| Dyeing Easter Chicks Raises Concern Over Animal Welfare Animal activists have long been critical of many Easter traditions, including dyeing Easter eggs and giving baby chicks away as gifts. "Humane societies are overflowing with these animals after Easter every year," said Don Anthony of the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida . Several municipalities and roughly half the states have laws against the practice, but the Florida legislature passed a bill overturning the 45 year old ban last month, purportedly at the request of a dog groomer wishing to enter a contest featuring colored and sculpted dogs. He notes that he routinely told clients to return their chicks when children inevitably grew tired of them. "We sold a lot of them," he said. The kids get tired of it pretty quick. " While many poultry farmers keep quiet on the practice of dyeing chicks, retired poultry farmer Peter Theer corroborates Anthony's claim. "People buy whatever is available. They'll usually take one or two of each color, maybe 10 or 15 of them. While the primary goal of dyeing chicks is to improve the number sold, some claim the practice has scientific and educational benefits. |
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Dyeing Easter Chicks Raises Concern Over Animal Welfare
