The Easter Bunny is almost here, and one Queens non-profit is on a mission to make sure all rabbits are safe and sound. NY1's Shannan Ferry has the story.
Scarlett and Pita seem to be hopping along happily now, but just a month ago it was a different story.
The bunnies had been neglected by their owner.
"Their nails were quite long, they were obese, they were getting improper pellets with treats in them," said Vivian Barna.
It's stories like this one that have inspired Barna to create her Queens-based non-profit All About Rabbits Rescue.
The groups saves abandoned and neglected rabbits like Scarlett and Pita, and tries to find them loving homes.
"We've adopted close to 150 rabbits so far, we have prevented a lot of rabbits from entering the shelter, we've taken in strays," said Barna.
With Easter quickly approaching, the group wants prospective bunny parents to know how serious of a commitment adopting one is.
Along with a high-fiber diet full of hay and leafy greens, they say these floppy-eared pets should get around four hours of exercise per day.
"It's not an Easter decoration, rabbits live seven to 14 years with proper care," said Wendy Thompson, who is an Adoption Coordinator.
The organization says the biggest misconception about rabbits is that they're a low-maintenance pet. Many we spoke with say they need just as much attention as a dog or a cat.
"Rabbits need rabbit-skilled vets, they require special handling, you need to rabbit proof your home, if you don't want to have chewed furniture or carpeting" said Barna.
"A couple of weeks after Easter, when everyone realizes how much work they are, very often they're surrender to shelters, which is the best case scenario, or they're just let loose," said Thompson.
That's why they group says spreading the word about rabbit care is so important.
Along with rescuing these furry friends, the group also hosts educational and adoption events across the tri-state