Can a hare be kept as a pet?

[crouchingtigeress]

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?

DONT, theyre mad.

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.

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

Take it to the vets.

Where did she get it?

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

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.

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

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...

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.

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!!)

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

They looked like the watership down lot

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!

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.

You could always eat it for dinner

expat!

lol EIS A nice stew or even jugged yummy.

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

Royal Hare Stew by Keith Floyd

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

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

Horseshoe - how did it take your neighbours finger off?

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.

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!!

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

Can you ring the RSPCA and ask them for advice?