Parents: Animal Shelters Urge Not To Give Bunnies As Easter Gifts

Animal shelters and animal rescue groups are urging parents not to give their children bunnies and baby chicks as Easter gifts. Easter is a week from this Sunday. Every year, this appeal goes out. Experts say buying or adopting a live animal because it might be cute, often leads to the animals being abandoned when the novelty wears off and families realize they're not equipped to properly care for the pets. Kevin McManus with the Pasadena Humane Society says the long-term needs of an animal must be considered. He says for example a rabbit, has a lifespan of eight-to-12 years and needs specific food, housing and care. He recommends giving kids a stuffed animal.