WASHINGTON—The HSUS is giving pet owners and gift givers advice
to keep this Easter from turning tragic for animals: Keep the
decorations away from pets and avoid impulse buys of bunnies,
chicks, ducks or any new pet during the holiday.
Disastrous Decorations
- Some plants—the famed Easter lily in particular—are
highly toxic to pets and can easily prove fatal if eaten. For
more on common poisonous plants, go to www.hsus.org.
- Basket décor, including plastic grass, is another danger
to animals if ingested. The plastic grass can become twisted
within a pet's intestines and can be fatal if not caught
quickly enough. The only solution is often expensive
surgery.
- Keep candy out of your pet's reach. Candy can be harmful
to pets and chocolate is toxic to cats, dogs, and
ferrets.
Another common tragedy each year after Easter is the number of
animals relinquished to animal shelters or who are left to fend
for themselves outdoors when the novelty of a live animal gift
has worn off.
Home for the Holidays, But What
Happens When the Party's Over?
Young, adorable animals mature quickly into adults and need
daily care for the rest of their lives. "People often don't
realize the level of financial commitment and time these
animals require," said Stephanie Shain, director of companion
animal outreach for The HSUS. "Animals associated with Easter
like ducks and rabbits can be especially challenging. They
require specific kinds of care and leaving them caged
continuously is not acceptable and won't give you a pet you can
hold and play with." In some areas selling these animals is
actually illegal.
Every year, animal shelters receive a surge of unwanted
Easter pets that are given up after the owners have lost
interest or are unable to care for them. Unfortunately, many
must be euthanized due to lack of available homes. Some animals
given as gifts are released into the wild when people tire of
them. However, the animals are unable to fend for themselves
and usually die of starvation or exposure to the elements, or
are preyed upon by other animals. It's not easy breaking the
news to a child that their new pet is being given away because
the adults in the home made a bad decision.
Instead of purchasing a live animal, The HSUS suggests
giving plush toys as gifts for Easter. Just make sure that no
real animal fur went into the making of the toy. Check the
label or ask a salesperson to determine what materials the item
was made of. If the toy is made of real animal fur, do not
purchase the item.
Bringing any pet into your home should be done only after
carefully assessing your family's ability to meet the animal's
needs and after seeking information from experts. "If you are
serious about finding a new companion, animal shelters are
already full of animals who need homes and would make great
additions to your family," Shain said. "Local rescue groups can
also be a terrific resource. Spring is a great time to add
cats, dogs or small mammals to your family only if you have
carefully considered your family's lifestyle and your
commitment to an animal who can live for many years." On a
final note, be on the lookout for rabbits in the wild.
Cottontails breed from February through September in the North.
"Eastern" cottontails are also widely present in the South,
Midwest and Pacific Northwest. This species is most often seen
in yards and gardens. To avoid disturbing rabbit nests, walk
over your lawn before mowing. Carefully mow at least six feet
around any suspected nests. A rabbit who is at least four
inches long with open eyes and erect ears is independent and
able to fend for himself. Otherwise, mother rabbits visit their
young a few times a day. If you find or disturb a rabbit nest,
you can determine whether the bunnies are orphans by gently
placing an "X" of string or yarn across the nest. If the "X"
has been moved 12 hours later, rest assured the mother is
looking after her bunnies.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's
largest animal protection organization with more than eight
million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream
voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals
and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals
in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. The
HSUS protects all animals through legislation, litigation,
investigation, education, advocacy and fieldwork. The
non-profit organization, which is celebrating its 50th
anniversary in 2004, is based in Washington, DC and has 10
regional offices across the country. On the web at
www.hsus.org.
