like to snuggle with each other! They also love their families. Rabbits are unique individuals—some are shy, some love to cuddle, and others enjoy exploring. But they have a lot in common, too, and most of them enjoy playing, chewing on things, and digging.
More than 148,000 bunnies are abused in U.S. laboratories every year. Rabbits used in experiments are kept inside small cages and never get to see sunlight or breathe fresh air.
Experimenters have put chemicals (like ingredients in pesticides) into rabbits’ sensitive eyes, even though they didn’t actually use the results to help make their products. Experimenters also smear chemicals onto rabbits’ bare skin, which hurts them, and don’t give them any painkillers. When the testing is over, these sensitive animals are killed and studied.
Rabbits are also killed in experiments to study heart disease, skin conditions, spinal cord injuries, and conditions that only humans suffer from.
This abuse is not even helpful to humans—but even if it were, it would still be wrong because it’s speciesist. Scientists can use better, humane ways to test chemicals and do medical research. Using technology to do tests is faster. It’s also easier to figure out how humans will react when using technology than when testing on rabbits or other animals because every species can react differently.
Bunnies don’t have to be used in laboratories, and caring kids like you can help save them. For starters, you can make sure your morning routine is cruelty-free. Take our quiz to check!