WASHINGTON -The HSUS encourages people to think twice before
purchasing a live bunny, duckling or chick as an Easter gift
this holiday season.
Stephanie Shain, director of companion animal outreach for
The HSUS, says, "People often forget that these cute little
animals grow up into adult animals who require a commitment to
provide daily care for the rest of their lives." And Shain
warns that this isn't always easy. "Rabbits, for example, are
not so easy to keep. They require a lot of socialization and
time and can't just be left stuck in a cage. Bringing any
animal, including small animals like rabbits and chicks, into
your home places demands on your time and financial resources
and should be done only after carefully assessing your family's
ability to meet the animal's needs."
Those who buy these animals on impulse are often surprised
at how much they cost to maintain. For example, The HSUS
estimates that new rabbit owners will spend $300 when acquiring
a rabbit--$150 to cover the costs of a cage and other necessary
equipment. In addition, taking care of a live animal requires
regular expenses for grooming, food, toys, and other supplies.
The HSUS also encourages all pet owners to save $20 per month
for unforeseen expenses, such as emergency veterinary care and
care for elderly pets.
Unfortunately, each year after Easter animal shelters are
inundated with bunnies, ducklings, and chicks relinquished by
people who bought them on a whim. Many must be euthanized due
to a lack of available homes. Some animals given as Easter
gifts are released into the wild when people tire of them.
Unable to fend for themselves, the hapless creatures usually
die of starvation or exposure to the elements, or are preyed
upon by other animals.
Bunnies are an especially popular symbol of Easter.
Unfortunately, many professional photography studios use live
bunnies as props for pictures with children. But live animals
are not props. The use of a live rabbit during multiple photo
shoots can be very stressful as the rabbit is made to endure
constant handling by different people in an unnatural setting
and leaves children subject to scratches or bites by the
rabbit.
In lieu of a live animal, The HSUS encourages purchasing
plush toys to give to children as gifts for Easter. Though not
all plush animals and figurines have labeling stating materials
used, The HSUS recommends that consumers check the label or
with a salesperson to determine whether the item was made from
real rabbit or other animal fur. If made from animal fur, be
sure to inform the store why you decided not to purchase that
product.
"Acquiring a pet is a serious decision that requires
forethought, research, and a realistic assessment of your
ability to adequately care for the new family member," Shain
said. "Animal shelters are full of wonderful animals who would
make loving and lifelong companions. If you are seriously
looking for a rabbit, your local shelter or rescue group likely
has many that need homes. Spring is a great time to add a cat,
dog or small mammal to your family if you've carefully
considered your family's lifestyle and determined that you can
make a commitment to an animal who may live well past ten
years."
