LOOKING FOR A SWEET EASTER TREAT? THE BEST BUNNIES ARE CHOCOLATE ONES!

It's that time of year again, and real live bunnies will be on their way into many homes in America this April 16—courtesy of well-meaning parents who think they're buying a low-maintenance starter pet for the kids. Unfortunately, young children and bunnies aren't at all a good match—and when the novelty wears off, many of these Easter rabbits will wind up at shelters. Unlucky ones may be dumped outside where they must face predators, cars, illness and injury. Still others are destined to lives of neglect and boredom in cramped cages.

If your family's set on getting a rabbit, give a chocolate bunny or a stuffed toy for Easter and, if your young children are really serious, a book on rabbit care. If they're still begging you for a bun after the holiday has passed, go to your local shelter or rescue group and find out how to adopt the rabbit (or even better, a bonded pair) of your dreams. For info on bunny care and rescue groups, head to the House Rabbit Society online.

You can also help spread the word that rabbits are not disposable pets by getting involved in the "Make Mine Chocolate!" campaign. Started in 2002 by the Columbus House Rabbit Society, the Make Mine Chocolate! campaign aims to educate the public about the challenges of properly caring for rabbits and encourages parents to give chocolate or toy bunnies as Easter gifts instead of live rabbits. Check out the group's website, MakeMineChocolate.org, where you can visit the interactive learning center, buy a Make Mine Chocolate! tee or pin, and test your knowledge of bunny nutrition with the "What Will You Feed Your Rabbit?" game.