Pet Safety at Eastertime

As winter loosens its grip on the weather, our thoughts turn to warm, sunny days, flowers in the garden and all things Spring. Easter is right around the corner and Passover is not far behind, and these holidays always include special food and treats.

With that in mind, the Matawan Animal Advisory Committee recommends keeping the following human foods away from your pet, as these foods can cause serious illness: chocolate, nuts, salty snack food, onions, garlic, chives, raisins, and more. The ASPCA has a full list of human foods to avoid giving to your pet here: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets

We would also like you to reconsider if you are thinking of buying a live rabbit or chick as a present for your child.

Animal shelters report an increase in surrender of pet rabbits a few months after Easter. The sad fact is that the novelty of having a cute baby bunny or chick wears off as the animal matures. These animals are often forgotten and relegated to a pen in the backyard when children grow tired of them and parents realize that these animals need socialization and special care that is different from dogs and cats. Some people abandon rabbits in their backyard or in the wild thinking that they can fend for themselves when, in fact, they cannot because they are domesticated.

If you feel you and your family are ready to have a rabbit or other exotic pet, look first to your local animal shelter. Shelters often have rabbits and other small animals for adoption, and shelter staff will go out of their way to make sure you understand how to care for these types of animals. Some local shelters include the Associated Humane Society in Tinton Falls, the Monmouth County SPCA in Eatontown, and Old Bridge Animal Shelter in Old Bridge.

Instead of a live animal, please consider a stuffed plush toy or a chocolate animal.

For more information about giving rabbits, chicks or other animals as presents, please visit: http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2012/04/dont_give_baby_chicks_and_rabbits_this_easter_040212.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/

The Matawan Animal Advisory Committee wishes a happy Spring to all!