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DuPage County Animal Services chair urges families to avoid buying live chicks or rabbits for Easter
Summary
Brian Krajewski, chairman of the DuPage County Animal Services Committee, advised families to avoid purchasing live chicks, ducks or rabbits as Easter gifts, citing care needs, long lifespans, abandonment risks and costs; he recommended adoption or symbolic virtual adoptions instead.
Brian Krajewski, chairman of the DuPage County Animal Services Committee, urged families in a public message to avoid buying live chicks, ducks or rabbits as Easter gifts, saying “these animals require a lot of care.”
Krajewski said many people assume ducks and rabbits are low‑maintenance starter pets for children, but warned they need space, exercise and access to indoor and outdoor areas and can be messy. “Rabbits in particular do not like to be picked up and can become aggressive if they are scared,” he said.
Why it matters: Krajewski said rabbits can live about 10 years and are often classified as exotic pets that may need specialty veterinary care, which can be more expensive than care for typical household pets. He also warned that purchasing baby animals can support inhumane breeding practices and increase the number of animals surrendered to shelters.
Krajewski cited abandonment concerns directly: “Rabbits are the third most abandoned animal in The United States,” and stressed that domestic ducks and rabbits cannot survive if released into the wild because they lack the instincts of their wild counterparts.
What he recommended: Instead of buying live animals, Krajewski suggested celebrating with chocolate or plush bunnies or making a symbolic adoption through DuPage County Animal Services. He described the shelter’s virtual adoption certificates, which include a photo and description of an animal supported by a donation, and noted many found and surrendered animals require medical attention before being available for rehoming.
Resources and next steps: Krajewski directed prospective guardians to the DuPage County Animal Services website for a rabbit care guide and encouraged viewers to adopt rather than shop; he said sheltered animals often arrive spayed or neutered and with resources to help new owners. For questions, Krajewski invited people to call or visit the DuPage County Animal Services website.
The message concluded with Krajewski thanking viewers and asking the public to help ensure animals find appropriate homes.
