Advocates: Think again before buying an actual bunny for an Easter gift

Grou ps that rescue rabbits across Southern California are again urging people not to purchase bunnies as Easter gifts for children, saying that what begins as a well-intentioned gesture often leads to abandoned animals when the novelty wears off and families realize they're not equipped to properly care for the pets.

Instead, rescue groups and animal control officials recommend buying a stuffed toy bunny or chocolate candy rabbit for kids' Easter baskets.

"Easter bunnies who magically appear and lay multi-colored eggs shown on greetings cards and cartoons are nothing but a fantasy," said Lejla Hadzimuratovic, founder and president of Bunny World Foundation, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that has rescued thousands of unwanted rabbits from shelters and owner surrenders since its founding in 2008.

"Every year, we scream from the top of our lungs that bunnies don't make good Easter gifts, and still, those reminders go unheeded," Hadzimuratovic told City News Service in 2022.

Retail sales of rabbits, dogs and cats are prohibited in California, but direct sales are still permitted, including online, and illegal street sales occur in urban areas where baby bunnies are sometimes deceptively marketed as adult "dwarfs."

Despite an ordinance prohibiting the sale and purchase of live animals on the streets of Los Angeles, Hadzimuratovic says "the year-round live animal market in LA's Fashion District, specifically Santee Alley, is thriving. Typically bought on a whim as a toy for a child, they often live a desolate life in the corner of a filthy cage without enrichment until they are abandoned to a shelter or die of neglect."

As she did last year, Hadzimuratovic will be attending the LA Arboretum's "Spring Fling" event on Good Friday to counter the popular misconceptions and educate the public about the realities of caring for rabbits. She'll bring along some of the group's rescued bunnies who are available for adoption — but only for those who are serious about wanting bunnies in their lives.

"In 2022, 1,200 Los Angeles bunny lovers had their chance to meet some of BWF's precious rescued bunnies at the gorgeous Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. ... It was an inspiring community event and an excellent educational opportunity," she said. "We're expecting our efforts to double this time around. We're bringing twice as many bunnies and volunteers to the event to promote the glory of rescued rabbits and educate the general public about their care."

BWF saves and rehomes hundreds of unwanted bunnies from Los Angelesarea shelters every year — some of whom have special medical needs that place them at greater risk. But the group's struggles are magnified each spring by the effects of the holiday, and other groups see the same problem.

By City News Service

"Every year, we receive numerous reports of bunnies who were bought for Easter and then discarded once their cuteness or novelty wore off, which is why we adamantly advocate against buying live animals as Easter gifts," PETA's Catie Cryar told CNS. More information from PETA can be found at www.peta.org/ features/reasons-never-buybunny/.

"Real rabbits and Easter don't mix," the Los Angeles Rabbit Foundation proclaimed in its annual Easter message this year.

"Rabbits make poor pets for small children. Most rabbits do not like to be picked up and held, and may scratch or bite in an effort to get free, or be injured when dropped. The typical 'Easter bunnies' illegally sold on the streets or in pet stores are usually babies, taken from their mothers before they are properly weaned. They will die soon after purchase — hardly a fun experience for kids!"

The group is a chapter of House Rabbit Society, an international nonprofit headquartered in Richmond, California, that offers education about rabbits.

Jackie Tran, public information officer for Orange County's animal care department, said OC Animal Care "recommends that the community resist the urge to get a pet on impulse. Bunnies, chicks, ducks, and other small animals are adorable, but they quickly grow into adults and require specialized daily care."

Advocates for the animals do want them to be adopted into loving homes, saying they can be wonderful companions for those who are serious about the commitment.

Advocates say the animals are gentle creatures that offer many benefits over other pets, including their quiet nature and a diet of hay and vegetables that avoids adding to the suffering and environmental harm inherent in factory farming that produces dog and cat food.

Rabbits are not lowmaintenance pets. They require feeding, cleaning, and humane indoor housing in a bunny-proofed room, and veterinary care can be expensive, advocates note.

They're also not ideal pets for small children, as they respond best to quiet energy and can be easily spooked by the hyperactivity of a child.

Animal advocates offered a series of basic tips:

-- Domestic rabbits should be kept indoors at all times.

-- Rabbits need to be spayed or neutered as soon as they're old enough (between four and six months) to avoid unnecessary breeding and to aid their health.

-- Once they've been spayed or neutered, bunnies should be paired with a mate for lifelong companionship. Single bunnies can be lonely and depressed.

-- They should be fed a diet of unlimited timothy hay and a daily portion of leafy greens, plus pellets and alfalfa hay for rabbits under 6 months.

-- They should never be kept in cages, as they need room to hop around and exercise their legs.

-- They need to be thoroughly groomed every two to three months to remove excess fur and have their nails trimmed.

-- They're aggressive chewers, and need to be kept away from electrical cords and anything that can be dangerous if ingested, such as taped or glued boxes.

-- Bunnies who stop eating or appear to be in pain can die within 36 hours, and need immediate care from a veterinarian trained in rabbit care.

All six shelters in the Los Angeles Animal Services system have rabbits available for adoption, as do other Southland shelters, and private rescue groups offer support and mentoring for new bunny owners.

BWF offers a free foster program in which people care for the animals, help promote them on social media and bring them to weekly adoption events until they find a permanent home. They can be contacted at info@ bunnyworldfoundation.org, www.bunnyworldfoundation. org or www.facebook.com/ BunnyWorldFoundation.

The House Rabbit Society also has resources for learning about proper rabbit care, which can be found at rabbit.org.

Los Angeles

Pasadena

Man arrested after allegedly crashing into parked car in Pasadena

A man was arrested after crashing into a parked car Sunday, causing his car to roll over, police said. The crash was reported around 1:40 a.m. Sunday in the 300 block of Buckeye Street, according to the Pasadena Police Department. The suspect was taken to a hospital where he was cleared and subsequently arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol. No additional injuries were reported.

Glendale

Anti-Armenian hate flyers discovered in Glendale; investigation underway

Officials in Glendale have condemned anti-Armenian Flyers found posted on light poles near St. Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church and in other areas of the city. Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian and other officials held a news conference Friday at Glendale City Hall to discuss the discovery of the flyers, which contained language denying the Armenian Genocide and minimizing the suffering of the Armenian people. "As mayor of Glendale, I'm very disturbed and upset that speech inciting violence against Armenians has visited our city by way of individuals vandalizing our city with hate-filled flyers," Kassakhian said in a statement. "Our police are taking this issue seriously and will be investigating this as a hate crime. I speak for our residents and our council when I say that Glendale is not a place for hate speech against Armenians or any other group."

Burbank

Multiple CHP officers, sergeant, nurse charged in Burbank man's 2020 death

A California Highway Patrol sergeant and six CHP officers were charged with involuntary manslaughter and assault under the color of authority in the death of a Burbank man who was restrained after refusing to have his blood drawn following a traffic stop in the Golden State (5) Freeway, District Attorney George Gascón announced Wednesday. The charges stem from the March 31, 2020, death of 38-year-old Edward Bronstein, who can be heard on video repeatedly screaming, "I can't breathe!" while outside a nearby CHP station in Altadena. "These officers had a legal duty to Mr. Bronstein. He was in their custody. We believe that they failed their duty and their failure was criminally negligent, causing his death," Gascón said at a downtown Los Angeles news conference announcing the charges.

Long Beach

Free harbor tours return to Port of Long Beach

The Port of Long Beach will once again host free harbor tours beginning in

May, offering the public a chance to visit the sights and sounds of the nation's largest seaport complex, port officials announced Monday. The 90-minute narrated tours will teach riders about how the Port of Long Beach impacts local residents, regional and national economies, get close to some of the biggest ships in the world, learn about the port's zero- emissions operations and take pictures of machinery and local marine life.

Orange County

Orange County

Fire damages Garden Grove strip mall

Authorities Friday were investigating the cause of a fire that resulted in about $1.25 million in damage to a Garden Grove strip mall. Firefighters were sent to the 12500 block of Valley View Street about 8:40 p.m. Thursday and extinguished the flames, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. No one was hurt. "Firefighters kept the majority of the fire to the exterior mansard, affecting only four units while preventing the spread to the majority of the complex," the OCFA said in a statement. Damage was estimated at $1 million to the structure and $250,000 to contents, the OCFA reported.

Anaheim

Man pleads guilty to killing woman in Anaheim

A 26-year-old man pleaded guilty Thursday to killing a woman in Anaheim four years ago. Pablo Partida Aparicio of Anaheim pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and admitted a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a firearm. As part of the plea deal, a murder charge was dismissed. Aparicio, who was scheduled to be sentenced on April 7, admitted fatally shooting 26-year-old Ayleen Morales of Anaheim on March 2, 2019, according to court records.

Riverside

Riverside County

Riverside County mother, 56, stabbed by son who was arrested

A 56-year-old woman was stabbed Sunday by her son, who was later arrested in San Jacinto. The stabbing happened in the 500 block of Peregrine Lane around 8:50 a.m., according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. The son, identified as Charles Diaz, then fled the house on foot, RCSD Sgt. Anthony Pelato said. Diaz was captured in a nearby neighborhood by deputies, Pelato said. The mother was transported to a hospital for treatment of her wounds. Her son was booked on a charge of attempted murder, Pelato said. A motive for the attack was not released by the RCSD.

Riverside

Riverside mourns fire captain Tim Strack

Riverside Fire Department

Captain Tim Strack, who was president of Riverside City Firefighter's Association Local 1067 and served the community for 28 years, has died, city officials announced Sunday. Strack was president of the union since 2002, where he "worked tirelessly to improve the working conditions of the firefighters here in Riverside, in California, and throughout the nation," the city said in a statement. "The passing of Captain Strack is a tremendous loss to the City of Riverside, the Local Firefighters Union, and the community as a whole. His contributions will be remembered and celebrated for years to come," says statement continued.

Corona

Big rig overturns on 91/71 freeway transition in Corona, prompting closure

A tractor-trailer overturned Thursday on a freeway connector near downtown Corona, prompting a complete closure of the transition bridge. The big rig went onto its side shortly after 10 a.m. on the eastbound Riverside (91) Freeway connector to the northbound Corona (71)Expressway, according to the California Highway Patrol. The agency said that the trucker apparently lost control at the transition, possibly due to the wet road surfaces following rain showers in the area Thursday morning. The driver, whose identity was not released, was not injured and was outside the semi when Corona Fire Department crews arrived.

San Bernardino

San Bernardino County

Small business grants available to eligible mountain businesses

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a program Tuesday to help mountain businesses impacted by this season’s crippling snowstorms get back on their feet. Under the Mountain Small Business Grants Snow Response Program, mountain businesses and nonprofits with 50 or fewer employees are eligible for a one-time $3,000 grant, and businesses with more than 50 but fewer than 500 employees can receive

$15,000 to assist with recovery from the recent snowstorms.

San Bernardino

City’s ‘Festival: Where Our Cultures Connect’ receives national recognition

The National League of Cities (NLC) awarded the City of San Bernardino its 2023 City Cultural Diversity Award, at the League’s National Conference held in Washington D.C., for the inaugural “Festival: Where Our Cultures Connect” event. The festival was an all-day event held on featuring musical and dance performances on multiple stages, an artist’s village, an interactive kids’ village, a car show, karate demonstrations, cultural exhibits, roving performers, community booths, food vendors and a petting zoo. Each zone highlighted the many diverse communities, artists, and performers that reside in San Bernardino. Council Member Kimberly Calvin noted, “After receiving the award, leaders from other cities from across our region, state, and nation took notice. People came up to me saying, San Bernardino is back. And we are.”

Ontario

Ontario Recreation and Community Services Department hiring for multiple positions

The City of Ontario Recreation and Community Services Department is now hiring for various recreation positions. If you're looking for a job that combines your passion for community service and recreation, the city believes that this would be a tremendous opportunity for those interested. “Join our team and help make a positive impact on the lives of our community members through engaging and fun recreational activities,” the city stated on Facebook. To learn more about the available positions and how to apply, please visit ontarioca.gov/ employment.

M onrovia

March 23

At 4:02 p.m., the victim reported her vehicle had been stolen overnight from the 200 block of Los Angeles. This investigation is continuing.

At 5:33 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of South Myrtle regarding a domestic incident. A female subject was located and stated she was slapped by her boyfriend. There were no injuries and the male subject was not located. This investigation is continuing.

March 24

At 10:15 a.m., a security guard from a business in the 500 block of West Huntington called to report that a male subject was refusing to leave. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. The subject had six outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

At 3:39 p.m., an employee in the 500 block of West Huntington called to report that a male subject entered the business, smashed a jewelry display case and took merchandise. This investigation is continuing.

At 5:08 p.m., a motorist called to report a traffic collision at the intersection of Duarte and Mayflower. Officers and Paramedics arrived and checked on the well-being of the occupants. Three people were injured and one was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

March 25

At 4:11 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of West Foothill reported a male subject was in her backyard. Officers responded and located the subject. He was in possession of a concealed dirk and dagger and a controlled substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

At 4:53 a.m., a security guard in the 1600 block of California called and report there was an assault victim at the location. Officers arrived and found an adult male with injuries to his face. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The victim stated two male subjects assaulted him while he was walking. This investigation is continuing.

At 6:42 p.m., a caller reported a motorist collided with a parked vehicle in the 100 block of West Cypress. Officers arrived and found the driver to be intoxicated, but was also complaining of pain. MFD responded and transported the driver to a nearby hospital. This investigation is continuing.

At 8:48 p.m., an officer working at a DUI Checkpoint in the 1900 block of South Myrtle found one of the motorists to be intoxicated after speaking with him. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was intoxicated. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

At 11:16 p.m., while patrolling the 1600 block of South Shamrock an officer saw a bicyclist commit a traffic violation. After he stopped the bicyclist he found the bicyclist was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.

March 26

At 5:12 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Myrtle and Benrud saw an adult male subject walking in traffic lanes. A vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed toward the subject so the officer positioned his vehicle between the man and the vehicle and activated his emergency lights. It was determined the man was a danger to himself, he was transported to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

At 10:25 p.m., a witness reported a hit-and-run traffic collision in the 800 block of Monterey where a vehicle hit multiple parked cars. The driver ran from the scene. This investigation is continuing.

March 27

At 3:40 p.m., an officer