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The vast majority of the baby bunnies, chicks and
ducks who are given as Easter gifts die within a few weeks. They are
frequently the victims of unintentional neglect and cruelty. Requiring
special feeding, care and constant temperatures, these extremely
vulnerable little animals are poorly suited as pets.
Small children often break their fragile bones, and cause other fatal
injuries. Many baby bunnies, chicks and ducks are killed or maimed by
neighborhood dogs and cats. And, those animals who do survive the first
few weeks are often released to animal care and control agencies, where
many must be euthanized because no permanent homes can be found.
Additionally, people may contract salmonella (which causes severe
inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract) from these chicks and ducks.
This Easter, you can help prevent cruelty by giving your little ones
stuffed animals. And, after the holiday, if your family is ready for a
new pet, consider an adorable, adoptable dog or cat from your local
animal shelter.
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This information is quoted from Pets
In Need, Inc. |
Remember, an animal is a
lifetime commitment, not a holiday toy to be bought as a gift and
momentarily enjoyed. When you are tempted to make a present of a
living Easter bunny, duckling, or chick, remember these facts:
- Baby animals grow up to be adults who
may not be so appealing to a child.
- All animals require a commitment of
time and energy—they need food, water, exercise, attention, and
regular veterinary care.
- Chickens, ducks, and rabbits need
special care.
- Chickens, ducks, and rabbits are among
the species that can transmit salmonella.
- Baby animals can be accidentally killed
or injured if children handle them roughly.
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Easter Bunny
by Mary Brandolino
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In memory of all the bunnies we
couldn't save.
I remember Easter Sunday
It was colorful and fun
The new life that I'd begun
In my new cage.
I was just a little thing
When they brought me from the store
And they put me on the floor
In my cage.
They would take me out to
play
Love and pet me all the time
Then at day's end I would climb
In my cage.
But as days and weeks went
by
I saw less of them it seemed
Of their loving touch I dreamed
In my cage.
In the night outside their
house
I felt sad and so neglected
Often scared and unprotected
In my cage.
In the dry or rainy weather
Sometimes hotter sometimes colder
I just sat there growing older
In my cage.
The cat and dog raced by me
Playing with each other only
While I sat there feeling lonely
In my cage.
Upon the fresh green grass
Children skipped and laughed all day
I could only watch them play
From my cage.
They used to take me out
And let me scamper in the sun
I no longer get to run
In my cage.
Once a cute and cuddly
bunny
Like a little ball of cotton
Now I'm grown up and forgotten
In my cage.
I don't know what went
wrong
At the home I did inhabit
I just grew to be a rabbit
In my cage.
But they've brought me to
the pound
I was once loved and enjoyed
Now I wait to be destroyed
In my cage.
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The American Humane Association says most chicks, ducks, and bunnies
given as Easter gifts die within a few weeks of the holiday. Most
purchasers are not informed of the special feeding, care, and handling
their new pets require. As a result, these animals endure cruelty and
neglect. Young children may squeeze and cuddle them, resulting in broken
bones, internal injuries, and death. For those that survive, once the
novelty wears off, many are neglected in backyard pens while others are
dumped outside to return to the wild. |
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We need your help for the
animals.
United Way did not list Animal Welfare as a donation category.
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If you would like to voice your concern that United
Way excluded our furry family members by not listing Animal Welfare in
their focus areas, you can call The United Way of the Bay Area at (415)
772-4300 or e-mail the Workplace Campaign at paul.kalomeris@uniteq.net
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Animal Lovers Stopped In
Background Graphic Set by Strawberry
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