LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – With Easter right around the corner, some parents might want to surprise their kids with ducklings or bunnies.
But a local animal rescue volunteer says that nice gesture, can turn into a costly mistake.
Peggy Wang has lived in the Desert Shores community around five years. She tells FOX5 she wishes she were part of a nonprofit. That way, she wouldn’t have to reach into her own pockets to help these animals.
She’s just worried the problem will get worse after the upcoming holiday.
“They get them about Easter time and then they hold them for about a month or so,” Wang said. “They still have fluff on them and then you see them just running around on the street. They’re lost and it’s pretty obvious that they’re dumped because they’re domestic. I’ve also seen people literally carrying ducks in boxes and chucking them out, and I’ve called animal control. I’ve like tried to report them, but nothing ever happens.”
But what has been happening for the last five years, Wang has been rehabilitating ducklings, bunnies and turtles picking up the pieces and the vet bill after countless broken wings, infections and car crashes.
Wang says it can feel like taking two steps forward, and one step back especially after she just lost a duck she tried to save, spending hundreds on its surgery.
“I used to think I was getting used to it, but I was telling some of my rescue friends that I think it’s getting harder, if anything, because you keep trying to save, and there’s no help. And it feels like no one really cares,” Wang said.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife recognizes the problem in the community, and throughout the valley, and has this blunt message for those thinking of getting a seasonal pet for easter or other holidays.
“They all start out as cute little pets and soon grow into adults with all that brings. Ducks are cute until you step in green poop left behind on your pool deck. Are you really willing to commit to the long-term care of that pet? Dumping a pet is not as humane as one might think,” an NDOW rep tells FOX5.
After the change of heart, Wang steps in.
“I don’t know how many thousands I’ve spent, but it’s in the multiple, multiple thousands,” Wang said.
Because wang isn’t affiliated with a nonprofit, everything is out-of-pocket.
Why does she do it if it’s such a huge financial burden?
“When you get into rescue, it’s hard to watch suffering go on in your own backyard, and to just let it happen, so I don’t like to see that, so I do my best to help whatever I can,” Wang said.
One unexpected place you can drop off these pets is The Animal Foundation.
It takes in domesticated ducks and turtles, by appointment only.
NDOW tells FOX5 it has no legal jurisdiction when it comes to people dumping unwanted pets in private ponds or community park ponds.
However, there are a few species you can’t import into the state.
If you do, the agency will involve its law enforcement personnel.
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