Wisconsin group: Pets not always good Easter gifts

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — If you're thinking of giving a bunny, chick or duckling as an Easter gift, one Wisconsin group wants you to reconsider.

The Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association says the pets may be quaint and cuddly as babies, but they do grow up quickly.

The group says many Easter pets get abandoned, taken to a shelter or released in the wild. It says that happens when owners discover the animals require more care than expected.

The association encourages potential owners to do their homework first. It asks that families make sure they're ready to care for the pet over its entire lifetime.

It also cautions that healthy-looking birds can carry Salmonella bacteria that can get passed on to children.

Tags: news, wisconsin, pets, animals, easter