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Can a hare be kept as a pet?

38 replies

crouchingtigeress · 28/07/2005 21:32

My sister bought what she thought (and was told) was a rabbit. But has since been told by friends that it is a hare, I myself cannot tell the difference.

Here's the evidence:
It resembles the pictures of hares we've seen on the internet,in that it is brown/ grey, it's ears stand up and it hasn't got a lil' fluffy tail.

It is growing very big in the 2 weeks she has had it.

It seems very restless and aggressive.

If it is a hare, can she still keep it?

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madmarchhare · 28/07/2005 21:33

DONT, theyre mad.

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WigWamBam · 28/07/2005 21:34

No! They're very aggressive - and if it's really a hare then it's probably a wild one, so shouldn't be kept as a pet.

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colditz · 28/07/2005 21:34

Doubt it. they need loads of exercise and will prob run off

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madmarchhare · 28/07/2005 21:40

Take it to the vets.

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hunkermunker · 28/07/2005 21:40

Where did she get it?

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Heathcliffscathy · 28/07/2005 21:43

take it to the vets. hare definitely shouldn't be kept as a pet....

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misdee · 28/07/2005 21:46

the hind legs i na hare are a lot bigger than that of a rabbit. and they can be very aggressive creatures. take it to the vet to be sure, she could just have a crazy rabbit on her hands but its best to make sure.

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crouchingtigeress · 28/07/2005 21:47

oh dear oh dear, she's going to be upset. She bought it from a pet shop in Willesden. Thanks for the quick response.

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hunkermunker · 28/07/2005 21:48

If it was from a pet shop, they may be selling more. I'd report them to the RSPCA so they can investigate. Otherwise someone might be really hurt...

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WigWamBam · 28/07/2005 21:52

If it's a hare, the back legs will be longer and thinner than a rabbit, the ears will be longer and more erect, it will move with more of a loping gait than a hop, and the tips of its ears and tail will be black.

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sarjon · 28/07/2005 22:51

Could it possibly be a Belgian Hare?

www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/breeds/Rabbit_-_Belgian_Hare.htm

They are actually a breed of rabbit but (as the name suggests) they look very much like a hare. They can be kept as pets but they need loads of space etc and aren't really suitable for children.

(Sorry - can't do the link cos it wants to underline part of it!!)

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horseshoe · 29/07/2005 12:31

We had 3 hares as kids.....ended up putting them down as one took my neighbours finger off!!!

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horseshoe · 29/07/2005 12:31

They looked like the watership down lot

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starlover · 29/07/2005 12:44

you can keep hares as pets. my friend had a lovely one when we were little!
you can definitely tell the difference between a hare and a rabbit... others have already said the difference.
if she isn't sure i echo what others have said... take it to the vets

rabbits CAN be restless and aggressive... that isn't an indication of it not being one. rabbits also come in grey/brown and have ears that stand up!

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Toothache · 29/07/2005 12:45

I 2nd what starlover said about being able to tell the difference between a rabbit and hare. I think they are very different in shape and size.

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expatinscotland · 29/07/2005 12:45

You could always eat it for dinner

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madmarchhare · 29/07/2005 14:18

expat!

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tarantula · 29/07/2005 14:32

lol EIS A nice stew or even jugged yummy.

Sorry MMH But it is ......scuttled off back to her web

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morningpaper · 29/07/2005 14:34

Royal Hare Stew by Keith Floyd

That'll save a trip to the vets...

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georginars · 29/07/2005 14:48

report them to the RSPCA! Or whoever - trading standards, police? - if it is a hare. As I'm sure it hasn't been either bred or obtained in a kind way

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Blu · 29/07/2005 14:54

Horseshoe - how did it take your neighbours finger off?

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crouchingtigeress · 30/07/2005 00:31

Thanks for comments everyone.
Sarjon, I did a search on grey haired rabbits last night and I must say the Belgian hare breed of rabbit does resemble Gismo. However we will have to bring it to vet for a double check. I wonder if they charge.

Will keep you posted.

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sarjon · 30/07/2005 12:07

I hope you manage to sort it out. I really don't think you can sell actual hares in a petshop but as belgian hares are a breed of bunny then they are ok to sell.

I think it will depend on your vet as to whether they will charge or not - probably a good idea to get the bunny(/hare??!) checked out anyway!!

Good luck!!

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lunachic · 30/07/2005 12:18

i would imagine vet would charge a consultation fee of about 20 pounds

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WigWamBam · 30/07/2005 12:27

Can you ring the RSPCA and ask them for advice?

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