FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-4696

COMMISSIONER FARMER ADVISES PARENTS TO GET THE FACTS BEFORE BUYING ANIMALS AS EASTER GIFTS FOR CHILDREN

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer encourages parents to do their homework before giving animals to their children as Easter gifts.

“Chickens and ducks can spread Salmonella bacteria and other germs,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Rabbits require a lot of care. A rabbit generally doesn’t like to be picked up and may run away or bite if it is approached quickly or in a loud manner, so it may not be the best pet for a child. Parents need to give a lot of thought before giving their children an animal for Easter.”

Easter animals that don’t work out may end up in an animal shelter, providing an unhappy ending to an animal’s stay with a family.

“At the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, we encourage parents to help their children interact with animals in the right way,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Hundreds of Kentucky children exhibit animals at county fairs, junior livestock expos and other shows sponsored by the KDA. These young people care for their animals’ feed, shelter and veterinary needs and work with their animals every day. It teaches children the value of hard work, discipline and responsibility. But it’s a big job. Parents and children need to fully understand what they are getting into before they buy any animal.”

For more information about the possible health risks associated with chicks and ducklings, go to the Centers for Disease Control’s Web site at www.cdc.gov/healthypets/easter_chicks.htm.  For more information about rabbits, visit www.rabbit.org/.

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