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Rabbit Advocacy Animal Matters
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From the Animal Advocates Society of BC http://www.animaladvocates.com/cgi-bin/newsroom.pl
FROZEN DOGS: They had no food or warmth, only each other
Posted By:
Carmina Gooch In Response To: FROZEN DOGS: How Many Animals Will Freeze to Death Tonight? *PIC* (AAS) So many pets are cruelly left outdoors on a continual basis without shelter or the means to fend for themselves, regardless of the elements they have to endure. With the freezing temperatures and wind the inevitable happens, many die. Such was the case of a rabbit in the Fraser Valley. The family had been given two young ones which were left outdoors in a small enclosure. They were forgotten about, and with the ground frozen could not burrow or escape. They had no food or warmth, only each other. Helpless and defenseless, one succumbed to the bitter cold. Unbelievably, the other was going to be let loose and its fate left to chance. Fortunately, this lucky rabbit was rescued.
SPCA "education": a rabbit in a cage, a kitten in a cage, an SPCA calendar, an old newsletter and a....
Posted By: AAS In Response To: "Decades of hard-hitting humane education messages"? The gall is staggering! *LINK* *PIC* (AAS)
From: connie mahoney re: Springvalley Middle School Career Day It was so very disappointing to see the Kelowna SPCA's educational presentation at the above school on March 8, 2002. The presentation consisted of: a rabbit in a cage, a kitten in a cage, and three fund raising items (an SPCA Calendar, an old newsletter and a form requesting Zellers and Canadian Tire points and please donate to us). The table displaying the "cute" animals was continuously mobbed by dozens of students anxious to see the animals, sticking fingers into their cages. This caused great stress to the animals. In particular the rabbit was screaming (a high pitched sound) in distress with no relief from the unwanted attention for over an hour and a half. Not only was a wonderful opportunity missed to teach these students anything meaningful about animals, but it was an obvious exploitation of their "cuteness" just to further the SPCA's image. There was absolutely no educational material, nothing dealing with spay/neuter and unwanted animals. This bunny and kitten were a direct result of pet over-population and ultimately most of them are euthanized by the SPCA's and again, no mention of this. The presentation was irresponsible and thoughtless. It was actually demeaning to the many students who are so eager to learn about animal issues and humane education, which should include ALL animals. Knowing that the Kelowna SPCA actually has paid full time staff to present humane education in the schools actually makes this worse. They commented that the large turnout at their table made them so popular, and they felt their presentation was therefore successful. The SPCA is supposed to be raising the bar to improve their standards. I've never seen the bar so low!! Could you please let me know if the SPCA has a policy on exhibiting animals in public (a very stressful situation for the animals). The time has come to stop treating these animals as merchandise to be peddled. Secondly, are there any standards relating to humane education presentations? I would appreciate your response. Sincerely, Connie Mahoney.
Should the SPCA prosecute for cruelty to rabbits? *LINK* *PIC*
Posted By:
Carmina Gooch In mid-February of this year approximately 20 rabbits came into the possession of the Vancouver SPCA. They had been kept cramped together outdoors in tiny wire cages, with minimal human contact, so they were skittish and fearful of being handled. This problem began when two rabbits were purchased from a pet store with no understanding of basic requirements of care involved. Shortly thereafter, the two began reproducing, and within a year the result was several litters of unwanted rabbits. One was taken to the SPCA hospital in Vancouver for observation and the others were examined by a rabbit volunteer because of their poor condition. Some had runny noses, others had open sores on their feet, and all were undernourished. The Vancouver SPCA already had in excess of 20 adult rabbits awaiting homes, but managed to get 5 of the worst new arrivals to an SPCA volunteer experienced in rabbit care, and then began spaying and neutering the rest, starting with the healthiest ones. Since then some of the existing rabbits at the facility have found permanent homes and others have gone into foster care. However, this branch is still overcrowded, and a new policy has set the maximum allowable number of rabbits at 15. More foster homes are urgently required. Nobody wants to see any killed, but what does one do with an overburdened system? Should the SPCA refuse to take owner surrendered pets and only deal with strays and seized animals? Should those that need too much medical care, are too old, psychologically damaged, or otherwise deemed unmarketable be automatically killed? What are the determining factors for those who live and those who die? Unfortunately, as long as people have pets there will be problems, but far more effort has to be given to address core issues. The supply of unwanted animals far exceeds demand, resulting in misery, suffering, and death of too many innocent lives. Should the SPCA have prosecuted this person and set an example that this is intolerable, and used the Prevention of Cruelty Act? Rabbits are allowed to suffer conditions that if a cat or dog was subjected to, would result in public outrage and cruelty charges being laid by the SPCA. But there is a different standard for rabbits - perhaps because there is not a vocal lobby group to speak for them as there is for dogs and cats. http://animaladvocates.com/rabbit-rescue.htm
A not-so-lucky rabbit's feet *PIC*
Posted By:
AAS In Response To: Should the SPCA prosecute for cruelty to rabbits? *LINK* *PIC* (Carmina Gooch) One of the rabbits surrendered to the Vancouver SPCA. They suffered like this for a long time, forced to live on wire because it is easy to keep clean. This is not only clearly cruelty, but it is torture.
Forced to Live on Wire
Posted By:
Carmina Gooch In Response To: Should the SPCA prosecute for cruelty to rabbits? *LINK* *PIC* (Carmina Gooch) Confined to a cage, movement restricted to an unnatural wire mesh is guaranteed to lead to unsanitary conditions and health problems. Clearly, this rabbit and his litter mates were in a horrendous situation. Unable to keep the urine from their body, it soaks into their fur, and onto the skin. The skin becomes inflamed and the fur falls out. Moisture-damaged skin is easily cracked and at this stage infections and abscesses often occur. It would be impossible for this rabbit to stand on such raw feet, without being in agony. This is cruelty.
Carmina Gooch,
Only three rabbits will be permitted on the floor for adoption at the Surrey SPCA
Posted By:
Carmina Gooch In Response To: Should the SPCA prosecute for cruelty to rabbits? *LINK* *PIC* (Carmina Gooch) There have been a number of revisions within the BC SPCA and one recent decision is that only three rabbits will be permitted on the floor for adoption at the Surrey SPCA. The Surrey SPCA's Animal Learning Centre, which formerly brought rabbits to their building in order to alleviate the overcrowding in the SPCA building and to find new homes for its rabbits, is not allowed to do so any longer. Staff have been told to spend more time going into the community doing education.
Surrey has a huge problem with
unwanted animals and unless those individuals concerned about rabbits, and
rabbit rescue groups take them, the excess will be killed. Already, those who
have assisted are barely coping with the ones presently in need of permanent
homes, and the foster network is struggling to accommodate all the needy. This
continual shuffling of unwanted pets, while providing interim relief, typifies
the SPCA's revolving door system where nothing changes.
Many people purchase a rabbit from a breeder or pet store as a "starter pet" for children
Posted By:
Terry Roberge In Response To: This kind of education gives kids the message that imprisoning animals is okay (AAS)
Many people purchase a rabbit
from a breeder or pet store as a "starter pet" for children. Because one can
easily buy a cute looking baby for under forty dollars, it is commonly perceived
as easy to care for and a learning tool, especially when told by the vendor that
rabbits are quite happy sitting in cage and basically just need to be fed.
Obviously this is not the case, and once the realities of having a rabbit become
tedious and tiresome, it is deemed disposable.
This kind of education gives kids the message that imprisoning animals is okay
Posted By:
AAS In Response To: The Animal Learning Centre is part of the Surrey SPCA (Carmina Gooch) Sterilizing rabbits before being sold to someone is an improvement over selling them to breed until the owner is overwhelmed and kills them all, as the SPCA used to. Although ultimately this kind of education gives kids the message that imprisoning animals for our sakes, for our amusement or some other purpose is okay. But most of them will spend their lonely lives in a tiny hutch, almost forgotten at the bottom of the yard. Some will be taken out occasionally to hop around on real grass, and then will be put back in the hutch when that pales, but many will not even get that respite from the cruelty of their lives. Rabbits make poor pets, but their needs are easily forgotten as they are truly silent.
Rabbit producers use archaic methods and BC SPCA "education" is archaic too
Posted By:
Carol Sonnex In Response To: Should the SPCA prosecute for cruelty to rabbits? *LINK* *PIC* (Carmina Gooch) The Pet Producing Industry is both archaic and cruel. I am sure others can think of other terms to add but none will be complimentary I am sure. After reading the posts on AAS I am ashamed at how complacent I have been. I have walked through pet stores, passed by the cages of guinea pigs and rabbits and because of conditioning not even reacted. My children do the same.
Unfortunately, education of how
to maintain small animals by societies like the BC SPCA is also archaic. Small
animals should not be being bred and kept in small cages and the Charter of the
BC SPCA includes these small animals. The much touted five freedoms should also
be extended to these "pocket pets".
freedom from hunger and thirst
My family's acceptance of these conditions for small animals has changed after asking my son to look up Rabbit Breeders of British Columbia on the internet and he found : http://www.tsukiyo.org/BreederDir/State/britishcolumbia.html Reading through many of the sites was extremely upsetting but one that caught my son's eye had the following to say: "My rabbitry consists of 45 hanging cages. Eight doe cages, 12 show stock/buck cages, and 25 grower cages. The doe, show stock, and buck cages are in the main barn. I also keep the feed in the main barn for easy access. The walls are hung with plastic behind the cages to keep the urine off the walls. I find one major cleaning once a year works well, and more than that isn't needed. The grower cages are outside along the barn and are about 13 " by 24". I have found this size and shape cage helps my to achieve a well conditioned young rabbit. The cages are on automatic watering, and the rabbits go here from the time they are weaned until they are 4 months. At four months I go through and pick out a maximum of 5 rabbits to keep, the rest we butcher. This has worked very well for me and my rabbits have improved quickly. Selling rabbit meat pays for my rabbitry and gives me some spending money as well. I have manure pits under all the cages and I frequently dig the manure out to prevent wetness, flies, and smell. For fly control I also have a bug zapper in the main barn. Weather here is very mild year-round. The barn has vents along the top of two walls, and dutch doors to help with air movement in the summer. Shade cloth is stapled over the windows. In the winter the body heat from the rabbits keeps the water above freezing inside the main barn. " "The body heat of the rabbits keeps the water above freezing inside the main barn" is the quote that made my children both gasp. They were horrified that somone would be proud of this fact and put it on the internet. I must thank all of those featured on the Rabbit Breeders of British Columbia Website. My childrenand I are complacent no longer.
Exotic Pet Store in Kamloops Shuts Down: Kamloops SPCA Manager Jennifer Gore Admits That SPCA Knew of Conditions But Did Nothing
Posted By:
Jennifer Dickson <eight-dogs-later@shaw.ca> Jungle Pet, an exotic pet store in Kamloops that was well known to Kamloops SPCA, closed its doors last week when new ownership made a gruesome discovery. From the Kamloops This Week, March 15, 2004, quoting Tara Donovan, new owner of Jungle Pet: "The conditions of the animals were deplorabe, leading us to wonder what had happened to allow such severe neglect"..."snakes, lizards, and frogs in a fridge, three deceased rabbits in a pen at the back of the store and one kitten frozen in a freezer"..."Over the week that we operated the business, we found more than two dozen deceased animals, including snakes, lizards, and one kitten." Kamloops SPCA Manager Jennifer Gore admits that the SPCA had known of the atrocities at Jungle Pet, yet had done nothing: "Jennifer Gore, branch mangaer of the SPCA, said the Society had complaints from the public about the care of the animals". The article goes on to reiterate that "The SPCA...under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, has the legal right to close businesses that fail to comply with the Act. In this case however, the SPCA didn't order the closure." How many more bodies have to be exumed before the SPCA comes clean about its failure to "speak for those who cannot speak for themselves"? In only the past few months we have had dogs frozen to death on chains, poor dead starved horses, and now rabbits dead in their cages, dead reptiles in fridges, and a dead kitten in a freezer. And the SPCA had been made FULLY aware of EVERY single one of these counts of neglect and cruelty, for months, and even years, in advance. The SPCA boasts of investigating over 10,000 cruelty complaints last year. Those of us in the trenches know that an "investigation" consists of taking a complainant's name and number, and in the odd case, even doing a drive-by look. Nothing ever happens. The SPCA hand picks a few ripe cases that it thinks it can grandstand for donations via the media with, and reaps the monetary benefits, while often killing the seized. If the SPCA wants to continue on in this dishonest manner and keep making money at it, it ought to at least instruct its witless spokespeople to shut up about the neglect it has known of and allowed to happen, even after the bodies are produced. Dishonest SPCA, its lies made weak by witless staff...all would be worthy of pity were it not for the suffering and death it permits and capitalizes from.
Story:
A pet-shuffling bus will reduce the pet-overpopulation problem? Who are Craig Daniell's handlers? They need to be fired.
Posted By:
AAS At the BC SPCA's AGM on May 29th, CEO Craig Daniell said that shuffling hapless animals from one facility to another would somehow reduce the pet-overpopulation problem. Who are this man's handlers? They need to be fired. The BC SPCA has entered into an agreement with the biggest seller of animals in BC, Petcetera. Petcetera will supply "pet shuffle buses" to move excess animals between SPCA facilities in an attempt by the SPCA to kill fewer by selling more (instead of spending its own money on community spay neuter and laws to regulate breeding and selling). Petcetera sells many types of exotics such as reptiles and amphibians, it sells caged birds, it sells rabbits and other caged rodents. The SPCA publicly claims to disapprove of the keeping of exotics, but Petcetera is providing the buses, so why look a gift horse in the mouth? What does Petcetera get out of this deal? It gets the BC SPCA's stamp of approval and that is wonderful for its business, the business of selling exotics and other caged animals, most of which live and die miserably. It also makes it impossible for the SPCA to actually ask for legislation to prevent the selling of exotics, as it has said it will. In what way does shuffling pets around reduce pet overpopulation? Does Mr Daniell think we all just fell off the turnip truck? This is a crass business deal tarted up to look like a solution to the overriding problem of so many pets that the SPCA kills many thousands a year.
Judge lets Bunny Killer Off with scolding
Posted By:
Carol Sonnex Judge lets bunny killer off with scolding
Paul Walton NANAIMO -- An 18-year-old man who, in a drunken rage, punched a rabbit at the University of Victoria, has been spared a criminal record. Nicholas Campbell, now a second-year student at UVic, pleaded guilty in Nanaimo provincial court Wednesday to causing unnecessary cruelty to an animal in the Feb. 6 incident. He was given an absolute discharge. "After drinking too much . . . Mr. Campbell and another young man came up with the idea of catching a rabbit in a blanket," said defence lawyer Ron Lamperson. The bunny bit Campbell as it was caught, and Campbell punched it. Crown counsel Ron Parsons said the incident came to light when a student crossing the campus about 11:30 p.m. saw Campbell punch the animal. A veterinarian tried to save the rabbit, but it died. An SPCA spokesman said at the time the charge was laid that the rabbit was pregnant. The Crown and defence agreed an absolute discharge was appropriate for Campbell, a young man with an ambition to be a lawyer. Lamperson said "humiliating" publicity about the charge and remorse shown by Campbell should result in the discharge. Parsons said that had the punch immediately killed the rabbit, there would have been no charge. The law on animal cruelty cites "unnecessary suffering" as the required element. A pre-sentence report referred to by Parsons and Lamperson concluded that Campbell has no violent tendencies. Judge Leo Nimsick agreed to the absolute discharge, but scolded Campbell. "It may have seemed innocent at the time, but the rabbit did what rabbits will do," said Nimsick. "What goes around comes around, and I think you've paid for your actions." Campbell, accompanied to court by his parents and grandparents, said nothing during the hearing. The case was heard in Nanaimo as it was more convenient for Campbell, whose lawyer is from that city.
This rabbit was the victim of not one, but two crimes
Posted By:
Sue Collard In Response To: Judge lets Bunny Killer Off with scolding (Carol Sonnex) I can't help but wonder at the logic that suggests "humiliation" is sufficient cause for granting an absolute discharge in an animal cruelty case. This young man presumably chose to get drunk and then chose to punch an innocent animal in retribution for a bite. The fact the rabbit was probably terrorized by being chased down and was reacting in self-defense obviously did not cross his mind. Neither does it seem to have registered much on the horizon of the legal system. Once again, we see the need for a strengthening and clarification of the provisions of the Criminal Code regarding animal cruelty. And once again we see the apparent disregard some U. Vic students have toward rabbits, evidently the animal group that is seen as the victim of choice for those desiring a little blood with their education. What saddens me most is the fact there is a strong probability that this was a dumped former pet whose owners were callous or ill educated enough to not get their pet suitably spayed or neutered and who then threw it out when it became inconvenient. This rabbit was the victim of not one, but two crimes: dumping, and animal cruelty. And in both instances no-one has truly been held accountable. Sue Collard
Drunken teens beat two rabbits to death
Posted By:
Manon Keij
Friday, February 25/05
Two wild rabbits were bludgeoned
to death on January 30/05 in a field off
According to Sinikka Crosland of
Tracs (The Responsible Animal Care
Crosland says the teens had been
drinking liquor and became abusive toward
Description of the suspects:
Crosland has contacted the
police and is asking anyone who may know
Nothing, absolutely nothing, makes this kind of a crime acceptable
Posted By:
Manon Keij In Response To: Drunken teens beat two rabbits to death (Manon Keij) Dear Editor,
While I have recently moved from
Kelowna to Vancouver, I am still interested
The fact that a woman from the
area saw two teenagers with a baseball bat
Teenagers talk to one another,
so it is highly possible that these teens
It takes a lot of despicable
guts to beat some defenseless rabbits to death
And yet, once again, in this
case punishment should fit the crime no matter
A society where crimes such as
these are soon to be forgotten, is a very Manon Keij
"By every act that glorifies or even tolerates such moronic delight..."
Posted By:
Carmina Gooch In Response To: Nothing, absolutely nothing, makes this kind of a crime acceptable (Manon Keij) This is truly a horrific, senseless, and cowardly act perpetrated upon the defenseless. And sadly, in our society there will be no justice for these innocent victims. “Until we have the courage to recognize cruelty for what it is - whether its victim is human or animal – we cannot expect things to be much better in this world…We cannot have peace among men whose hearts delight in killing any living creature. By every act that glorifies or even tolerates such moronic delight in killing we set back the progress of humanity.” Rachel Carson http://www.all-creatures.org/anex/rabbit.html Carmina Gooch
should we really be so surprised? *LINK*
Posted By:
Kim Brower <quinbrow@smartt.com> In Response To: Drunken teens beat two rabbits to death (Manon Keij)
It is disgusting and disturbing
that these rabbits were beaten to death. But is this so different than the way
that most animals are treated in our world? Should we really be so shocked that people think it sporting to smash the life out of rabbits?
Will the SPCA "educate" Petcetera?
Posted By:
Lori Cumiskey In Response To: Is this a case of "do as we say, but not as we do"? (Emma Vandewetering)
I wonder too... I went into
Petcetera recently and saw them selling caged pets with a sign that said, 'we
won't sell animals of different sexes so as to not encourage breeding'...This is
pretty lame as it is still pretty easy to obtain caged animals of different
sexes from different stores. With Easter around the corner, and the hordes of
rabbits that will be bought and them dumped at the SPCA, it reminds me of the
importance of not selling small animals from pet stores.
Clerks and management personnel were insufficiently knowledgeable as to the basic care...
Posted By:
Carmina Gooch In Response To: Will the SPCA "educate" Petcetera? (Lori Cumiskey)
I have been in various Petcetera
stores throughout the lower mainland and have approached staff on numerous
occasions requesting information and advice on the baby rabbits displayed for
sale. For the most part, both clerks and management personnel were
insufficiently knowledgeable as to the basic care, appropriate food, housing
arrangements, veterinary care, the importance of spay and neuter, or the overall
responsibilities and demands associated with pet rabbits. Carmina Gooch
Rabbit rescuer Carmina Gooch questions the sincerity of SPCA/Petcetera relationship to really help rabbits *LINK*
Posted By:
AAS What is the BC SPCA doing to address the plight of rabbits in general, and specifically, those bought as Easter pets? Again this year a predictable ho-hum public service announcement is released "urging the public to refrain from buying rabbits..." but after all this time shouldn't there be more in the way of proactive initiatives? There are increasing colonies of domesticated rabbits discarded to the outdoors and the lucrative pet peddling business is thriving. As the BCSPCA and Petcetera have a continuing relationship/business partnership there would be considerable gains, both in terms of public image, and animal welfare, if the sale of rabbits as well as the other array of live caged animals (prisoners) exploited for profit were terminated. If this is not immediately achievable Petcetera has its own adoption centre called Petcetera Animal Welfare Society that operates in partnership with the BC SPCA. Petcetera founder and President Mr. Dan Urbani has stated that as a "responsible pet retailer Petcetera is committed to helping reduce pet overpopulation" and that it also "works to reduce euthanasia rates by providing adoption for homeless animals." BC SPCA cats and dogs are rehomed through the program, so it is conceivable that if the BC SPCA actively pursues a leadership role in such areas as advocacy and reform, the creation and availability of educational and public awareness programs, the enhancement of humane care standards, and other such initiatives, that rabbits can be included as well. What is questionable is the implementation of the recent pilot project at the Grandview & Rupert store wherein there is the choice between the "adoption" of BC SPCA spayed/neutered adult rescue rabbits for $59.95 each in one corner of the store and the promotion and routine $19.99 “sale” of Petcetera baby and juvenile bunnies in the other large and prominent well-lighted "livestock section." Carmina Gooch
SPCA: "Once again the BC SPCA is urging the public to refrain from buying rabbits..." yet they partner with a business that is doing just the opposite
Posted By:
Carmina Gooch In Response To: An animal in a cage is not a pet - it's a prisoner (AAS) The brutality and suffering associated with the pet business is horrific, and every year about this time rabbits are promoted as Easter gifts. The decision to buy is often an impulse one and the sad reality is that the novelty wears off very quickly. The majority end up neglected, mistreated, unwanted, abandoned, and dead before reaching their first birthday. In the current Petcetera flyer, colourfully displayed on the front page are three baby bunnies sitting amongst Easter eggs. Not only that but a "rabbit starter kit" is advertised on sale and included is a tiny 30"L x 18"W x 16"H cage. "Once again the BC SPCA is urging the public to refrain from buying rabbits..." yet they partner with a business that appears to be doing just the opposite. Carmina Gooch
An animal in a cage is not a pet - it's a prisoner
Posted By:
AAS In Response To: The sugar glider (AAS) Any creature that has to be caged is unsuitlable to be a "pet". They are not companions. And even though some can be conditioned to be held, most do not like to be held. It is despicable of the SPCA to teach children that caged animals are okay to keep as pets, as long as they are treated right. It is despicable of the SPCA to partner with a mass-marketer of caged animals. But...what does it tell you about the SPCA? This issue is just one of dozens that proves what AAS alleges about the SPCA. No matter how anti-animal anything is, if it pays or promotes the SPCA, it's okay with the SPCA.
SPCA: "Once again the BC SPCA is urging the public to refrain from buying rabbits..." yet they partner with a business that is doing just the opposite
Posted By:
Carmina Gooch In Response To: An animal in a cage is not a pet - it's a prisoner (AAS) The brutality and suffering associated with the pet business is horrific, and every year about this time rabbits are promoted as Easter gifts. The decision to buy is often an impulse one and the sad reality is that the novelty wears off very quickly. The majority end up neglected, mistreated, unwanted, abandoned, and dead before reaching their first birthday. In the current Petcetera flyer, colourfully displayed on the front page are three baby bunnies sitting amongst Easter eggs. Not only that but a "rabbit starter kit" is advertised on sale and included is a tiny 30"L x 18"W x 16"H cage. "Once again the BC SPCA is urging the public to refrain from buying rabbits..." yet they partner with a business that appears to be doing just the opposite. Carmina Gooch
The SPCA talks out of both sides of its mouth
Posted By:
Carol Sonnex In Response To: SPCA: "Once again the BC SPCA is urging the public to refrain from buying rabbits..." yet they partner with a business that is doing just the opposite (Carmina Gooch) Head Office of the BC SPCA is urging the public to refrain from buying rabbits. But are the branches? The Victoria Branch of the BC SPCA has many spayed and neutered rabbits available for adoption without any disclaimer on their small animal page to discourage impulse purchases of rabbits. Instead it says: We have many rabbits who have spent a year (or over!) at the shelter. Please come down to the shelter and add a rabbit to your family. At Halloween the SPCA won't sell black cats, so why at Easter do they sell rabbits? Far more people are going to buy rabbits than black cats so this has the appearance of marketing, not animal welfare.
http://www.spca.bc.ca/victoria/
Purchased on Impulse
Posted By:
Carmina Gooch <carminag@shaw.ca> The following depicts the all too true tragic consequences of many thousands of baby rabbits purchased on impulse as an Easter gift. The majority will die after a brief existence of misery,unmourned, unwanted, and unremembered, before reaching their first birthday. It's the cycle from easy acquisition to disposal. Carmina Gooch
Easter & Bunnies
I remember Easter Sunday
I was just a little thing
They would take me out to play
But as days and weeks went by
In the night outside their house
In the dry or rainy weather
Upon the fresh green grass
They used to take me out
Once a cute and cuddly bunny
I don't know what went wrong
But they've brought me to the
pound Poem by Mary Brandolino
Please go and get a (fair trade) chocolate bunny instead!
Posted By:
Lori Cumiskey In Response To: Today, millions of animals will be killed, most of them for meat eaters *LINK* (AAS) Please do not go out and adopt a rabbit unless you thoroughly understand what it takes to take care of one. Especially please do not buy from a pet store. The various lower mainland SPCA's are full of rabbits. Rabbits can live quite a long time. They are not very social and it is not fair to rabbits to keep them in cages. (I have 3 rabbits and they run around a very large area in my laundry room. They require nail clipping monthly as well as fresh vegetables and daily litter box changing).
Easter is a tough time for
rabbits as so many are adopted and then taken into shelters when people find out
they are not social animals and require a large space and a fair amount of care.
SPCA Speaking for Animals - Which animals?
Posted By:
Barbara O'Neill In Response To: Rough times for SPCA (Lavone Zeviar) SPCA Speaking for Animals - Which animals? I read with interest the article on the BCSPCA in today's Vancouver Sun. While I do believe that the BCSPCA has saved many dogs and cats, Mr Daniell out and out lies when he says animals are not euthanized for lack of space. Perhaps, cats and dogs are not - perhaps - but I know for a fact that rabbits certainly are, not at all shelters but at many, the Surrey SPCA being one of the worst. Rabbits are the third most popular pet in North America yet they are constantly overlooked and ignored. They suffer greatly from being sold as babies in pet stores. Already, here in the lower mainland there is becoming a feral rabbit problem due to the fact that these impulse pet store purchases lead to rabbits being thrown out in parks and woodlands to fend for themselves. How can the SPCA, an organization that is supposed to "speak for all animals", work hand in glove and accept money from a big business like Petcetra that is a huge part of the problem when it comes to feral rabbits? How can they cheerfully hand over dogs and cats to be adopted out by people who are selling rabbits and other hapless little animals at the other end of the store? So, Petcetra doesn't sell cats and dogs, goody for them - do the other animals count for nothing? The care sheet they hand out with sold rabbits is nothing more than a shopping list of things to purchase in the store. There is no information on care, feeding, handling and MOST important, spay and neuter. Is this a business that an organization "speaking for animals" should work with? The BCSPCA is in a powerful position to be able to do something about this situation. They could tell Petcetra that their working relationship will come to an end unless they cease the selling of animals in their stores. Petcetra would loose enormous face if they chose to fly in the face of the BCSPCA - not to mention many sales. They already loose sales due to their "selling animals" policy because all animal welfare organizations and their members actively advise friends and followers to boycott this store. Petcetra would probably find that sales would go up if they stopped selling animals. Why won't the BCSPCA flex its muscles and DO SOMETHING for the rabbits and small animals that need their help?
What are the SPCA's "euthanasia" stats for rabbits and all the other unnoticed little "pets"?
Posted By:
Maureen Collins In Response To: Rough times for SPCA (Lavone Zeviar) After reading today's article, "Rough times for the SPCA" I can't help but wonder why there are estimated statistics on euthanasia for cats and dogs but that figures for all other animals aren't mentioned. Are there any? I would also like to point out that there is minimal space allocated for rabbits and small animals in any of the SPCA facilities, and that many owners who tire of their rabbit choose to throw it outdoors or else contact other rescue groups. When will the BC SPCA address this growing problem? Petcetera is planning on opening two more stores in the lower mainland this year, so I would suggest that Mr.Daniell and his organization mobilize themselves into action.
To the BC SPCA Board of Directors: Re: Surrey SPCA --Killing Rabbits for Space
Posted By:
Carmina Gooch
----- Original Message ----- April 3, 2005 To: Ms. Troman, Please read and acknowledge my letter to Mr Daniell and distribute to all the members of the Board of Directors of the BC SPCA. Re: Surrey SPCA --Killing Rabbits for Space I have just had a telephone conversation with a staff member at the Surrey SPCA. I was told that if I was to bring in a couple of stray rabbits they would be held for six days, and after that the likelihood of them being killed was exceedingly high. There is space allocated for only a minimal number, there is virtually no call for rabbits after about six months of age, and yet people constantly turn in their unwanted pet rabbits. To accept and then kill them is not animal welfare. Mr. Daniell, it has been no secret that multitudes of healthy rabbits have, and continue to be killed for lack of space. How can you say otherwise? Feral colonies are increasing, Petcetera and other retailers have an endless supply, and despite growing demands from society that these issues be addressed, rabbits remain overlooked by your organization. Now too, the Youth Program has undergone "restructuring", the previous staff (except one) has been let go, and most volunteers have left. The hours of operation at the centre has been reduced, and after the nine rabbits housed on site at the moment are no longer, there will probably be only "two demonstration animals." Can you please tell me how you are committing to the welfare and advocacy of rabbits? cc: Craig Daniell
Regards,
Question to the BC SPCA Board: how can the SPCA claim to be concerned with the welfare of rabbits when it has a business relationship with Petcetera?
Posted By:
AAS In Response To: To the BC SPCA Board of Directors: Re: Surrey SPCA --Killing Rabbits for Space (Carmina Gooch)
----- Original Message ----- Dear Ms Troman and Members of the BC SPCA Board of Directors, Your BC SPCA entered into a business partnership with Petcetera in 1997. The partnership was revealed as unethical from the very beginning. (Read: http://www.animaladvocates.com/petcetera/) Your BC SPCA continues this business partnership with what is very likely the largest seller of rabbits in BC. At the same time, your BC SPCA urges people to not buy rabbits at Easter, for example. And at the same time, your BC SPCA kills an untold number of rabbits a year. Petceteras are used as free retail outlets for the selling of your dogs and cats. We have many reports of Petcetera staff selling dogs to very unsuitable people, and many reports of staff who are ignorant of dog behaviour and welfare being permitted to sell SPCA dogs. And to the best of our knowledge, there are no home checks made, so SPCA dogs may be being sold to be abused, neglected, kept in yards and on chains. We urge you to discontinue your business partnership with Petcetera. We look forward to your earliest reply,
Judith Stone, President,
I am once again urging you to address the plight of rabbits
Posted By:
Terry Roberge In Response To: Question to the BC SPCA Board: how can the SPCA claim to be concerned with the welfare of rabbits when it has a business relationship with Petcetera? (AAS) Sent: April 3, 2005
From: Terry Roberge Subject: The BC SPCA and Rabbit Welfare I am once again urging you to address the plight of rabbits. The over-population of domestic rabbits leads to other "rescue" groups being overburdened, disease and early death to those abandoned outdoors, unnecessary euthanasia of healthy rabbits by the BC SPCA, and so on. Animal welfare is a priority for all animals, and the BC SPCA is in a position to bring forth change, both municipally and provincially. I look forward to your response, Terry Roberge
Citizens ARE concerned about the fate of rabbits at the BC SPCA
Posted By:
Lana Simon In Response To: To the BC SPCA Board of Directors: Re: Surrey SPCA --Killing Rabbits for Space (Carmina Gooch) April 3rd, 2005
To: Ms. Mary Lou Troman,
President, BCSPCA Dear Ms. Troman: Citizens are concerned about the fate of rabbits at the SPCA Ten days ago, Pacific Animal Foundation (PAF) received a call from a woman about two unfixed rabbits that had been abandoned by a rental tenant in her neighbourhood who had recently moved. The rabbits, (a male and a female), were running loose and living in the woodpile of a neighbouring yard despite dogs and traffic nearby. She asked if PAF would come and rescue the rabbits. Because the woman lived in the City of North Vancouver which has a contract with the SPCA, I asked her if she had called the SPCA for help. She told me she was scared to call the SPCA because she didn't want the rabbits put down and was afraid the SPCA would do just that. Even though Pacific Animal Foundation's main focus is working with feral cats, we agreed to help her. The next day, two PAF volunteers located the rabbits running loose and, after a full hour of effort, captured both bunnies safely. PAF has paid the cost for both rabbits to be fixed and they are now in the care of a volunteer from Vancouver Rabbit Rescue & Advocacy. www.vrra.org . Because the two rabbits are obviously bonded, they will be adopted together. It is a sad state of affairs when an ordinary citizen is afraid to call the SPCA on an animal related matter. Also, as a North Vancouver City taxpayer, a portion of her taxes go to pay the SPCA for just this type of assistance and she should have a right to feel confident about the care an animal receives. It is a small, volunteer organization that ended up helping her and paying the medical bills. PAF can supply the name and telephone number of the woman if the SPCA would like to confirm the above details. Yes, there are far too many rabbits for adoption so, what should the SPCA do about it? An effort must be made to curb back yard breeders by enacting stringent health and breeding guidelines; ban the sale of rabbits in BC pet stores; fix all rabbits that enter the SPCA system prior to adoption; do appropriate screening of potential homes so that rabbit care and behaviour is totally understood; and introduce an education program to enlighten the public that rabbits are not "starter pets" and can be a 10 year commitment. I look forward to a reply. See photos: www.pacificanimal.org/adoption/resrab.htm
Sincerely,
Petcetera should not be telling their customers only what they want to hear in order to make a sale
Posted By:
Jen Myhre In Response To: The SPCA, Petcetera, and rabbits (Carmina Gooch) Five 1/2 years ago a friend took me to Petcetera in Kamloops to buy me a rabbit for my birthday. We viewed many and my heart was set on a female dwarf bunny...or so I was told. We purchased "her" for $29.95. As a little time went on I gave "her" her first bath only to find she was a he! This can be a big deal to some as males have a tendancy to spray and be somewhat more aggressive than females. I contacted Petcetera about this mix-up and they simply told me that it is hard to tell. I had already grown to love him (Taz), so I let it go. Although, as time passed on Taz, this supposed dwarf bunny kept growing! He is 6 yrs now and the size of a large house cat. He is very loved, has never had a cage, litter trained and enjoys running a muck outside,as well as inside. I am very happy he is a part of my life but what would've happened to him had he gone to another home with someone who wanted a female dwarf and nothing else? Petcetera should not be telling their customers only what they want to hear in order to make a sale, these animals lives and welfare are at stake. Jen
I ask that the revenues you have be spent on what the donors expect, the animals.
Posted By:
Terry Roberge In Response To: Lawyers don't need the money as much as animals do! I know, my husband is a lawyer (M. Thomas) BC SPCA Board Members, I am appalled by the BC SPCA's actions in both instigating and pursuing this lawsuit against the Animal Advocates Society, in the vain hopes of silencing them.
We are constantly reminded of
the limited resources of this organization when asking for improvements that
would directly benefit the animals in its custody, yet there appears to be no
shortage of funds for this undertaking. So, I ask that the revenues you have be spent on what the donors expect, the animals.
Sincerely,
While focus is put on the inadequate cages no mention is made of the 10 excellent cages in the rabbit room *PIC*
Posted By:
Olga Betts, Vancouver Rabbit Rescue <hopalong@mac.com> In Response To: The SPCA, the Five Freedoms and Rabbits *LINK* *PIC* (Carmina Gooch, Rabbit Rescue) I read with interest the posting about rabbits at the Vancouver SPCA. I volunteer there with the rabbits almost every day. It's true that 12 of the cages are inadequate. These cages were donated and were put in use as a temporary measure so that the shelter could take in and adopt out more rabbits. While focus is put on the inadequate cages no mention is made of the 10 excellent cages in the rabbit room. (See photo.) Bigger bunnies and pairs of rabbits are always put in these cages. As they become available rabbits are rotated from the smaller cages to the larger ones. It's true that the bunnies do not get enough exercise. Neither do the cats, dogs and hamsters. It is a fact of shelter life that is difficult to avoid unless one has the luxury of land around the shelter where runs can be built. That said the volunteers make sure that each rabbit gets as much time possible for a run around. They also get excellent care with lots of love, good quality hay and fresh greens every day. I do not feel that any of the rabbits are suffering unduly and all are better off than being in a home where they are not wanted or out in the woods or park where they were rescued. It is well known by SPCA staff that the small cages are inadequate. A fund raiser is being organized this summer so that new cages can be provided. If any of you concerned with the rabbits health would like to help with this please contact me. I wish it were a perfect world but we do what we can.
Olga Betts
What kind of advocacy is that...sounds like she is an advocate for the SPCA
Posted By:
Michelle Rankin In Response To: While focus is put on the inadequate cages no mention is made of the 10 excellent cages in the rabbit room *PIC* (Olga Betts, Vancouver Rabbit Rescue) Olga Betts advocates keeping rabbits in cages and selling them to people who will keep them in cages? What kind of advocacy is that...sounds like she is an advocate for the SPCA. Those cages look to be about 12 cu ft and some have 2 rabbits in them, and she admits that they don't get out much and that the only reason they do get out is if volunteers come in. Sounds like a hell of a deal for the SPCA to me. They get to stop killing all the rabbits and get to sell them instead. What if the volunteers stop coming in Olga? God help the rabbits if this is their advocate. She thinks she is speaking for rabbits when she says they prefer a life in a cage to freedom. Olga, I know rabbits that can think more clearly than that.
I wish to make several comments with respect to the posting by VRRA President, Olga Betts
Posted By:
Sue Collard, Past President, VRRA In Response To: While focus is put on the inadequate cages no mention is made of the 10 excellent cages in the rabbit room *PIC* (Olga Betts, Vancouver Rabbit Rescue) I wish to make several comments with respect to the posting by VRRA President, Olga Betts. -If the cages are known by SPCA management to be inadequate why were they installed in the first place? -Given the SPCA's budget and donations one would think money could be allocated for cages. Within the past year VRRA estimated the cost for supplies for building cages to be only about $1000 - $1500. This caging has been an issue of concern since they were introduced November 2004. -In addition to fundraising for the Vancouver SPCA shouldn't Canada's only House Rabbit Society chapter, Vancouver Rabbit Rescue & Advocacy, be encouraging the SPCA to improve rabbit welfare conditions throughout its operations? -What attempts have been made to establish adequate run time and space for rabbits? Would the results of an audit of the available space at SPCA shelters indicate when and where rabbits could have adequate room to exercise? Has the SPCA considered a communal room such as the one that has been established at the North Vancouver District Animal Shelter for the past three years? Necessity forces pragmatic compromise but compromise should not be allowed to become the status quo.
Sue Collard
How about some creative solutions for rabbit care? *PIC*
Posted By:
Lana Simon In Response To: I wish to make several comments with respect to the posting by VRRA President, Olga Betts (Sue Collard, Past President, VRRA) Regarding the issues of cage size and exercise for rabbits: From the BC SPCA’s own website under the “Care of Rabbits” section: “The amount of space your rabbit will need depends on the size and breed of your rabbit - the more space the better. Your rabbit’s hutch should be not less than 4 feet long by 3 feet wide by 2 feet high, raised above the ground. About 18" at one end should be boarded in for a sleeping room, with an opening large enough for the rabbit to go back and forth to the living and eating area. The living and eating area should have a full wire mesh front, with a door to open for feeding and cleaning with a strong latch to prevent dogs, cats and wild animals from getting in. Remember that a rabbit needs time out of his cage/hutch for exercise every day.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the website of Susan A.
Brown, DVM, on humane requirements for housing rabbits:
“ENVIRONMENT
Cage To confine a rabbit to a cage exclusively can cause several problems: •Obesity – caused most often by a diet too high in calories coupled with a lack of exercise •Pododermatitis – Inflammation of the feet caused by sitting in a damp or dirty environment •Poor bone density - Rabbits that are continually confined to a small cage can exhibit marked thinning of the bones which may lead to more easily broken bones when handling •Poor muscle tone - If the rabbit can’t exercise, the muscles, including the heart, will be underdeveloped and weak •Gastrointestinal and urinary function - A rabbit that sits all day in the cage with little exercise can develop abnormal elimination habits •Behavioral problems - Continually caged rabbits can exhibit a wide range of abnormal behaviors including lethargy, aggression, continual chewing of the cage bars, chewing fur (obsessive grooming), and destruction of the entire contents of the cage. _______________________________________________________
From the website of Anna
Meredith MA VetMB CertLAS MRCVS, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and
Lance Jepson MA VetMB CBiol MIBiol MRCVS, University of Liverpool Small Animal
Hospital: "Great care must be taken when handling rabbits. Osteoperosis is often present due to lack of exercise and low calcium intake, and a kick from the powerful hind legs can result in lumbar vertebral fractures (usually L6/L7). " "Hutches should always be as large as possible, with at the very least sufficient room to fully stretch up on the hind limbs and stretch out. If confined to the hutch for long periods of time the rabbit should be able to perform at least three "hops" from one end to the other."
“An exercise area must always be
provided in addition to hutch accommodation. This can be in the form of a mobile
run or ark or a permanently fenced area of grass.” In looking at the photo with rows of cages at the Vancouver SPCA, I wonder why a different set up couldn’t be arranged for housing the rabbits? Many could be housed together and thereby provide them with more mobility, exercise room and social interaction. What is the “exercise protocol” for the rabbits housed at the BC SPCA ? Can someone tell me? There must be written instructions in a care manual for staff.
Lana Simon, Director Multi-rabbits pen
While they may not be "suffering unduly" this does not justify an organization that "speaks for the animals" using this type of "housing" *PIC*
Posted By:
Carmina Gooch, Rabbit Rescuer and Advocate In Response To: While focus is put on the inadequate cages no mention is made of the 10 excellent cages in the rabbit room *PIC* (Olga Betts, Vancouver Rabbit Rescue) The white tag on the cage says: Not feeling well. Please DO NOT pet. Thanks We are well aware that several different sizes of cages are used to accommodate the rabbits but the lab cages are the ones of most concern. They allow for minimal movement only and as these rabbits are confined for indefinite periods of times this can lead to stress and illness. While they may not be "suffering unduly" this does not justify an organization that is supposed to "speak for the animals" using this type of "housing".
Nor should it be the volunteers
who provide the hay and fresh greens, at their own expense.
Carmina Gooch
Rabbit rescue network fears many rabbits to be killed at SPCA
Posted By:
AAS
From the Brindleweb messageboard
http://www.brindleweb.com/rescuebb/:
"Rabbit Hutch"
Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 11:53 pm Post subject: Rabbits to be put to sleep. We need help to place 12-14 ASAP..... I know no one is into bunnies but I can't bear the thought of which ones will be picked to die. If you can help, we'd really appreciate it.
"Karen H"
Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 7:36 pm
"Simone"
Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 6:17 pm
Again, it is the little groups that do real animal welfare
Posted By:
Carmina Gooch In Response To: Rabbit rescue network fears many rabbits to be killed at SPCA (AAS) I'd say that the SPCA gives less than adequate consideration to the welfare of pet rabbits and rodents. At the branches where they actually have rabbits the al |