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Tips For An animal-friendly Easter

Some Easter traditions and treats may have cruelty behind them

3.4.2023

Whether you’re baking, decorating or eating them, there is no denying that eggs are a huge part of the Easter season, growing in popularity and consumption every year. Everything revolves around coloured eggs, chocolate eggs, Easter biscuits or the symbol of the Easter bunny. Egg consumption rises sharply in the days around Easter, down to many families believing they cannot do without the colourful Easter eggs.

In Europe, per capita egg consumption is about 13,8 kg. Worldwide, egg production continues to grow: Within 10 years, it has increased by nearly 25%. The biggest egg producer by far is China with around one third of the world production, followed by the EU, USA and India, and these 4 produce almost 60% of the world’s eggs. This means that the top 10 egg producers account for more than 3⁄4 of the world’s egg production.

Not all eggs are produced locally and are imported instead. In Germany, for example, only 73% of the eggs supplied at Easter are from Germany, and so much of the egg supply is dependent on imports: mostly from the Netherlands, followed by Poland, where cage farming is predominantly used. Imports of cooked eggs, including coloured eggs, are even sourced from third countries such as China, where little to none animal welfare laws and regulations exist.1

How can I make Easter more animal-friendly?

Tips for less animal suffering in and around the Easter nest

Dye your own 'eggs'

Dye your own 'eggs'


Animal-friendly Easter fans take advantage of the season and dye their eggs themselves – it's the only way to be sure you're not eating caged eggs. There are widely available 'faux' eggs, made from plastic or ceramic! Just as fun and pretty to paint without the cruelty.

Reduce, Refine, Replace

Reduce, Refine, Replace


Buy products from better husbandry, gradually reduce animal products or replace them with plant-based products. Especially at Easter, there is an exciting range of delicious recipes for which no chicken has to suffer and no chick has to die. Read more.

Never gift animals

Animals are not presents


Each and every year, thousands of rabbits are bought as 'gifts' during Easter, only to be dumped later. Having a pet is a long-term, expensive commitment, and is not a decision to be taken lightly. Why not sponsor an animal, or donate to an animal organisation instead!

Animal-safe Easter bonfires

Caution with Easter bonfires


Many countries celebrate with a traditional Easter fire – but it is important to be cautious. In spring, most wild animals begin to raise their offspring & look for a suitable shelter – which can be piles of wood already piled up for planned Easter fires. Find out how to protect animals from Easter bonfires.

Caution, chocolate!

Keep the chocolate away from pets


Unfortunately, the danger of eating chocolate for pets is still underestimated. Chocolates contain theobromine, an ingredient that can be deadly for dogs and cats. Keep the chocolate eggs and treats far our of the reach of pets!
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Source

1. https://www.ble.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/BZL/Daten-Berichte/Eier/2021BerichtEier.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2

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