It's also during this season that children begin to beg their parents for a bunny of their own, not realizing the amazing responsibility that comes with owning a rabbit.

Sadly, once Easter has passed, rescue groups and animal shelters like the ARL are swamped with discarded rabbits and are called to retrieve former pet rabbits that have been released outdoors to try to survive on their own. The lucky ones are caught; cars, predators, illness or starvation take the lives of the unlucky ones.

Two years ago, the Columbus House Rabbit Society in Columbus, Ohio set out to educate the public on the realities of living with a rabbit and to discourage giving rabbits as Easter gifts.

The intent of this campaign is to prevent impulse purchases and to encourage owners to take better care of their rabbits. Using ceramic pins in the form of chocolate bunnies as their symbol, the campaign's goal is to spread the message that rabbits should not be a casual acquisition.

The Make Mine Chocolate campaign is supported by an interactive website, www.makeminechocolate.org, featuring interactive tools and games that stimulate and challenge you while educating about the responsibilities and proper care of companion rabbits.