Rabbits being given as prizes at the fair

I am going crazy here because I can't find any information on anything!!

Okay, back story. A lady contacted one of the local (Columbus, OH) rabbit rescues. A rescue that isn't even open yet but whatever. I am a member of that group. The lady stated she had a rabbit she got as a prize at the fair and didn't want it anymore. The lady tried to set up a time/place to get the rabbit. Well, I guess the lady called back and stated she dropped it off at the humane society, which I am also a volunteer at. I know from volunteering there, that there is 20 rabbits on the waiting list for surrender. So, if this lady really did drop her rabbit off there, it was probably put to sleep since she wouldn't wait for her turn on the waiting list. I guess due to "pride" the lady didn't want to meet with the previous person to surrender the rabbit to an organization that wouldn't have put it to sleep.

I don't think there is much that can be done to save the rabbit. I am trying to find out more information so I can see what I can find out next time I volunteer at the humane society to see if the rabbit is there.

But it brings up a big issue. Is our local fairs giving away rabbits as prizes? If so, why are we just now hearing about it. Well, I can't answer those questions because I can't find any information on the interent about the laws of live animal sales. We have two big fairs, one in Columbus, Ohio and one in Hilliard, Ohio. I imagine the lady obtained the rabbit from one of those, she won't say. So now it has become an issue for me to figure out if these fairs are allowed to give live animals away as prizes. BUt I have looked EVERYWHERE for almost 2 hours and can't find anything. Does anyone know how to find if you city (it would either be Columbus or Hilliard, Ohio) has an ordinance against live animals as prizes. I have emailed both of the fair places, but I doubt they will email me back. If this is going on, we need to know so we can attempt to put a stop to it. But I can't find anything! If anyone could help or knows where to look I would appreciate it.

This is the fair information again:

Ohio State Fair Columbus, Ohio

Franklin County Fair Hilliard, Ohio

ETA: These are both in Franklin County. But from what I have found for other places, it is a city ordinance.

there is a law that states wether animals can be given away as prizes ..i looked this up before when i saw a carnival with bunnies as prizes..i made such a big to do over them i got escorted out of the carnival...........i looked up my state Arizona and yes they can be given away ...grrr...but alot of states dont allow it...ill try and find the list for u .its been awhile..but ill find it.

wtf!! thats not right!! how bout we give their kids away as prizes then let them find out that they have been brought to the CAS for adoption cause people didnt want them!!! GRRR!!!!

Thanks Lisa. I really appreciate it. I have looked for the law and can't find it. Which makes me think there isn't one. I guess I just can't figure out how to know for sure before I make a big deal out of this. I have emailed the Ohio Dept of Agriculture (I was told if there was a law, it would be through them) along with the fairs. I also emailed PETA just to see if they could help me determine if there is a law or not.

I really believe if there isn't one, the rabbit lovers in this area can really work together to fight for one. At least I hope we can. But I need to know the facts first.

Shadow, I so understand your frustration. This rabbit has most likely been put to sleep because of this. Then you think about a rabbit beening kept at a fair in the hot weather just taken home by anyone. What the heck are these people thinking?!?! I can tell you, if I find out this is true, those people will have a fight on there hands. There are a lot of Columbus rabbit lovers and we will fight live animals of any kind being sold as prizes.

OMG! This is a response I just received from a local fair I emailed.
Amy

All games of chance or skill at county fairs are contollered and licensed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. All aspects of the games are subject to their control including prizes. The Ohio Department of Agriculture does allow live animals as prizes but with strict restrictions.

All proze animals must be certified by a Vet to be in good health
All animals must be treated and housed humanely and have ample correct food and water shade etc.
The Dept of Ag strictly monitors.
Animals can not be given to a minor under any circumstances.
Animal must be given to winner along with a complete set of directions for care and management.

We had a vendor that gave out a few live small mini rabbits under these rules 2010.

We at the fairboard have pledges to take any rabbit (and find it a good home) where some one won it and later decided it was not suitable for them
(far more than any pet store does).

We have had only one to two complaints a year and have many happy stories and happy rbbit owners. A PETA representative looked at the game in 2010 and although they said they still did not like it , the animals appeared healthier than at most pet stores and noted that most pet stores would sell to a minor, they further were impressed with the care instructions.

Hope this answers your question.

Tim Shade


They are giving rabbits as prizes. WTH!!! I really can't believe this. I don't know what to do. I don't know who to write. Sorry for sounding stupid, but does anyone know who we should contact regarding being upset with this situation. If it is the Dept of Agriculture, should would contact them? I am not sure how to get this changed. But I do know if I fiugre out how, I have lots of people to back me up.

Amy27 wrote:

I have emailed the Ohio Dept of Agriculture (I was told if there was a law, it would be through them) along with the fairs. I also emailed PETA just to see if they could help me determine if there is a law or not.

Click to expand...

Oh gosh, please don't get PETA involved with anything relating to the agriculture of your state. That's a whole other issue so I won't bring it up in this post, but my point is-

I would suggest contacting the fair board as well as the Department of Ag for your state. Compose a positive letter stating your concerns with giving rabbits away as prizes. It's very important to stay positive and motivational because the second the letter gets nasty or confrontational, it will be thrown in the trash and not even considered. On that note, I do suggest that it be a real, mailed piece of paper rather than e-mail. It holds a little more weight that way.

Print copies of the letter or e-mail them to friends and encourage others in your state to mail the same letter off to the fair board and Dept. of Ag as well. The more people banding together, the bigger difference you will make.

Good luck.

Or- worst case scenario, perhaps you can print a flyer of rabbit information for the fair board that they could print and make available to those winning rabbits.

Information makes a huge difference!

Julie, I really want to stay positive and on the subject. I emailed PETA because I was afraid I wouldn't get my answer, now that I have. I will be getting local people together to.....well I am not sure yet. Whatever we need to do to get this law changed.

I second not getting PETA involved. They're bad news, of a plethora of reasons.

That's horrid, giving away rabbits as prizes. Iguanas have been a big issue in our state. Iguanas being a hugely misunderstood, abused, and surrendered pet in general. People don't realize what it takes to have one. Almost all of them die, and the iguana rescue is beyond full.

Gah. Whatever happened to just giving out fish? That's bad enough as is.

I'm not surprised, I went to the Ohio Bird Fair here in Cincinnati a few years ago and they were giving birds as door-prizes. They were giving away a pair of Sun Conures - very noisy birds. I love birds, but would never own Sun Conures, they are very noisy, especially for their small size. I can't imagine what happened to those birds if non-bird savy people won. I have not gone back to the Bird Fair since. Animals are not prizes.

I even feel sorry for the poor fish at carnivals.

I agree that that animals are terrible prizes. It is just asking for trouble, and you know on top of that most of the parents must really hate it. I think a stuffed rabbit would be just as enticing to childern and much better suited.

That being said I was impressed by the level of regulation on how the animals were cared for. I hope that is really followed through with. It was nice that they would take rabbits back if their homes did not want them and they provided care sheets. That is WAY more than pet stores do. Just saying, at least that can be a small bright spot.

I'm sorry about the size of this post. If a fair or carnival gives away warm blooded animals they have to have a USDA permit. Currently we have 27 states that have laws on the books for this. These states are:
ALABAMA

[align=left]Code of Ala. § 3-1-15 (2003)[/align] [align=left]§ 3-1-15. Rabbits and chicks, ducklings, or other fowl; sale, etc., as pets or novelties[/align]
[align=left]Code of Ala. § 3-1-15 (2003)[/align] [align=left]§ 3-1-15. Rabbits and chicks, ducklings, or other fowl; sale, etc., as pets or novelties[/align] [align=left]It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to display, sell, offer for sale, barter or give away[/align] [align=left]any baby rabbits, or baby chicks, ducklings or other fowl, but not including parrots, parakeets and[/align] [align=left]canaries, as pets or novelties, regardless of whether or not such rabbits or fowl are dyed, colored or[/align] [align=left]otherwise artificially treated. Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon[/align] [align=left]conviction thereof, shall be punished as prescribed by law.[/align] [align=left]ARKANSAS[/align] [align=left]Ark. Stat. Ann. § 5-62-121 (2003)[/align] [align=left]§ 5-62-121. Transfer of certain chicks, ducklings, or rabbits[/align] [align=left](a) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to sell or offer for sale, barter, or give away[/align] [align=left]living baby chicks, rabbits, or ducklings under two (2) months of age in any quantity less than six (6). (b) It[/align] [align=left]shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to sell, offer for sale, barter, give away[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]or display[/align] [align=left]living baby chicks, rabbits, or ducklings which have been dyed, colored, or otherwise treated so as to[/align] [align=left]impart to them an artificial color. (c) This section shall not be construed to prohibit the sale or display of[/align] [align=left]natural baby chicks, rabbits, or ducklings in proper brooder facilities by hatcheries or stores engaged in[/align] [align=left]the business of selling them for commercial purposes. (d) Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of[/align] [align=left]the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be deemed guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. (e)[/align] [align=left]Nothing in this section shall prohibit growers of living baby chicks, rabbits, ducklings, or other fowl from[/align] [align=left]selling or making gifts thereof in quantities they deem appropriate.[/align] [align=left]CALIFORNIA[/align] [align=left]Cal Pen Code § 599 (2003)[/align] [align=left]§ 599. Commercial use of rabbits[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]chicks, ducklings, or other fowl.[/align] [align=left]Every person is guilty of a misdemeanor who (a) Sells or gives away, any live chicks, rabbits[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]ducklings,[/align] [align=left]or other fowl as a prize for, or as an inducement to enter, any contest, game or other competition or as an[/align] [align=left]inducement to enter a place of amusement or place of business; or (b) Dyes or otherwise artificially[/align] [align=left]colors any live chicks, rabbits[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]ducklings or other fowl, or sells, offers for sale, or gives away any live[/align] [align=left]chicks, rabbits[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]ducklings, or other fowl which has been dyed or artificially colored; or (c) Maintains or[/align] [align=left]possesses any live chicks, rabbits[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]ducklings, or other fowl for the purpose of sale or display without[/align] [align=left]adequate facilities for supplying food, water and temperature control needed to maintain the health of[/align] [align=left]such fowl or rabbit[/align] [align=left][/align] ;
[align=left]or (d) Sells, offers for sale, barters, or for commercial purposes gives away, any live[/align] [align=left]chicks, rabbits[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]ducklings, or other fowl on any street or highway. This section shall not be construed to[/align] [align=left]prohibit established hatchery management procedures or the display, or sale of natural chicks, rabbits[/align] [align=left][/align] [align=left],[/align] [align=left]ducklings, or other fowl in proper facilities by dealers, hatcheries, poultrymen, or stores regularly engaged[/align] [align=left]in the business of selling the same.[/align] [align=left]CONNECTICUT[/align] [align=left]Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53-250 (2003)[/align] [align=left]Sec. 53-250. Use of animals, reptiles and birds.[/align] [align=left]Any person who uses any animal[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]reptile or bird for the purpose of soliciting any alms, collection,[/align] [align=left]contribution, subscription, donation or payment of money, or uses any animal or bird as a prize or award[/align] [align=left]in the operation of any game or device, or exhibits any wild animal in connection with any business for the[/align] [align=left]purpose of attracting trade upon any street, highway or public park or at any fair, exhibition or place of[/align] [align=left]amusement, recreation or entertainment, or owns, keeps or has in his custody any animal[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]reptile or bird[/align] [align=left]for any such purpose, shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty[/align] [align=left]days or both, but no provision of this section shall be construed so as to apply to the exhibition of any[/align] [align=left]animal[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]reptile or bird by any educational institution or in a zoological garden or in connection with any[/align] [align=left]theatrical exhibition or circus or to the use of any animal in a cow-chip raffle.[/align] [align=left]Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53-249a (2003)[/align] [align=left]Sec. 53-249a. Sale of dyed fowl or rabbits.[/align] [align=left]Any person who sells or offers for sale at retail or gives away[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]living chickens, ducklings, other fowl or[/align] [align=left]rabbits, which have been dyed, colored or otherwise treated so as to import to them an artificial color,[/align] [align=left]shall be fined not more than one hundred and fifty dollars.[/align] [align=left]FLORIDA[/align] [align=left]Fla. Stat. § 828.161 (2002)[/align] [align=left]828.161 Prohibiting artificial coloring and sale of certain animals and fowls; construction.[/align] [align=left](1) It is unlawful for any person to dye or color artificially any animal or fowl, including but not limited to[/align] [align=left]rabbits, baby chickens, and ducklings, or to bring any dyed or colored animal or fowl into this state. (2) It[/align] [align=left]is unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale, or give away as merchandising premiums, baby chickens,[/align] [align=left]ducklings, or other fowl under 4 weeks of age or rabbits under 2 months of age to be used as pets, toys[/align] [align=left]or retail premiums. (3) This section shall not be construed to apply to any animal or fowl, including but not[/align] [align=left]limited to rabbits, baby chickens, and ducklings to be used or raised for agricultural purposes by persons[/align] [align=left]with proper facilities to care for them or for poultry or livestock exhibitions. (4) Any person violating the[/align] [align=left]provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree,[/align] [align=left]punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.[/align] [align=left]ILLINOIS[/align] [align=left]§ 510 ILCS 70/4. (2003)[/align] [align=left]§ 510 ILCS 70/4. Prohibited acts[/align] [align=left]Sec. 4. Prohibited acts. No person may sell, offer for sale, barter, or give away as a pet or a novelty any[/align] [align=left]rabbit or any baby chick, duckling or other fowl which has been dyed, colored, or otherwise treated to[/align] [align=left]impart an artificial color thereto. Baby chicks or ducklings shall not be sold, offered for sale, bartered, or[/align] [align=left]given away as pets or novelties. Rabbits, ducklings or baby chicks shall not be awarded as prizes. A[/align] [align=left]person convicted of violating this Section is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. A second or subsequent[/align] [align=left]violation is a Class 4 felony, with every day that a violation continues constituting a separate offense.[/align] [align=left]IOWA[/align] [align=left]H.F. 2480 (passed 2004)[/align] [align=left]717E.2 PET AWARDS PROHIBITED.[/align] [align=left]A person is guilty of a simple misdemeanor if the person awards a pet or advertises that a pet may be[/align] [align=left]awarded as any of the following: 1. A prize for participating in a game. 2. A prize for participating in a[/align] [align=left]fair event. 3. An inducement or condition for visiting a place of business or attending an event[/align] [align=left]sponsored by a business. 4. An inducement or condition for executing a contract[/align] [align=left]which includes provisions unrelated to the ownership, care, or disposition of the pet.[/align] [align=left]717E.3 EXCEPTIONS.[/align] [align=left][/align] [align=left]This chapter shall not apply to any of the following: 1. A pet shop licensed[/align] [align=left]pursuant to section 162.5 if the award of a pet is provided in connection with the sale of a pet on the[/align] [align=left]premises of the pet shop. 2. Youth programs associated with 4=H clubs; future farmers of America; the[/align] [align=left]Izaak Walton league of America; or organizations associated with outdoor recreation, hunting, or[/align] [align=left]fishing including but not limited to the Iowa sportsmen's federation.[/align] [align=left]KANSAS[/align] [align=left]K.S.A. § 21-4312 (2002)[/align] [align=left]21-4312. Unlawful disposition of animals.[/align] [align=left](1) Unlawful disposition of animals is raffling, giving as a prize or premium or using as an advertising[/align] [align=left]device or promotional display living rabbits or chickens, ducklings or goslings, but shall not include the[/align] [align=left]giving of such animals to minors for use in agricultural projects under the supervision of commonly[/align] [align=left]recognized youth farm organizations. (2) Unlawful disposition of animals is a class C misdemeanor.[/align] [align=left]KENTUCKY[/align] [align=left]KRS § 436.600 (2002)[/align] [align=left]§ 436.600. Dyeing or selling dyed baby chicks, rabbits, etc[/align] [align=left]No person shall sell, exchange, offer to sell or exchange, display or possess living baby chicks, ducklings[/align] [align=left]or other fowl or rabbits which have been dyed or colored; nor dye or color any baby chicks, ducklings or[/align] [align=left]other fowl or rabbits; nor sell, exchange, offer to sell or exchange or to give away baby chicks, ducklings[/align] [align=left]or other fowl or rabbits, under two (2) months of age in any quantity less than six (6), except that any[/align] [align=left]rabbit weighing three (3) pounds or more may be sold at an age of six (6) weeks. Any person who[/align] [align=left]violates this section shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500.[/align] [align=left]MAINE[/align] [align=left]7 M.R.S. § 3972 (2003)[/align] [align=left]§ 3972. Unlawful use of animals[/align] [align=left]1. UNLAWFUL USE OF ANIMALS[/align] [align=left][/align] .
[align=left]It is unlawful for any person to: A. Sell, display, raffle, give away or[/align] [align=left]offer for sale within the State any live animals that have been dyed or otherwise artificially colored; B.[/align] [align=left]Sell, display, raffle, give away or offer for sale to the public any live fowl, turtles or rabbits under 8 weeks[/align] [align=left]of age in lots of less than 6; C. Use any live animal as a premium, fund-raising device, prize or award or[/align] [align=left]use any live animal in a raffle, contest, game or promotion except as authorized by law or rule; D. Use any[/align] [align=left]live animal as bait in any racing contest or in the training of animals for racing contests; 2. VIOLATION.[/align] [align=left]Any person who makes unlawful use of animals contrary to this section commits a civil violation for which[/align] [align=left]a forfeiture not to exceed $ 100 may be adjudged. For the purposes of this section, "animal[/align] [align=left][/align] "
[align=left]does not[/align] [align=left]include lobsters or shellfish. 3. CONSTRUCTION. Nothing in this section may be construed to apply to[/align] [align=left]any animal to be used or raised for agriculture, aquaculture or fishing, to any dog to be used or raised for[/align] [align=left]hunting or exhibition purposes, by persons with proper facilities otherwise authorized by law, or to games[/align] [align=left]using animals in which the participating animal is not caused, directly or indirectly, to perform any act that[/align] [align=left]deviates from the animal[/align] [align=left][/align] 's
[align=left]natural behavior provided that the game is conducted by an educational or[/align] [align=left]cultural institution or other nonprofit service organization. 4. EXCEPTION. Notwithstanding subsection 1,[/align] [align=left]paragraph C, livestock may be raffled by charitable organizations licensed under Title 17, section 332,[/align] [align=left]subsection 6 for fund-raising purposes. For the purposes of this section, "charitable organization" has the[/align] [align=left]same meaning as defined in Title 9, section 5003, subsection 1. Proceeds from a raffle under this[/align] [align=left]subsection must be used for charitable purposes. The animal must be awarded in freezer-ready form.[/align] [align=left]MARYLAND[/align] [align=left]Md. CRIMINAL LAW Code Ann. § 10-610 (2002)[/align] [align=left]§ 10-610. Animal as prize[/align] [align=left](b) Prohibited. -- Without the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture, a person may not give away a live[/align] [align=left]animal as: (1) a prize for, or inducement to enter, a contest, game, or other competition; (2) an[/align] [align=left]inducement to enter a place of amusement; or (3) an incentive to make a business agreement if the offer[/align] [align=left]is to attract trade. (c) Penalty. -- A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on[/align] [align=left]conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $ 500.[/align] [align=left]Md. CRIMINAL LAW Code Ann. § 10-614 (2002)[/align] [align=left]§ 10-614. Transfer or coloring of chick[/align] [align=left](a) "Chick" defined. -- In this section, "chick" means a chicken, duckling, or other fowl under the age of 3[/align] [align=left]weeks. (b) Exception. -- This section does not prohibit the sale or display of a chick in proper facilities by[/align] [align=left]a breeder or store engaged in the business of selling chicks for commercial breeding and raising.[/align] [align=left](c) Prohibited. -- A person may not: (1) sell, offer for sale, barter, or give away a chick as a pet, toy,[/align] [align=left]premium, or novelty; or (2) color, dye, stain, or otherwise change the natural color of a chick. (d) Penalty. -[/align] [align=left]- A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not[/align] [align=left]exceeding $ 25.[/align] [align=left]MASSACHUSETTS[/align] [align=left]Mass. Ann. Laws ch. 272, § 80F (2003)[/align] [align=left]§ 80F. Animals May Not Be Offered As Prizes[/align] [align=left][/align] [align=left].[/align] [align=left]No person shall offer or give away any live animal as a prize or an award in a game, contest or[/align] [align=left]tournament involving skill or chance. The provisions of this section shall not apply to awards made to[/align] [align=left]persons participating in programs relating to animal husbandry. Whoever violates the provisions of this[/align] [align=left]section shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars.[/align] [align=left]Mass. Ann. Laws ch. 272, § 80D (2003)[/align] [align=left]§ 80D. Retail Sales of Baby Chicks, Ducklings, Rabbits, etc.[/align] [align=left]No person shall sell, offer for sale, barter or give away as premiums living baby chickens, ducklings or[/align] [align=left]other fowl under two months of age. No person shall sell, offer for sale, barter, display or give away living[/align] [align=left]rabbits, chickens, ducklings or other fowl which have been dyed, colored or otherwise treated so as to[/align] [align=left]impart to them an artificial color. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the sale or display[/align] [align=left]of baby chickens, ducklings or other fowl under two months of age by breeders or stores engaged in the[/align] [align=left]business of selling for purposes of commercial breeding and raising; provided, however, that prior to[/align] [align=left]May first in any year, such ducklings may be sold or purchased only in quantities of twenty-four or more.[/align] [align=left]This section shall not prohibit, however, the sale or donation of such chickens, ducklings or fowl to[/align] [align=left]schools for use in classroom instruction. Whoever violates the provisions of this section shall be punished[/align] [align=left]by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars.[/align] [align=left]MINNESOTA[/align] [align=left]Minn. Stat. § 343.32 (2002)[/align] [align=left]343.32 Artificially colored animals[/align] [align=left][/align] ;
[align=left]sale[/align] [align=left]No chick, duckling, gosling, or rabbit that has been dyed or otherwise colored artificially may be sold or[/align] [align=left]offered for sale; raffled; offered or given as a prize[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]premium, or advertising device; or displayed in any[/align] [align=left]store, shop, carnival, or other public place.[/align] [align=left]Minn. Stat. § 343.33 (2002)[/align] [align=left]343.33 Use as advertising devices[/align] [align=left]Chicks, ducklings, and goslings younger than four weeks of age shall not be sold or offered for sale;[/align] [align=left]raffled; or offered or given as a prize[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]premium, or advertising device, in quantity of fewer than 12 birds to[/align] [align=left]an individual person unless sold by a person, firm, partnership or corporation engaged in the business of[/align] [align=left]selling chicks, ducklings, and goslings for agricultural or wildlife purposes.[/align] [align=left]Minn. Stat. § 343.34 (2002)[/align] [align=left]343.34 Care of animals used as advertising devices[/align] [align=left]Stores, shops, vendors, and others offering chicks, ducklings, or goslings for sale; raffle; or as a prize[/align] [align=left][/align] [align=left],[/align] [align=left]premium, or advertising device; or displaying chicks, ducklings, or goslings to the public; shall provide[/align] [align=left]and operate brooders or other heating devices that may be necessary to maintain the chicks, ducklings,[/align] [align=left]or goslings in good health, and shall keep adequate food and water available to the birds at all times.[/align] [align=left]MONTANA[/align] [align=left]Mont. Code Anno., § 81-8-401 (2002)[/align] [align=left]81-8-401 Certain dealings in baby animals unlawful.[/align] [align=left](1) Except as provided in subsection (2), it is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to: (a) sell, offer[/align] [align=left]for sale, barter, or give away for commercial purposes baby chickens, ducklings, or other fowl, under 3[/align] [align=left]weeks of age, or rabbits under 2 months of age, as pets, toys, premiums, or novelties; (b) color, dye,[/align] [align=left]stain, or otherwise change the natural color of baby chickens, ducklings, or other fowl or rabbits; or (c)[/align] [align=left]bring or transport the same into the state. (2) This section shall not be construed to prohibit the sale,[/align] [align=left]dyeing, staining, or otherwise changing of the natural color, or display of such baby chickens, ducklings,[/align] [align=left]or other fowl or such rabbits in proper facilities by breeders or stores engaged in the business of selling[/align] [align=left]for purposes of breeding and raising.[/align] [align=left]NEW HAMPSHIRE[/align] [align=left]RSA 437:14 (2002)[/align] [align=left]§ 437:14. Artificial Coloring[/align] [align=left][/align] [align=left]No chick, duckling, gosling, or rabbit that has been dyed or otherwise[/align] [align=left]colored artificially shall be sold or offered for sale; raffled; offered or given as a prize[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]premium, or[/align] [align=left]advertising device; or displayed in any store, shop, carnival, or other public place.[/align] [align=left]RSA 437:15 (2002)[/align] [align=left]§ 437:15. Sale or Gift of Small Quantities[/align] [align=left][/align] [align=left]Chicks, ducklings, goslings, and rabbits younger than 4[/align] [align=left]weeks of age shall not be sold or offered for sale; raffled; or offered or given as a prize[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]premium, or[/align] [align=left]advertising device, in quantity of less than 12 birds or animals to an individual person.[/align] [align=left]RSA 437:16 (2002)[/align] [align=left]§ 437:16. Conditions of Keeping and Display[/align] [align=left]Stores, shops, vendors, and others offering chicks, ducklings, goslings, or rabbits younger than 4 weeks[/align] [align=left]of age for sale, raffle, or as a prize[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]premium, or advertising device, or displaying chicks, ducklings,[/align] [align=left]goslings, or rabbits to the public, shall provide and operate brooders or other heating devices that may[/align] [align=left]be necessary to maintain the chicks, ducklings, goslings, or rabbits in good health, and shall keep[/align] [align=left]adequate food and water available to the birds or animals at all times.[/align] [align=left]NEW JERSEY[/align] [align=left]N.J. Stat. § 4:22-26 (2003)[/align] [align=left]§ 4:22-26. Penalty for acts constituting cruelty in general[/align] [align=left]A person who shall: o. Sell, offer for sale, barter or give away or display live baby chicks, ducklings or[/align] [align=left]other fowl or rabbits, turtles or chameleons which have been dyed or artificially colored or otherwise[/align] [align=left]treated so as to impart to them an artificial color; p. Use any animal, reptile, or fowl for the purpose of[/align] [align=left]soliciting any alms, collections, contributions, subscriptions, donations, or payment of money except in[/align] [align=left]connection with exhibitions, shows or performances conducted in a bona fide manner by recognized[/align] [align=left]breeders' associations, 4-H clubs or other similar bona fide organizations; q. Sell or offer for sale, barter,[/align] [align=left]or give away living rabbits, turtles, baby chicks, ducklings or other fowl under two months of age, for use[/align] [align=left]as household or domestic pets; r. Sell, offer for sale, barter or give away living baby chicks, ducklings or[/align] [align=left]other fowl, or rabbits, turtles or chameleons under two months of age for any purpose not prohibited by[/align] [align=left]subsection q. of this section and who shall fail to provide proper facilities for the care of such animals.[/align] [align=left]NEW YORK[/align] [align=left]NY CLS Agr & M § 354 (2003)[/align] [align=left]§ 354. Sale of baby chicks and baby rabbits[/align] [align=left]1. No person shall sell, offer for sale, barter or give away living baby chicks, ducklings or other fowl or[/align] [align=left]baby rabbits unless such person provides proper brooder facilities where appropriate for the care of[/align] [align=left]such baby chicks, ducklings or other fowl or baby rabbits during the time they are in the possession of[/align] [align=left]such person. For the purposes of this section, a baby rabbit shall be a rabbit of less than two months of[/align] [align=left]age. 2. No person shall sell, offer for sale, barter or display living baby chicks, ducklings or other fowl or[/align] [align=left]baby rabbits which have been dyed, colored or otherwise treated so as to impart to them an artificial[/align] [align=left]color. 2-a. No provision of subdivision two shall be interpreted or applied to prevent or restrict teachers[/align] [align=left]and qualified instructors of youth under the guidance and supervision of the New York state cooperative[/align] [align=left]extension service from using eggs for non-profit educational purposes or from observing fowl hatched[/align] [align=left]from such eggs for non-profit educational purposes. 3. No person shall sell, offer for sale, barter or give[/align] [align=left]away living baby chicks, ducklings or other fowl or baby rabbits under two months of age in any quantity[/align] [align=left]less than six. 4. A violation of the provisions of this section is a misdemeanor, punishable by[/align] [align=left]imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars, or by both.[/align] [align=left]NY CLS Agr & M § 358-a (2003)[/align] [align=left]§ 358-a. Live animals as prizes prohibited[/align] [align=left]1. For the purposes of this section "livestock" shall mean any domesticated sheep, goat, horse, cattle or[/align] [align=left]swine. 2. No person shall give or offer to give away as a prize, or exchange or offer to exchange for[/align] [align=left]nominal consideration, any live animal other than purebred livestock or fish [fig 1] in any game, drawing,[/align] [align=left]contest, sweepstakes or other promotion, except when any live animal is given away by individuals or[/align] [align=left]organizations operating in conjunction with a cooperative extension education program or agricultural[/align] [align=left]vocational program sanctioned by the state education department. 3. The commissioner shall[/align] [align=left]promulgate rules and regulations which provide guidelines, conditions and requirements when any live[/align] [align=left]animal is given away under the exceptions provided for in subdivision two of this section. 4. Any person[/align] [align=left]who violates the provisions of this section shall be subject to civil penalty of not more than two hundred[/align] [align=left]fifty dollars or in lieu thereof shall be guilty of a violation punishable solely by a fine of not more than two[/align] [align=left]hundred fifty dollars.[/align] [align=left]NORTH CAROLINA[/align] [align=left]N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-363.1 (2003)[/align] [align=left]§ 14-363.1. Living baby chicks or other fowl, or rabbits under eight weeks of age; disposing of[/align] [align=left]as pets or novelties forbidden.[/align] [align=left]If any person, firm or corporation shall sell, or offer for sale, barter or give away as premiums living baby[/align] [align=left]chicks, ducklings, or other fowl or rabbits under eight weeks of age as pets or novelties, such person,[/align] [align=left]firm or corporation shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. Provided, that nothing contained in this[/align] [align=left]section shall be construed to prohibit the sale of nondomesticated species of chicks, ducklings, or other[/align] [align=left]fowl, or of other fowl from proper brooder facilities by hatcheries or stores engaged in the business of[/align] [align=left]selling them for purposes other than for pets or novelties.[/align] [align=left]NORTH DAKOTA[/align] [align=left]N.D. Cent. Code, § 36-21.1-08 (2003)[/align] [align=left]§ 36-21.1-08. Artificially colored animals -- Sale[/align] [align=left]No person may sell or offer for sale, raffle, offer, or give as a prize[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]premium, or advertising device, or[/align] [align=left]display in any store, shop, carnival, or other public place, a chick, duckling, gosling, or rabbit which has[/align] [align=left]been dyed or otherwise artificially colored.[/align] [align=left]N.D. Cent. Code, § 36-21.1-09 (2003)[/align] [align=left]§ 36-21.1-09. Use of certain birds as advertising devices -- Use of live beef or dairy[/align] [align=left]cattle as raffle prizes -- Gifts of animals[/align] [align=left]1. No person may sell, offer for sale, raffle, offer, or give as a prize[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]premium, or use as an[/align] [align=left]advertising device, chicks, ducklings, or goslings younger than four weeks of age in quantities[/align] [align=left]of less than twelve birds to an individual person. Persons engaging in the business of selling[/align] [align=left]chicks, ducklings, or goslings for agricultural or wildlife purposes are exempt from the[/align] [align=left]provisions of this section, but only when selling for such purposes. 2. An eligible organization[/align] [align=left]authorized to conduct games of chance under chapter 53-06.1 may raffle live beef or dairy cattle if each[/align] [align=left]raffle ticket contains a statement that the winner of the beef or dairy cattle prize may convert that prize to[/align] [align=left]a cash prize[/align] [align=left][/align] . The donor of the beef or dairy cattle prize shall determine the amount of the cash prize
[align=left],[/align] [align=left]which must be equivalent to the value of the beef or dairy cattle prize and cannot exceed the limitations of[/align] [align=left]section 53-06.1-10.1. 3. A person may not give away any live animal[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]other than those authorized under[/align] [align=left]subsections 1 and 2, as: a. A prize for, or as an inducement to enter any contest, game, or other[/align] [align=left]competition; b. An inducement to enter a place of amusement; or c. An incentive to enter into any[/align] [align=left]business agreement where the offer was for the purpose of attracting trade. 4. The provisions of[/align] [align=left]subsection 3 do not apply to a person or organization that gives away an animal[/align] [align=left][/align] :
[align=left]a. As a project for the[/align] [align=left]promotion of the equine and livestock industry of North Dakota; b. As a project for the promotion of[/align] [align=left]conservation of animals and wildlife in North Dakota; or c. Which is intended for slaughter.[/align] [align=left]N.D. Cent. Code, § 36-21.1-10 (2003)[/align] [align=left]§ 36-21.1-10[/align] [align=left][/align] .
[align=left]Care of animals used as advertising devices[/align] [align=left]Every person who sells, offers for sale, raffles, offers, or gives as a prize, premium, or advertising device,[/align] [align=left]chicks, ducklings, or goslings to the public, shall provide and operate brooders or other heating devices[/align] [align=left]necessary to maintain the chicks, ducklings, or goslings in good health, and shall keep adequate food[/align] [align=left]and water available to the birds at all times.[/align] [align=left]OHIO[/align] [align=left]ORC Ann. 925.62 (Anderson 2003)[/align] [align=left]§ 925.62 Coloring rabbits or chicks prohibited[/align] [align=left][/align] [align=left].[/align] [align=left]No person, firm, or corporation shall dye or otherwise color any rabbit or baby poultry, including, but not[/align] [align=left]limited to, chicks and ducklings. No person, firm, or corporation shall sell, offer for sale, expose for sale,[/align] [align=left]raffle, or give away any rabbit or baby poultry which has been dyed or otherwise colored. No poultry[/align] [align=left]younger than four weeks of age may be sold, given away, or otherwise distributed to any person in lots of[/align] [align=left]less than six. Stores, shops, vendors, and others offering young poultry for sale or other distribution shall[/align] [align=left]provide and operate brooders or other heating devices that may be necessary to maintain poultry in[/align] [align=left]good health, and shall keep adequate food and water available to the poultry at all times.[/align] [align=left]PENNSYLVANIA[/align] [align=left]18 Pa.C.S. § 5511 (2003) [Pa.C.S.][/align] [align=left]§ 5511. Cruelty to animals[/align] [align=left](B) REGULATING CERTAIN ACTIONS CONCERNING FOWL OR RABBITS.-- A person commits a[/align] [align=left]summary offense if he sells, offers for sale, barters, or gives away baby chickens, ducklings, or other fowl,[/align] [align=left]under one month of age, or rabbits under two months of age, as pets, toys, premiums or novelties or if he[/align] [align=left]colors, dyes, stains or otherwise changes the natural color of baby chickens, ducklings or other fowl, or[/align] [align=left]rabbits or if he brings or transports the same into this Commonwealth. This section shall not be construed[/align] [align=left]to prohibit the sale or display of such baby chickens, ducklings, or other fowl, or such rabbits, in proper[/align] [align=left]facilities by persons engaged in the business of selling them for purposes of commercial breeding and[/align] [align=left]raising.[/align] [align=left]18 Pa.C.S. § 5511.1 (2003) [Pa.C.S.][/align] [align=left]§ 5511.1. Live animals as prizes prohibited[/align] [align=left](A) GENERAL RULE.-- No person shall give or offer to give away any live animal[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]except fish, as a prize[/align] [align=left]in any drawing, lottery, contest, sweepstakes or other game. No person operating any drawing, lottery,[/align] [align=left]contest, sweepstake or other game shall sell or offer to sell any live animal[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]except fish, in conjunction[/align] [align=left]with the operation of a drawing, lottery, contest, sweepstakes or other game. (B) EXCEPTION.-- (1) This[/align] [align=left]section shall not apply to any domestic animal given away or sold in connection with any agricultural,[/align] [align=left]educational or vocational program sponsored or sanctioned by the Department of Agriculture. (2) The[/align] [align=left]Department of Agriculture shall promulgate the rules and regulations necessary to provide the conditions[/align] [align=left]and requirements of live animal offerings under this subsection. (D) PENALTY.-- A violation of this[/align] [align=left]section constitutes a summary offense punishable by a fine of not more than $ 250.[/align] [align=left]RHODE ISLAND[/align] [align=left]R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-1-8 (2002)[/align] [align=left]§ 4-1-8. Sale of chicks and ducklings -- Dyeing prohibited[/align] [align=left]It is unlawful for any person to dye a chick, duckling, or other live poultry, or to have in his or her[/align] [align=left]possession any chick, duckling, or other live poultry which has been dyed. No person shall sell or offer for[/align] [align=left]sale any live chicks or ducklings under two (2) months of age in quantities of less than twelve (12), and[/align] [align=left]provided further, that no person, firm, corporation or association shall offer live chicks or ducklings under[/align] [align=left]two (2) months of age as a bonus, or as an inducement to the sale of or in conjunction with the purchase[/align] [align=left]of any article. Any person, firm, or corporation violating this section shall for each offense be punished in[/align] [align=left]the manner provided in § 4-1-2. No pet store shall sell chicks or ducklings in any quantity.[/align] [align=left]SOUTH CAROLINA[/align] [align=left]S.C. Code Ann. § 47-1-125 (2002)[/align] [align=left]§ 47-1-125. Coloring or dying animals prohibited; sale or distribution of certain young animals[/align] [align=left]prohibited; penalty.[/align] [align=left](1) It is unlawful for any person to dye or color artificially any animal or fowl, including but not limited to[/align] [align=left]rabbits, baby chickens, and ducklings, or to bring any dyed or colored animal or fowl into this State. (2) It[/align] [align=left]is unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale or give away as merchandising premiums, baby chickens,[/align] [align=left]ducklings or other fowl under four weeks of age or rabbits under two months of age to be used as pets,[/align] [align=left]toys or retail premiums. (3) This section shall not be construed to apply to any animal or fowl, including[/align] [align=left]but not limited to rabbits, baby chickens and ducklings to be used or raised for agricultural purposes by[/align] [align=left]persons with proper facilities to care for them or for poultry or livestock exhibitions. (4) Any person[/align] [align=left]violating the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall[/align] [align=left]be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days.[/align] [align=left]S.C. Code Ann. § 47-1-210 (2002)[/align] [align=left]§ 47-1-210. Live animals as prizes[/align] [align=left][/align] ;
[align=left]exceptions; penalties.[/align] [align=left](A) It is unlawful to give away a live animal including, but not limited to, a fish, bird, fowl, or reptile, as a[/align] [align=left]prize for, or as an inducement to enter, any contest, game, or other competition, or as an inducement to[/align] [align=left]enter a place of amusement, or for these species to be used as an incentive to enter into any business[/align] [align=left]agreement if the offer made was for the purpose of attracting trade. (B) Nothing in this section may be[/align] [align=left]construed to prohibit an auction or raffle of a live animal including, but not limited to, a fish, bird, fowl, or[/align] [align=left]reptile. Further, the giving away or the testing of game or fowl for breeding purposes only is lawful and is[/align] [align=left]not prohibited by this section as an incentive to enter into a business agreement if the person giving[/align] [align=left]away or testing game or fowl is engaged in that trade. (C) A person who violates this section is guilty of a[/align] [align=left]misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished for each separate offense by a fine not to exceed[/align] [align=left]three hundred dollars or imprisonment not to exceed thirty days, or both. (D) This section does not apply[/align] [align=left]when a live animal is given away as follows: (1) by individuals or organizations operating in conjunction[/align] [align=left]with a cooperative extension education program or agricultural vocational program sanctioned by the[/align] [align=left]State Department of Education or local school districts; (2) by individuals or organizations operating in[/align] [align=left]conjunction with field trials approved by the Department of Natural Resources; or (3) by kennels that[/align] [align=left]advertise in national publications in regard to dogs that are registered with the United Kennel Club or the[/align] [align=left]American Kennel Club.[/align] [align=left]TENNESSEE[/align] [align=left]Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-204 (2003)[/align] [align=left]39-14-204. Dyed baby fowl and rabbits[/align] [align=left](a) (1) It is unlawful for any person to: (A) Sell, offer for sale, barter or give away baby chickens,[/align] [align=left]ducklings or goslings of any age, or rabbits under two (2) months of age, as pets, toys, premiums or[/align] [align=left]novelties, if such fowl or rabbits have been colored, dyed, stained or otherwise had their natural color[/align] [align=left]changed; or (B) Bring or transport such fowl or rabbits into the state for such purposes. (2) This section[/align] [align=left]shall not be construed to prohibit the sale or display of such baby chickens, ducklings, or other fowl or[/align] [align=left]rabbits in proper facilities by breeders or stores engaged in the business of selling for purposes of[/align] [align=left]commercial breeding and raising or laboratory testing. (3) Each such baby chicken, duckling, other fowl[/align] [align=left]or rabbit sold, offered for sale, bartered or given away in violation of this section constitutes a separate[/align] [align=left]offense. (b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.[/align] [align=left]VERMONT[/align] [align=left]13 V.S.A. § 352 (2003)[/align] [align=left]§ 352. Cruelty to animals[/align] [align=left]A person commits the crime of cruelty to animals if the person: (9) knowingly sells, offers for sale, barters[/align] [align=left]or displays living baby chicks, ducklings or other fowl which have been dyed, colored or otherwise treated[/align] [align=left]so as to impart to them an artificial color, or fails to provide poultry with proper brooder facilities.[/align] [align=left]13 V.S.A.§§ 366 (2003)[/align] [align=left]§ 366. Prohibited use of animals[/align] [align=left](a) No live animal shall be used as a fund-raising device or award in a contest, lottery, game, or[/align] [align=left]promotion by any person or entity other than at an event recognized by an agricultural or sporting[/align] [align=left]association. An alternative cash prize shall be offered. A person or entity shall not transfer or award an[/align] [align=left]animal without reasonable assurance that the person receiving the animal will provide proper[/align] [align=left]transportation and adequate care. (b) No live fowl, turtles or rabbits under eight weeks of age in lots of[/align] [align=left]less than six shall be offered for sale or sold, displayed or given away. (c) A person who violates this[/align] [align=left]section shall be subject to a fine of not more than $250.00.[/align] [align=left]VIRGINIA[/align] [align=left]Va. Code Ann. § 3.1-796.70 (2003)[/align] [align=left]§ 3.1-796.70. Sale, etc., of unweaned or certain immature animals prohibited, vaccinations[/align] [align=left]required for dogs and cats; penalty[/align] [align=left]A. No person shall sell, raffle, or offer for sale as pets or novelties, or offer or give as a prize[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]premium, or[/align] [align=left]advertising device any living chicks, ducklings, or other fowl under two months old in quantities of less[/align] [align=left]than six or any unweaned mammalian companion animal or any dog under the age of seven weeks[/align] [align=left]without its dam, or any cat under the age of seven weeks without its queen. Dealers may offer immature[/align] [align=left]fowl, unweaned mammalian companion animals[/align] [align=left][/align] ,
[align=left]dogs or cats under the age of seven weeks for sale as[/align] [align=left]pets or novelties with the requirement that prospective owners take possession of the animals only after[/align] [align=left]fowl have reached two months of age, mammalian companion animals have been weaned, and dogs[/align] [align=left]and cats are at least seven weeks of age. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the sale of an unweaned[/align] [align=left]animal (i) as food for other animals or (ii) with the lactating dam or queen or a lactating surrogate dam or[/align] [align=left]queen that has accepted the animal[/align] [align=left][/align] .
[align=left]C. A violation of this section is punishable as a Class 3[/align] [align=left]misdemeanor.[/align] [align=left]WISCONSIN[/align] [align=left]Wis. Stat. §§ 951.10 (2002)[/align] [align=left]951.10. Sale of baby rabbits, chicks and other fowl.[/align] [align=left](1) No person may sell, offer for sale, barter or give away living chicks, ducklings or other fowl unless the[/align] [align=left]person provides proper brooder facilities for the care of such chicks, ducklings or other fowl during the[/align] [align=left]time they are in the persons possession. (2) No retailer, as defined in s. 100.30 (2) (e), may sell, offer for[/align] [align=left]sale, barter or give away living baby rabbits, baby chicks, ducklings or other fowl under 2 months of age[/align] [align=left]in any quantity less than 6 unless in the business of selling these animals for agricultural, wildlife or[/align] [align=left]scientific purposes.[/align] [align=left]Wis. Stat. § 951.11 (2002)[/align] [align=left]951.11. Artificially colored animals; sale.[/align] [align=left]No person may sell, offer for sale, raffle, give as a prize or premium, use as an advertising device or[/align] [align=left]display living chicks, ducklings, other fowl or rabbits that have been dyed or otherwise colored artificially.[/align] [align=left]Code of Ala. § 3-1-15 (2003)[/align] [align=left]§ 3-1-15. Rabbits and chicks, ducklings, or other fowl; sale, etc., as pets or novelties[/align]

If practices like this are seen, you can call animal control, SPCA, and the Health Department. Also complain to the event host and the person running the games. You can contact the City Attorney to ban this practice in writing as a condition for the permit to hold the carnival. You can contact your state lawmakers that are animal friendly to get state laws passed. And you can make sure those that are running the games has the proper USDA permit. Also check with your local code enforcement, becasue your city or county might have laws on the books that requlate this.


First check with your county to see if there is a local ordinance that might regulate it. If there isn't one then try to get one passed. In the meantime the fair vendor has to have a USDA licence and the police can shut them down if they don't. You have a right to ask for the licence and if they don't call the cops and the USDA and file a complaint. Also, complain to the company that runs the fair, they can ask their vendors to stop the practice. I wish you luck..i really do..ill keep posting stuff as i find it..

here is an update on a Louisiana law that a bunny rescue helped with ...Pretty kewl shows u there is hope::i know this is slightly dif law but this shows u that it can be done...

In the time since our rescue group has existed (est. 2004), our parish passed a law that helped to restrict the source of those Easter impulse buys, but that's just our home parish. Our rescue serves the entire state and sometimes neighboring states too.

NEW PROHIBITION ON ANIMAL SALES ETC., IN RESTRICTED AREAS

Title 14:215.1 Animals
Amended on September, 24, 2008


No person shall sell, exchange, barter, trade, lease, rent, give away or display any living animal on any roadside, public right-of-way, parkway, median, park, recreational area, flea market, commercial or retail parking lot, or property adjacent to such locations, that is generally accessible to the public, regardless of whether such access is authorized or not.

Exception:

This section shall not apply to humane societies, animal welfare groups, animal control agencies, or non-profit organizations sponsoring animal adoptions events.

Violation:

Upon conviction, may be fined up to five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisoned for not more than one hundred eighty (180) day, or both fined and imprisoned, in the discretion of the court.

It's so nice to be able to go to shopping now without seeing poor inbred puppies and kittens sweltering in the heat radiating off the asphalt and baking under the summer sun and know that even if I work up the courage to go over and cuss them out, it wouldn't change a thing. Now we get calls from animal control at the rescue asking if we've seen or heard of anyone breaking the new law. Nope, nada. We're hoping other parishes will follow suit and also that this law will serve as kind of a "jumping point" to start discussions with lawyers/media/whoever will listen to try to get a law passed to stop the giving away of live animals at fairs. If not the fish, at least stop the animals like rabbits and iguanas which are way more expensive/difficult to take care of once you get them home. A parish law wouldn't help since most of these fairs are spread across the rural areas outside of East Baton Rouge parish.

if u need any more info or want to connect with other people who have done what ur trying to do let me know and i will get what u need

We are trying to decide what to do. I heard back from another big local fair, Ohio State Fair, though it is legal, they do not allow their vendors to give away live animals.

I would like to try to pass an ordinance. But I would have to do it in each city in the Columbus area. I don't think from the tone of the email that if I contacted the Franklin County Fair and asked them to stop they would. So, I feel like trying to get an ordinance is the only way. However, that can take up to a year.

Now that I know at least one fair is doing it, I will surely be there this summer when the fair runs to see what I can do.

I would like to work on passing it as a state law, but I have no idea how to even begin that. I researched how we can attempt to get an ordinance passed and that seems doable.

PETA did get back to me stating that they researched it and they are not breaking any laws/rules by doing this. I hadn't heard back from the Franklin County Fair when I emailed PETA so they don't have any information. I just asked a basic question of if it is legal to do since I couldn't find anything online, I was hoping I was just missing it but that isn't the case.

Thank you so much for all the information Lisa. I really appreciate it. If we decide to go the ordinance route, I will copy one that is done for another state/city. From the stories I have read of people who have done this, that is the best way. But that just kind of feels like a lost cause because there are soooo many cities in this area. It would take years to do all of them. Obviously, I would start with the city with the huge county fair that is allowing it.

Lisa, you seem to have a lot of knowledge in this area. What do you think the best way is to stop this from happening? Try to work with the fair (keep in mind his above response), try to pass a city ordinance, or try to go through the state and get a state law passed?

Thanks again for all your help.

Amy i dont really know much about it ..i research alot online til all hours of the night..if im curious about something i have the whole internet to find what i need...
personally i think that id go for the city ordinance cuz its prob gonna be a little easier stepping stone...goin full blown to state without much knowledge and backup might be a little overwhelming...the positive thing about this is most states already honor it..thats def great back up...id find out who was involved with pushing these laws in other states...contact them ..they know their poop...and they came saw and kicked butt..most people who are involved with this are as passionate as we are about it...they will want to help...ill try and find some names..

I actually won a rabbit at the carnival in a small town in Texas when I was 17, there was a lot of kids around looking at the bunnies trying to win one, and my friends thought it be cool to try and play to win a stuffed animal. Apparently we got the ball in a red bowl which meant that we won a rabbit. It was a small black rabbit and we were assuming it was a girl, I named her Kamikaze (named after my favorite ride there) and I've had her for about 3 months already. I've taken her to the vet and they said she was healthy and all things good. I felt so bad for all the other bunnies because you see children throw ping pong balls into the little pool and some end up hitting the rabbits.... Plus they have to deal with all the noise and havoc around them constantly. Its horrible..

After I got Kami, my dad and I researched a bunch to make sure she has what she needs and to make her happy. Kami was the best thing that happened to me, and I was hoping that I can make her happy.
Right now we're working on building a huge hutch for her to have more space to run, and possibly even get her some friends. Because right now she has outgrown her small cage and seeing her have so much energy I thought it was best to move her outside... I think I'm making a good decision.. Its either a small cage inside the house, or a huge hutch outside/inside the tool shack we hardly use and have friends.

We cant have her run around the house because it isn't my house, and we have a dog as well. But i do have a small section to myself, and its where shes at and where our dog is out of bounds since I'm allergic.

But please let me know any tips and hints to help her, We could always use them. And if anyone knows how to specify breeds please let me know because I have no clue what breed she is..

An outdoor hutch isn't always the best option. Have you already started building? It sounds like it would be a good idea to browse around this forum more. You'll see the advantages of housing indoors. It's easy to make a large enough space for an indoor rabbit -- an exercise pen can easily do the job. The advantage of indoors is being able to spend time with the rabbit. That seldom happens with outdoor rabbits just because it isn't practical to sit out there for hours every day. (Even sitting outside 4 hours per day - unlikely as that may be - leaves 20 hours each day that bunny is alone.)

Another consideration is that you likely have a very young rabbit. She will need to be spayed when old enough if you hope to get her a friend -- just one other rabbit, not more. Once spayed, she'll need to be introduced to other fixed rabbits to pre-screen for potential compatibility. Bonding isn't always easy and sometimes 2 rabbits refuse to get along. They can fight viciously causing serious harm or death to each other.

Baby rabbits are usually easy to handle and compliant. They also get along easily with other young rabbits. But this isn't how they remain. Once hormones kick in, their adult personalities will soon become evident. Don't get another rabbit until your current one is spayed. Otherwise, you could end up with two rabbits who won't get along after hormones kick in.

Having a dog doesn't mean a rabbit can't be around. Many dogs get along just fine with rabbits. You can see how I've done this at my website here. (There is other info there too that should be helpful.)

Post a photo on a new thread if you'd like opinions on possible breed type. Most likely she'll be a mix if she came from a fair.

It's a sad reality of the society in which we live. Whilst being the third most popular mammalian pet, rabbits are not afforded the rights, activism, or social standing of dogs and cats. (Of these three, just look at which one is socially acceptable to eat!)

Perhaps that's one of the reasons those of us here so adore these little guys. Our views of rabbits are not held by the majority, but perhaps one day...