Avoid impulse of Easter pet, HSCO advises

The Humane Society of Central Oregon is reminding people to avoid the impulse purchase of live rabbits, chicks or ducklings as Easter gifts.

This Easter, bring home an adorable stuffed toy, chocolate bunny or box of Peeps that can be enjoyed in your holiday celebration. Chocolate is toxic to our pets, so keep it out of their reach, and save the rich delectable holiday feast for humans and not our pets.

These young animals may be adorable now, but in a short period of time they will mature into adult animals that need daily care for the rest of their lives. Sadly, most of these animals face futures not as happy pets, but as unwanted or neglected animals.

Children lose interest quickly, and “Easter animals” may live seven to ten years. When children are no longer interested in their new animal “toy,” it is the animal that suffers.

Shortly after Easter, many rabbits, chickens and ducklings are brought to animal shelters throughout the nation and have a difficult time getting a home. Many others are released into the wild or parks where these domesticated species cannot fend for themselves and suffer an uncertain future. Some domestic rabbits are simply released to roam free and reproduce.

Resist the temptation of cute baby animals this Easter, and remember that an animal is a lifetime commitment, not a holiday toy to be momentarily enjoyed.

Baby animals grow to be adults quickly, and often lose the “cute factor.” All animals require a commitment of time and energy to meet their physical and emotional needs. Baby animals are fragile and can accidentally be killed or injured if handled incorrectly.

For more information, visit the Humane Society of Central Oregon at www.hsco.org or the shelter at 61170 SE 27 th Street in Bend.