Celebrate Easter the Cruelty-Free Way
Once a strictly religious holiday, Easter is now revered and celebrated for many reasons; a time of rebirth and new life, the beginning of Spring, an excuse to eat chocolate, play with young loved ones, bring family together. For most people, it is—in theory—a peaceful and happy holiday. However, many Easter traditions that include baby animals and eggs are not, in fact, peaceful or kind for the animals. In the true spirit of celebrating life, we urge you to consider celebrating this Easter the more compassionate way.
Don’t worry! We’re not going to scare you away from Easter, but we are going to share a few facts about what happens to animals during Easter that you should be aware. In our list of ways to celebrate compassionately, we’re also going to clear up a few misconceptions about the egg industry, lambs, chicks and bunnies.
Here are a few ways celebrate Easter without harming any animals:
Avoid Using Real Eggs
Mother Hens Speak to Their Newborns
Did you know that mother hens speak to their unborn babies before they hatch, just like we do? Mother hens will purr and cluck at their babies in the egg, and the chicks will peep back to the mother. Newborn born chicks recognize their mother’s voice. The bond between mother chicken and baby chick forms before they hatch, just like humans. Unfortunately wild hens naturally lay 10-15 eggs a year, while modern egg hens have been intensively bred to lay between 250 to 300 eggs a year. The natural process of laying eggs and raising their young has been stolen from them by the egg industry because of a supply and demand cycle that we support when we buy eggs.
Male Chicks in The Egg Industry
Many people assume that eating eggs isn’t harmful since the eggs are unfertilized, however this is not the case. Since eggs are made for consumption and not to produce a chicken that will grow to full slaughter size in only 30 days, the male chicks born into the egg industry get killed immediately. Since hens lay the eggs, there is a demand for more female chicks but the males are deemed unnecessary. Newborn male chicks, still alive, will either be thrown in a large garbage bin and left to die in the trash, or will be ground up immediately (yes, still alive). Depending on the corporation, after these baby chicks are ground up they will use their remains for various products like pet foods. Luckily some egg producers have promised to rid this practice by 2020, but for now it is still occurring in large amounts.
Keep Animals Off Your Plate
The Short Life of Lambs
Lambs are those adorable, fluffy babies we all want to hug. They are also a popular meal during Easter. At only 4 months old, lambs are taken from their mothers and sent to slaughter. In Italy alone, over 4 million lambs are slaughtered during the Easter holiday each year. Undercover investigations have shown lambs living in filthy conditions, suffering sickness at a young age, getting only partially stunned before being slaughtered while awake and aware.
All Animals Want to Live
All cows, pigs, turkey and chicken are also sentient beings who want to live and experience pain and fear — just like Little Dude, Jasper, Cora, Mike, Tracey and the Golden Girls. If you’re striving for a compassionate holiday, keep all farm animals off your plates and in your hearts instead.
Do Not Purchase Baby Animals
Or Dye Them Colors
Some people purchase bunnies or baby chickens for their kids during Easter. We suggest you do not purchase baby animals—no matter how cute they are. These animals require a lot of special attention and care. Bunnies are social animals who need to hop around and exercise. Trapping them in a cage is a very sad life for them. Baby chicks (and ducks) are mighty adorable to look at, but they will grow into chickens and need ample space outside for a healthy, happy life. They are also very social creatures, flock animals, and should be around other birds. These animals require the same quality of care and consideration as kittens and puppies. If you feel the urge to buy a cute animal this Easter, remember that you’re responsible for their health and happiness just like any other pet, and please refrain.
So how do you celebrate a cruelty-free Easter?
It’s not hard at all.
STEP 1: Buy guilt-free vegan chocolate ahead of time from one of these popular online vendors.
STEP 2: Avoid petting zoos. Opt into visiting a sanctuary instead!
STEP 3: Try some plant-based recipes this year. Here are some simple recipes we recommend trying.
Spinach Artichoke Dip by This Savory Vegan
Vegan Tomato, Mushroom and Spinach Quiche by Oh She Glows
Mashed Potatoes by Minimalist Baker
Easy Mac and Cheese
Vegan Cinnamon Rolls by Oh She Glows
Chickpea Salad by Oh She Glows
Deviled Tomatoes by VegKitchen
Smoky Little Devils (Deviled Potatoes) by Forks Over Knives
Peanut Butter Eggs by Minimalist Baker
Vegan Hot Cross Buns by Delightful Adventures
Now that you are equipped with this information and easy tips to keep your holidays kind and compassionate for animals, we hope you will take the next step and make the decision to do right by animals this holiday. Together we can put an end to animal cruelty on Easter.
