Because they're ignorant and not willing to learn. Many people buy pets because their children ask for one, or they think they're cute while at a pet store. This is why rescuers, like myself, wish that pet stores wouldn't sell pets. Impulse buys are a big reason why I keep getting rabbits in that people no longer want and let loose on the street (where they'll die if rescues don't take them in). A lot of people get rabbits for Easter because of the whole Easter Bunny myth. They don't research the care requirements beforehand, so when the rabbit gets older and isn't as "cute" or starts to scratch and defend it's territory, they set it "free", which is a death sentence. The semi-responsible parents will at least contact a shelter or post an ad on Craigslist. However, rabbits and Easter don't mix and this is why so many are seen wandering neighborhoods right now. Also, buying a pet for a child to teach it responsibility is wrong. Children have a short attention span and end up not caring for the pet, then the parents don't want to care for it any longer and they give it up or set it loose. It is quite sad and I wish more people out there would realize that getting a pet is a commitment to care for it for the pets lifetime, not for just until they're tired of it. Hopefully some people will read this because you asked the question and think about their decision before getting a pet. www.makeminechocolate.com, www. aspca.org
Source(s):
vet tech, animal rescuer, experience

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