A Holiday Tradition Turned Hazardous
The Easter holiday has become synonymous with cute, cuddly animals, but many animal lovers are warning against the tradition of buying live animals, such as rabbits or baby chicks, as gifts for children. This practice can lead to abandonment and abandonment, ultimately harming both humans and animals. • Domestic rabbits are not the same as wild rabbits and are not equipped to survive outside. • Baby chicks are noisy and fragrant, and if you get a rooster, it won’t take long for your neighbors to not like you. • Rabbits are a 10- to 12-year commitment and require a specific diet, humane indoor housing, and veterinary care.
| Some Key Statistics | • Domestic rabbits require a commitment of 10-12 years. |
| Some Key Statistics | • 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. |
John Van Zante, a shelter official from the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, has seen the devastating consequences of this holiday tradition firsthand. “I thought this problem had gone away, until some of my neighbors had small children and they started buying them new bunnies every Easter. Three to four weeks later, they would end up in my yard, or as dinner for the coyotes in the area.”
Van Zante emphasizes that domestic rabbits are not the same as wild rabbits and are not equipped to survive outside. “I also thought the days of people giving baby chicks were over. Again, nope,” he said. “One of my daughters and her husband have chickens. They’ve always gotten them as babies and kept them their entire lives. But I remember her saying they went in to buy baby chicks and there were families in there buying `Easter chicks.’ Chickens can be noisy and fragrant. If you get a chick who ends up being a rooster, it won’t take long for your neighbors to not like you. They’re cute when they’re little `peepers.’ But when the fuzz falls out and the feathers begin to grow in, they’re very unattractive. By then, the kids are tired of feeding and cleaning.”
Adopt, Don’t Shop
“When people are ready to add an animal to their family, PETA reminds them to always adopt, never buy from a breeder or pet store — and that goes for rabbits and chickens, too. Buying animals as gifts teaches kids the dangerous lesson that these thinking, feeling individuals are toys that can be tossed aside when the children tire of them. Animal companions are a years-long commitment, not a holiday prop, and PETA urges everyone never to give any animal as a gift,” said Colleen O’Brien, senior vice president for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
In California, pet stores are prohibited from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits unless they are obtained from a public animal control agency, shelter, or rescue organization, under Assembly Bill 485, which took effect in January 2019. Despite these laws, direct sales of rabbits are still permitted, including online, and illegal street sales also occur. A study from the San Diego Humane Society warned that adopting a rabbit due to the time of year is not advisable. Nina Thompson, spokeswoman for the San Diego Humane Society, stated that the organization would not caution adopting a rabbit due to the time of year, but rather provide education and resources for potential adopters. The SDHS also offers a resource page for small animals such as rabbits at sdhumane.org/about-us/news-center/stories/rabbit-care.html, providing valuable information on rabbit care.
Responsibility, Not Convenience
Animal advocates emphasize that buying animals as gifts is not only detrimental to the animal’s well-being, but also sets a poor example for children. “Rabbits are not low-maintenance pets. They require a specific diet, humane indoor housing, and veterinary care can be expensive. 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,” said Thompson. However, for those who are willing to make a 10- to 12-year commitment and learn about their specific needs, domestic rabbits can be wonderful companions.
Basic Tips for Rabbit Care
- 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 who’s also been spayed or neutered for lifelong companionship. Single bunnies can be lonely and depressed.
- Rabbits need to be fed a diet of unlimited timothy hay (or alfalfa hay for rabbits under 6 months), plus a daily portion of leafy greens and limited pellets.
- Rabbits should never be kept in cages, as they need room to hop around and exercise their legs.
- Rabbits need to be thoroughly groomed every two to three months to remove excess fur and have their nails trimmed.
- Rabbits are 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.
Don’t Risk Your Pet’s Life
Easter baskets can pose a danger to household pets. Colorful eggs, plastic grass, candy, and chocolate can all be toxic if ingested by animals. Keep your pets safe by choosing non-toxic and pet-friendly Easter treats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, buying live animals as gifts for Easter can be a hazardous practice that can have devastating consequences for both humans and animals. Instead of buying live animals, adopt, don’t shop, and choose to bring a new furry friend into your family through a reputable shelter or rescue organization. By doing so, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for both your pet and your family.
