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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

The Easter Bunny is Not a Pet

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Thursday, April 21, 2011   

NEWLAND, N.C. - For North Carolina children, finding a cuddly bunny or fuzzy duck in their Easter basket might be a part of the holiday, but animal-welfare experts are asking parents to buy from the toy store instead of the pet store.

Animal shelters around the state report an increase in the number of ducks and bunnies showing up at their doorstep after the Easter every year. It's one reason why the Avery County Humane Society is building a room for animals like these in the new shelter opening later this year, shelter executive manager Charlene Calhoun explains.

"A lot of times people think, 'Well, if it don't work out I'll just set it out. It's a rabbit, it will do okay.' But they're domesticated animals and they've been handled by people, so they don't really know how to take care of themselves."

People often forget about neutering the bunny, and when rabbits reach puberty, they can get cranky, she warns. When ducks grow older, they run out of room, and living inside a home does not meet their needs for space and a place to swim.

Most people are getting the message that baby chicks aren't good house pets, according to Adam Goldfarb, director of the Humane Society's "Pets at Risk" program, but many parents still give their children cuddly little baby bunnies at Easter. That's where the problems begin, he says.

"They might have a very cute Easter, but unfortunately the novelty of having a rabbit and the reality of caring for the animal long-term kind of wears off."

Rabbits live as long as 10 to 12 years, so parents who buy their children a rabbit may be stuck with it even when the kids go off to college.

Most animal-welfare experts say live animals should never be given as unexpected gifts.




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