Urge the Public Not to Buy Rabbits, Ducks, or Chicks as Easter Gifts
SILVER SPRING, MD (April 1, 2004) - The Fund for Animals, one of the
world's largest and most active animal protection organizations, is
urging the public not to buy rabbits, ducks, or chicks as Easter
gifts. Every year at this time, "pet" stores display the cute and
cuddly animals in the hopes that consumers will want to bring them
home for the kids. But despite their looks, these animals require
more care and attention than most other companion animals-for
example, a one-pound "mini-lop" bunny can quickly grow into a nine-
pound adult rabbit.
Urge the Public Not to Buy Rabbits, Ducks, or Chicks as Easter Gifts
SILVER SPRING, MD (April 1, 2004) - The Fund for Animals, one of the
world's largest and most active animal protection organizations, is
urging the public not to buy rabbits, ducks, or chicks as Easter
gifts. Every year at this time, "pet" stores display the cute and
cuddly animals in the hopes that consumers will want to bring them
home for the kids. But despite their looks, these animals require
more care and attention than most other companion animals-for
example, a one-pound "mini-lop" bunny can quickly grow into a nine-
pound adult rabbit.
After they grow up and the Easter novelty wears off, the animals are
often abandoned or left at shelters. Most parents do not realize the
extent of care that each animal needs-attention, food, water,
exercise, and regular veterinary care can add up to a lot of time and
money. "Rabbits and chicks are often treated as disposable when the
holidays are over," says Michael Markarian, President of The Fund for
Animals. "These are living animals, not throwaway toys."
In addition, the children themselves can accidentally injure or kill
baby animals if they handle them incorrectly. A baby rabbit can
suffer a broken back if dropped or hemorrhaging if picked up by the
ears. Ducks and chicks may pose a danger as they are among the
animals who can transmit salmonella.
"The decision to bring a companion animal into your life should be
made with great care, not as a holiday gimmick," added Markarian. "If
you are sure you want to care for a companion animal and give that
animal a permanent home, please visit your local animal shelter and
adopt a rabbit or other animal in need."
There are also "virtual rabbits" available for adoption through The
Fund's own rabbit sanctuary in Simpsonville, South Carolina. The
sanctuary provides "hope for the hopless" and houses more than one
hundred abandoned bunnies. You can learn more at www.fund.org or
www.adopt-a-rabbit.org
Posted on SHARE Yahoo group Apr 5, 2004