Sick
rabbits seized; Investigators believe they were to be sold for Easter
WSLS News
Published: March 11, 2008
Botetourt County prosecutors believe a county farmer was planning to sell dozens
of sick rabbits as Easter bunnies at Happy’s Flea Market in Roanoke.
Botetourt County Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Jill Deegan tells us 53 rabbits
were seized from a farm, and the rabbits keep having babies.
Deegan says all of the adult rabbits have sarcoptic mange, which is a skin
disease caused by a mite. The skin condition can be transmitted to humans.
Deegan says several veterinarians helped in the four week investigation. It
started when neighbors called animal control about domestic rabbits in their
yards. Animal control officers realized the animals were sick, and seized
them. That led the officers to investigate the farm.
The farmer’s name is not being released, nor is the name or specific location of
the farm.
The investigation is ongoing. No charges have been filed.
The rabbits are at the Regional Center for Animal Control and Protection in
Roanoke.
Deegan says the rescue group Angels of Assisi will later take the animals to a
sanctuary.
Note: The farmer has been convicted of animal cruelty twice before in dealing with horses.
Comment: Rabbit mills, backyard breeders, pet stores, farmers, and anyone else trying to make a few bucks by advertising cute little baby bunnies in time for Easter - well, they’re everywhere. These people don't care who they sell to - the bottom line is to typically encourage an impulse buy.
Now that Craigslist is widely used for buying and selling, breeders also post pets for sale, even though the forum prohibits this. They try to get around it by using "adoption fee", and because rabbits don't command a high price like puppies, it's easier to get away with. As Easter approaches, we have seen an increase in the frequency of rabbit postings. Don't be fooled, don't fall for their lines. Contact your local humane society, shelter, or rescue group, if you are considering bringing a bunny into your household.
Annual Easter Bunny Kill seen as Fun
Comment: While a small number of rabbits are held in esteem, the majority of people are indifferent or downright hostile and cruel toward these creatures, regarding them as nuisances to be eradicated. Others see them useful only as in providing a living, with the bottom line always being the motivating factor. Government agencies, politicians, and animal welfare organizations, like the SPCA, have failed to provide leadership and programs to help in changing public perceptions toward animals. Easter’s here again and so is New Zealand’s annual rabbit slaughter. Thousands of feral rabbits will be shot to death. Media continues to make light of the event, referring to the creatures as pests, as if that somehow justifies the killing spree. Bunny burgers and sausage are all part of the ‘fun’ – a fine example for the kids. And we wonder why there’s no peace and compassion in the world.
In 2010, ‘hunters’ managed to shoot 24,368 sentient creatures, regarded by team participants and government as pests - including 23,064 rabbits, 1152 hares and 54 possums - in the 19th annual Great Easter Bunny Hunt held in Central Otago's farm region.
23,000 Easter bunnies shot in New Zealand
April 24, 2011 NewsCore
The shooting of more than 23,000 rabbits in New Zealand during a charity hunting event held over the Easter vacation weekend has drawn fire from animal welfare campaigners.
While organisers of the annual Great Easter Bunny Hunt, held across the southern
region of New Zealand's South Island, argued the event was ridding farmland of
an introduced, rampant pest species, welfare group Safe saw things differently,
the Sunday Star-Times reported.
Safe director Hans Kriek said the event promoted the killing of animals in a
"party atmosphere." "It's seen as a party atmosphere, sending people out as
inexperienced hunters blasting away at animals," he said. "The ones they kill
are one thing, the ones they injure are another."
Hunt spokesman Dave
Ramsay said the rabbit problem was at its worst in the region for 20 years, and
the annual event raised thousands for local charities.
In total 47 teams - with 12 shooters each - from all over New Zealand took part,
Mr Ramsay told The Otago Daily Times. Although the event only carries total
prize money of NZ$3500 (A$2600), the most sought-after prize was the trophy for
the team which shoots the greatest number of rabbits, he said.
Huffington Post Poll 04/25/11asked: How do you feel about the Great Easter Bunny Hunt?
- Useful & Necessary 28.7%
- Cruel & Barbaric 57.49%
- I'm Not Sure 13.8%
Related News: In 2009, the dead rabbit toss was cancelled in rural Waiau, NZ, but in 2010 the possum toss went ahead at Colyton School. The primary school ran a possum-trapping contest with teams of local hunters killing almost 1000 of the pests. Most were taken to a local fur trader to raise money for the school. A considerable outcry ensued about that, with calls for the Principal, Colin Martin, to be fired, while he fired back saying: "Our kids are taught by the SPCA and the Department of Conservation that these animals are pests and quite destructive ... That's how the country kids look at it.” "There's certainly a big difference between a cat and a possum, and our kids know the difference." Mr. Martin added that some of the money raised would also benefit various charities including the SPCA.