Bay Area rescue group already caring for hundreds of abandoned bunnies ahead of Easter

With Easter coming up this weekend, animal groups have some advice to those thinking about giving a bunny as a gift.

They are complicated pets and need the right home.

One rescue group in Oakland says it already has hundreds of rabbits; many of them picked up off the streets.

MORE: Rabbit crisis: SF animal shelter asking for adoptions as bunny dumping in parks explodes

And now they are worried about a post-Easter surge.

Jessica Peters with Oakland Street Bunz says rabbits are far different than cats and dogs and you should not pick one up on a whim.

"So it should never be a gift. They never should be just solely for children. And it should be something you make a long-term commitment for," said Peters. "Their lifespan is 10 to 12 years or longer, they require specialized veterinary care - they have a very different diet."

Peters recommends fostering a rabbit first before deciding to become an owner.

If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live