PLATFORM : Easter Pets

The vast majority of animals bought as Easter gifts die within a few weeks, the victims of unintentional neglect and cruelty.

Before you give in to the temptation to buy one, ask yourself: Are you prepared to provide the bunny with proper housing and exercise, neutering, grooming, a nutritious diet and regular veterinary care? Are you able to provide chicks with a constant temperature of 90 degrees and the special feed they require? What about the risk of salmonella, which humans can contract from chickens and ducks? Are you prepared for a rabbit that will chew constantly and urinate frequently? Also, these animals are vulnerable to attack by neighborhood cats and dogs.

And, of course, baby animals grow up. Sadly, at this point, “Easter pets” wind up in animal shelters where they may be euthanized, or they are released into the wild where they don’t have a chance of surviving.

For gift-giving, choose toy-store bunnies and chicks. Or, if your family is ready to make a lifetime commitment to a cute baby animal, adopt one from a shelter.