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When we move to the Hilo/Puna area we will be bringing our 10 pet rabbits. They are all pets and spayed or neutered. Are abandoned rabbits a problem in the shelters? It does not sound like the local shelters are very sympathic especially to cats? I am also fearful of dogs entering my yard unless I have a solid six foot fence. Our rabbits are as beloved as any other pet and I want to be sure they are safe. Any comments or advice is appreciated.
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Have you checked on the agricultural importation requirements for rabbits?
Link:
http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/ldc/other
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There is this from Volcano National Park.
The State of Hawai'i has long recognized the destructive capability of wild rabbit populations and early-on enacted legislation to stave off such ecological calamity. It is illegal to intentionally release rabbits, and state law allows for the killing of any unconfined rabbit. Rabbits kept outdoors are legally required to be housed in a hutch that's off the ground so that these master diggers don't tunnel their way to freedom with their sharp, ever-growing toenails.
A pet rabbit can live for many years, requires a clean, secure, and sheltered living space, and a daily supply of pellets, and fresh food and water. Rabbit owners who can no longer care for their animals are encouraged to turn them over to the Hawai'i Humane Society. The shelter maintains a "wish list" of folks waiting to adopt bunnies. A preferable alternative is to avoid the impulse to acquire a pet that one is not committed to caring for over the long-term, especially during springtime's ". . . hippity, hoppity. . ." Easter season.
Park rangers consider any rabbit sighting a serious, potentially disastrous, omen. If visitors see a rabbit in the park, they should note the time and exact location, and immediately call the division of resource management at (808) 985-6087. And "for Peter's sake," never abandon a rabbit in the wild.
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If you could train them to line up and hop backwards; You'd have a receding hare line.
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and howler monkeys - we really need to talk howlers
A jungle just not a jungle without howlers
can we bring them next
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quote:
Originally posted by Glen
I had a rabbit.
Me, too. When I lived in coastal CA, I had a lop that had the run of our yard, and stood up to our dogs, two beagles*. Sure was a great pet. Vpjazz, it does sound like HI is not so friendly toward them, and I can understand why. Hope it works out for you.
*both rescue dogs
Life goes on, with you or without you.
Peace and long life
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quote:
Originally posted by Greg
If you could train them to line up and hop backwards; You'd have a receding hare line.
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Catherine Dumond
Blue Water Project Management 808 965-9261
Dakineworkers.com
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We have checked into the requirements of the U.S. Ag. and rabbits can enter with a clean health certificate but must go through Honolulu. Rabbits are stress prone so this is an added concern. Thank you for the replies, some helpful and some that showed little consideration to my concerns and questions. It is all more to consider.
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As far as loose dogs, this would mainly be a case of where your yard is.... there are areas that have dog pack problems, and areas that do not...
that said, we are in town & there is rarely a loose dog, and they were always pets that were quickly recovered, and they have never entered our fences (not the greatest condition 5'chainlink), but we do not have rabbits.... just cats & dog & occasional ferrel chickens that wanna play hide & seek with dog...
Remember that Hawaii is a stickler for all documents on animals to be filled in in the way they want them.... many a pet owner has found that they did not do the forms just so.... it is best to make sure that your vet is used to the documentation HI needs (this is for ANYONE bringing in a pet)
The shelters workers we have dealt with (Keaau) all seem to be very sympathetic, but have a HUGE load of animals to deal with (thousands of abandoned animals a month!).
If your bunnies (or any pet) are micro-chipped, register the ID # with the Shelter.... even helps to bring the pets by so they can check to make sure their scanner picks up the chip.... we have found that some chips are easier to scan than others....
ETA - one of the responses that you may not have seen as relevant is that fact that there are people on island with rabbits (not pets, but loose bunnies) that have been on their property, unguarded for years