A recent report by the Helsinki Animal Welfare Association (Hesy) highlights the rarity with which lost rabbits are returned to their homes, revealing a shocking retrieval rate of 0% for rabbits found in 2025. Over the span of 2020 to 2025, only 7% of rabbits brought to the Viikki Animal Shelter were reclaimed by their owners. This alarming statistic suggests that many of these lost rabbits were likely abandoned intentionally.

Julia Toivonen, an animal caretaker at Hesy, emphasizes that rabbits are often misunderstood by the public, as they require more care than many people realize. Contrary to the perception that rabbits are easy pets, Toivonen highlights their needs for space, companionship, time, and specific dietary care. This misunderstanding likely contributes to the high rate of abandonment, as potential or current owners may not be prepared for the responsibilities involved in caring for a rabbit.

Toivonen also speculates that certain individuals may face challenges in pet ownership due to a lack of resources or fear of seeking assistance in finding a new home for their pets. This mindset can lead to neglect or deliberate abandonment of rabbits, underlining the need for better education about rabbit care and support systems for pet owners in Finland, so that fewer animals are left homeless and struggling to find their way back home.