PETA: Don't Give Live Animals as Easter Gifts

Rabbits are not Easter gifts: Around the holidays, pet shops, garden centres, and breeders increasingly advertise small animals, and many children wish for a "real Easter bunny" as a gift. However, the initial enthusiasm is often followed by waning interest or the realisation that the animals are more demanding than expected. Many rabbits end up being abandoned or surrendered to shelters. PETA is therefore reminding people, ahead of the upcoming Easter holidays, that the decision to take in an animal should not depend on a holiday. The animal welfare organisation is urging everyone not to give animals as gifts.

Rabbits are not toys that can simply be exchanged after the holidays. Parents should be aware that children can never bear sole responsibility for these timid animals. If kept incorrectly, rabbits can also become aggressive and bite or scratch. The decision must therefore be made carefully — and by the whole family.

Dr. Yvonne Würz, specialist adviser at PETA.

Social Animals with High Demands

Rabbits are the third most popular “pets” in Germany, yet they are wrongly considered easy to care for and suitable for children. PETA points out that, contrary to their often cute portrayal in books or on greeting cards, these flight animals are not suited for cuddling and have high husbandry requirements. Although these active rodents should always have at least one companion of their own kind, many kept in private hands are forced to live in far too small enclosures without any social partners. In addition to standard commercially available cages, the rabbit food sold in pet shops is generally not appropriate to their needs — sourcing suitable, varied nutrition can be very time-consuming. Anyone considering taking in rabbits should bear in mind that these crepuscular animals produce gnawing, scratching, and thumping noises in captivity, particularly at night and early in the morning. To prevent unwanted offspring, at least the male animals should also be neutered. Furthermore, these small animals are relatively prone to illness, meaning vet visits can sometimes become costly. “Anyone who takes in rabbits is taking on a serious responsibility — and one that lasts ten years or more,” said Würz.

Animal-Friendly Gifts

PETA points out that well-intentioned “gifts” of animals all too often end up in an already overcrowded shelter after a short time, are abandoned, or simply left behind when someone moves. Instead of real animals, the animal welfare organization therefore recommends giving gifts that bring joy to both two-legged and four-legged recipients alike. Many animal shelters, sanctuary farms, and animal welfare associations offer animal sponsorships, for example. For animal-loving children, stuffed animals or non-fiction books through which they can learn about animals are also a great choice. If, after careful consideration, the decision is made to give an animal companion a home, families should adopt through a shelter or foster placement.