ICYMI: They're Cute, But Giving Baby Bunnies, Chicks, Ducks For Easter Not Advisable

AUSTIN, TX — Baby chicks, ducks and rabbits are rather irresistible, and every spring they're given away as pets during the Easter season.

But the practice invariably ends badly for the animals and could pose health risks for humans given disease, spawning a movement dubbed "Make Mine Chocolate," promoting gifts of animal-shaped candy instead.

Gifting children live animals as Easter gifts is a long-held tradition. And who can blame people? These baby animals are so darn cute! But, sadly, the animals' captivity often leads to agonizing deaths due to human neglect. The intake at animal shelters this time of year attests to the trend, with a sudden uptick in such animals handed over by families no longer able to care for them.

And then there's the human toll. Each year, thousands of people are sickened after handling poultry and rabbits. Since 1990, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has logged 57 salmonella outbreaks linked to live poultry, blamed for thousands of illnesses and the deaths of five people. Less traceable yet a perennial threat are individual cases of Campylobacter, E. coli and other infections from children playing with their Easter pets.

Enter Make Mine Chocolate, an offshoot of the Columbus House Rabbit Society, which 15 years ago launched a campaign urging gifts of chocolate animals rather than live ones. The campaign was launched with hapless bunnies in mind and has since expanded to include other animals.

“Starting with our signature ceramic pin in the shape of a chocolate bunny, we wanted to start a conversation about rabbit welfare during the Easter season,” the Make Mine Chocolate folks write on their website. “Now it’s time to look ahead to the next 15 years. We need to re-think how we communicate our message and everything is open to a fresh look."

To that end, the group is launching a contest seeking entries for the most creative way of spreading the message. Entries are due by the end of Easter day, April 16.

“We’re holding a contest for the most creative ways of spreading the Make Mine Chocolate! message," officials wrote. "If you are interested in participating, either as a submitter or voter, please see our flyer.”

For rules, visit www.makeminechocolate.org/rules.

The "Make Mine Chocolate" people aren't the only ones warning against Easter pet giving. The Audubon Society, Humane Society, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also urge against such gift giving.

The youthful beneficiaries of such gifts are the most vulnerable to contracting disease, given still-forming immune systems and questionable hygiene after handling their animals. The pathogens released by young poultry, for example, are sometimes too powerful for kids whose immune systems aren't at full strength.

Oh, and let's not forget. Rabbits are cute, to be sure, but they can bite.

So think chocolate or other sweet treats instead, the remnants of such indulgence easily removed by brushing one's teeth. Give the bunnies, chicks and ducks a break. Hop to it, as there is a less foul aftermath. And with prompt, post-candy-eating teeth brushing, you won't get stuck with a dentist's bill (do you see what we did there?).

>>> Photo credit: Rebeccabrown1982 via WikiMedia Commons