Easter animals could be dangerous for children

Thu, 04/09/2009 - 3:24pm
By: The Citizen

People who plan to give animals to children for Easter should consider the potential danger the animals pose to children.  The cute, cuddly looking creature could have disease carrying bacteria and or have aggressive behavior attacking anyone who attempts to touch it, warns Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin.
 
“Chickens and ducks generally do not make good pets for children, especially considering a child’s susceptibility to germs,” says Commissioner Irvin.  The birds often carry harmful Salmonella bacteria, and each spring some children become sick after receiving an Easter chick or duckling.
 
Expecting the chick or duckling to double as an Easter present and an egg-laying yard bird when it grows up can be a disappointment for both the adult and the child.  Chicks and ducklings often die at a young age or display aggressive temperaments as they mature.  Then, there is the possibility that rather than laying eggs, the chick turns out to be a rooster whose crowing and habits may not fit into the neighborhood or the local zoning laws and regulations.
 
Rabbits require special veterinary and owner care.  They are not low-care animals.  Also, they feel frightened when they are picked up and may kick, struggle, scratch or bite.  Sudden movements or loud noises also may incite biting or fleeing.
 
“Because of disease-tracking regulations, all of the chicks being sold in Georgia must have records kept by the dealer, so owners can be found in the case of a disease outbreak,” Commissioner Irvin says.  “Most of the baby chicks sold to the public come from hatcheries outside the state.  We have to keep a close watch on any diseases that may harm people or pose a threat to our poultry industry.”
 
Irvin also points out that the “Easter disappointments” often wind up at local animal shelters or with rescue groups who must deal with the heartbreak and cost of caring for, finding homes for, and sometimes having to euthanize the animals.

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Shoebox's picture
Submitted by Shoebox on Fri, 04/10/2009 - 11:46am.

Don't ruin the chance of getting a good home for an animal which has no idea of the concept of "Easter". Easter-Resurrection Sunday-is not a good time for the giving of animals as gifts. Give the Easter gift that really counts-your love to your child, and tell him/her about the gift Jesus gives to all who believe in Him-eternal life!


zoes's picture
Submitted by zoes on Fri, 04/10/2009 - 1:33pm.

Don't miss the chance to give a good home to an animal who has no concept of love and home on Easter. This is an excellent time for making a family decision to bring a new dog or cat into your home. Of course not a bunny or chicken!!

Give an Easter gift that really counts to your family and a homeless dog or cat and tell them about how Jesus loves everyone, even the animals.

ZoeS

"Never love anything that can't love you back."


Main Stream's picture
Submitted by Main Stream on Fri, 04/10/2009 - 12:17pm.

"Easter-Resurrection Sunday-is not a good time for the giving of animals as gifts."

Maintain the tradition and put those sweet animals (rabbit and duck) where they belong... on the dinner table.

(btw - when did Easter become EASTER-RESURRECTION SUNDAY???)


matt.barnes's picture
Submitted by matt.barnes on Fri, 04/10/2009 - 11:58am.

Easter is for standing outside your local grocery store and stuffing Jesus pamplets in peoples faces.


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