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Rabbits are creatures of routine and need predictable surroundings, something that is not often found in a classroom setting
(Grosshuesch 128). Classroom pets are usually taken home over the weekend by a student, and this disruption in routine and
the strange noises and smells can be incredibly frightening for a rabbit. The classroom rabbit knows only a world of stress
when it is forced to move from one place to another constantly.
The rabbit's health is also put in jeopardy if it is left alone in the classroom over the weekend or on a holiday because
"these delicate creatures must be cared for and monitored on a regular basis" (Grosshuesch 128). Rabbits are extremely
sensitive and can die within hours of showing signs of illness. In fact, "rabbits instinctively hide symptoms of illness
and injury" and subtle signs can be hard to spot (Grosshuesch 128). If a rabbit is left alone over weekends or holidays,
or if it is in the care of a child who does not know much about rabbits and rabbit illnesses, the rabbit will not have much
of a chance of survival if it does get sick or injured.
Rabbits are very inquisitive and need a lot of stimulation to maintain their mental health. Often, classroom rabbits must
sit in their cage day after day, with nothing but a chew stick to play with. Margo DeMello, PhD, and President of the House
Rabbit Society, says that "without challenging activities, your rabbit will get bored" and "this feeling of
isolation often leads to depression and/or destructiveness" (par. 3). DeMello also states that aside from mental stimulation,
rabbits need physical exercise to keep their body in shape as well (par. 4). Classroom rabbits usually do not get the mental
and physical stimulation that is essential to their well-being.
There are many other reasons why rabbits should never be classroom pets. There are many different personalities found
in rabbits, and many are indeed gentle and loving, but others they can be very strong-willed and aggressive. Even the gentle
ones can become aggressive or grouchy if they are not treated properly. They are crepuscular and will instinctively take a
nap during the middle of the day and children can be very noisy and disrupt this, causing stress and possibly illness. Also,
rabbits are prey animals and can be territorial about their cage (Grosshuesch 127). If their territory is threatened, they
may become very defensive and can bit, scratch, and kick, causing injury to a child or teacher.
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