ALBANY, N.Y.-- Members of local animal rights organizations are advising people against purchasing bunnies and chicks for Easter this year.
Bunnies and chicks may be hard to resist because of how adorable they are, but groups including the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society and SPCA are reminding people of the responsibilities that go along with them and advising people to think it out.
"Rabbits are really timid, sensitive creatures," said Windy Wyczawski, of SPCA. "Its not really a good match. They don't like being picked up or petted."
Wyczawski said nationally each year 60 percent of pets bought during Easter are returned to shelters. Chicks, which some people even dye, are also popular this time of year and can bring their own set of challenges.
"Food is hard to come by and there's also some risks of salmonella and illnesses that are potentially transferable to human beings," said Wyczawski.
Residents News 10 spoke with agree.
"They should think do they have the space to house them or the proper children to take care of them," said Tom Kuster, of Glenville.
"People buy things and don't realize how long they last. Chicks and bunnies they last a very long time," said Irving Doeg, of Burnsville.
Far from an impulse buy, rabbits can live up to 10 years and chicks around 20 years, which is why some are considering another variety.
"Not the best choice, get a chocolate rabbit," said Joyce Chicoine, of Niskayuna.
At the request of animal advocates, many pet stores have already stopped selling them, but they're still available at smaller, local farms.
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