Easter is a time for celebration and joy, but for many animals, it can be a time of suffering and cruelty. From factory-farmed eggs to bunny-shaped chocolates made with milk from exploited cows, the traditional Easter festivities can have a negative impact on animals and the environment. However, with a few simple changes and adjustments, you can have a more ethical Easter that respects and protects animal rights.
One of the easiest ways to have an ethical Easter is to opt for vegan Easter eggs and chocolates. Many of the Easter treats available in the supermarkets contain milk, which comes from cows that are often kept in intensive farms and separated from their calves. By choosing vegan options, you can avoid supporting the dairy industry and instead enjoy delicious and cruelty-free chocolates made with plant-based milk alternatives such as almond, soy, or oat.
Bunnies are cute and cuddly, but they are not toys or decorations. Every year, thousands of bunnies are bought as Easter gifts, only to be abandoned or neglected once the novelty wears off. Instead of buying a bunny, consider sponsoring our two rescued rabbits Bigwig and Fiver. Not only will you help our residents have a fantastic Easter, you’ll avoid supporting the cruel and irresponsible breeding industry.
As Easter is associated with cute and fluffy chicks, many people think it’s a good idea to hatch their own at home – often without considering the repercussions. Without the proper care that only a mother hen can provide, chicks can suffer from problems with their health and growth. The eggs you hatch may also contain male chicks (cockerels), which can be much more difficult to keep as pets.
Our Goodhearted alternative: Spring is nesting time for wild birds, so why not take a look at Wildlife Kate’s selection of nest box cameras? Throughout spring and into summer, you may even catch a glimpse of baby birds being born!
Eggs are sometimes considered a staple of Easter celebrations, but eggs from factory farms are often produced in inhumane conditions, with hens living in cramped and dirty cages, deprived of natural light and freedom of movement. Why not use Easter as a reason to try a vegan egg alternative such as aquafaba or tofu for baking and cooking?
Our Goodhearted alternative: OGGS Aquafaba – available in most major supermarkets and online.
Many of the hens at our sanctuary have come from the egg-laying industry, where they would have been kept in dark, dirty, and stressful conditions and expected to produce a lot of eggs!
There are lots of ways you can help our feathered friends. How about naming a rescued hen and helping towards their care? Or why not adopt our resident hen Dorothy and send an adoption pack instead of Easter eggs this year?
Easter is often associated with lamb and other meat dishes, but you can have a delicious and satisfying Easter meal without harming animals. Try making plant-based versions of your favourite dishes, such as seitan roast, mushroom gravy, or lentil shepherd’s pie. You can also indulge in vegan snacks and appetisers, such as hummus or why not try baking some vegan sweet treats?
Our Goodhearted alternative: Try making these Vegan Hot Cross Buns from Lazy Cat Kitchen.
Easter is often associated with lamb and other meat dishes, but you can have a delicious and satisfying Easter meal without harming animals. Try making plant-based versions of your favourite dishes, such as seitan roast, mushroom gravy, or lentil shepherd’s pie. You can also indulge in vegan snacks and appetisers, such as hummus or why not try baking some vegan sweet treats?
Our Goodhearted alternative: Try making these Vegan Hot Cross Buns from Lazy Cat Kitchen.
Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary, The Nickless, Milson, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY14 0BE
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