Hop Into A Humane Easter

Purchasing live pets for Easter is a thing of the past. Poor pet choices are bunnies, chicks, or a ducks, animal behaviorist Diana L. Guerrero offers humane hints.

(PRWEB) March 23, 2005 -- In the past, Easter celebrations included live gifts. Unfortunately the bunny, chick, or duck gift often ended up in shelters. Many were died.

"Hop over to humane holiday practices" is the new trend according to animal behaviorist, Diana L. Guerrero.

She said, Animal stewardship comes with responsibility. The holidays are a notoriously bad time to give animals as gifts. Humane celebrations involve critter shaped chocolate and marshmallow treats instead of live animal presents. Stuffed animals are also great gifts for animal lovers."

The animal etiquette expert is the author of What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality: Inspiring Lessons of Wild & Tame Creatures." The book has gained a grassroots following across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom--and has just been released in India.

Guerrero said, Young critters are poorly suited as pets since they require special feeding, care, and consistent temperatures. Humane societies receive an influx of the delicate creatures for weeks after the holiday celebrations."

There are many risks to the small animals, but chicks and ducks can also carry salmonella, a disease that causes severe inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Kids are especially vulnerable to this disease.

The sad reality is that many of the tiny survivors are euthanized due to the difficulties in finding permanent homes." Guerrero said.

Bunnies can also be a challenge. As a result, there are many rabbit groups helping to educate novice rabbit owners. Even so, not everyone is equipped to deal with the unique needs of a pet rabbit.

Guerrero said, The novelty of unusual pets wears off quickly. Rabbits can be trained but require specific care. There are also very specific problems that average pet owners are not equipped to handle."

The behaviorist said that challenges facing the novice bunny owner may include:

- Skittish behavior from the critter.
- Kicking and scratching (rabbits dont always enjoy being handled and hugged).
- Behavior problems exhibited by intact (not spayed or neutered) animals.
- Destructive chewing.
- Finding a veterinarian versed in bunny care.
- Special housing and dietary needs.
- Fights between multiple bunnies.

Adopting or bringing home a pet of any kind requires preparation. Many house rabbit rescue and adoption agencies have formed to deal with the problem of abandoned and homeless rabbits.

Regional groups, like the House Rabbit Society, can be located through your local humane societies, veterinarians and other pet professionals.

Guerrero concluded, Celebrate the spring holidays by creating new traditions that are humane."

For more information about What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality" or other animal behavior topics visit Guerreros website at www.arkanimals.com. Internet access to the House Rabbit Society can be found at http://www.rabbit.org.

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