The HSUS is giving pet owners and gift givers advice to keep this Easter from turning tragic for animals: Avoid impulse buys of bunnies, chicks, ducks or any new pet during the holiday.
Each year after Easter, huge numbers of specialty animals are relinquished to animal shelters or are left to fend for themselves outdoors when the novelty of a live animal gift has worn off.
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.
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