Why does Rabbits Online allow the discussion of rabbit breeding for meat?

Yes it is a free country but this is a private website so they have the right to choose what they allow to be discussed. And no, I’m not saying anyone is a bad person if they participate in breeding for meat but this website just doesn’t seem like the type of place to discuss that. I mean I would assume most of the users here have bunnies as pets and find the concept of meat rabbits highly offensive. That’s my assumption. It’s like selling rabbit fur at a shelter! Anyone else on the same page as me?

This is one of the things I like about this site; it's a place where pet owners and rabbit breeders can come together and share their knowledge and love of rabbits (and btw, I've yet to meet a meat breeder that doesn't love their rabbits. I used to breed meat rabbits myself, and each rabbit would have their names and personalities and favorite toys, even if they were technically stock for breeding fryers) Keep an open mind about it.

It's been like this since before I joined 7+ years ago... it doesn't bother me, though. Humans are omnivores. Most of us eat meat. One way or another, meat comes from cute animals.

If someone is going to farm meat (which I guess is technically ranching) to end up on my or someone else's dinner plate, I'd vastly prefer that whatever animal gave it's life to further the food chain be treated humanely and well cared for during whatever length of time it's alive. In other words, if someone is farming meat and that meat is rabbits, then I am happy to do what I can to make those rabbits' lives better during the time they're alive.

One person's best friend is another's dinner... part of life is being accepting of viewpoints that differ greatly from your own .

Hi...I am a hobby farmer and I have 32 rabbits among 70 other varieties. I do breed my bunnies..but for my enjoyment...I’ve only sold 2 and it was kind of...a joke....I mostly give them to friends, family, church members. When we started though, my husband did want to raise them for meat...I was opposed, but, gave in. He did eat one rabbit. Now, I was raised eating wild rabbit but that, to me is entirely different. But as for this forum being for bunny owners... I see your side..but as someone who breeds, I joined because I need knowledge and have knowledge to give...but I have no intention of pushing my rabbit raising on anyone else...btw, I do have one house bunny. But, to me..I think, as long as it’s a respectful discussion, it all comes down to the fact that we care about our rabbits. But I totally understand your point

The focus here is on the care of rabbits -- whether pet or livestock. But the forum does have the policy of ...

We do not discuss the mechanics of dispatch/killing, processing or consumption (fur, meat, etc.)in any form. The sole exception to this rule is the mechanics of humane euthanization ...

Pretty much, if there's one or more rabbits in your possession... or you're thinking about getting one or more rabbits... or you have a 'classroom' rabbit that you want to do better by... or you saw a wild rabbit in the park today... you're welcome on RO. Open arms and all that.

Imbrium said:

It's been like this since before I joined 7+ years ago... it doesn't bother me, though. Humans are omnivores. Most of us eat meat. One way or another, meat comes from cute animals.

If someone is going to farm meat (which I guess is technically ranching) to end up on my or someone else's dinner plate, I'd vastly prefer that whatever animal gave it's life to further the food chain be treated humanely and well cared for during whatever length of time it's alive. In other words, if someone is farming meat and that meat is rabbits, then I am happy to do what I can to make those rabbits' lives better during the time they're alive.

One person's best friend is another's dinner... part of life is being accepting of viewpoints that differ greatly from your own .

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I’m not against breeding for meat. Although I myself am a vegetarian for the most part, I wouldn’t push my lifestyle or choices on anyone or say they’re doing anything wrong. I do definitely hear your point and it does make me see things a little differently.

I guess from a vegetarian pet bunny owner, it’s hard for me to stomach but good points all around.

Curious how y’all would feel if a dog forum’s members talked about cooking up a Maltese lol. Just kidding...

Blue eyes said:

The focus here is on the care of rabbits -- whether pet or livestock. But the forum does have the policy of ...

We do not discuss the mechanics of dispatch/killing, processing or consumption (fur, meat, etc.)in any form. The sole exception to this rule is the mechanics of humane euthanization ...

Click to expand...

Ah interesting. Good to know. Trying to see things from the other point of view. It’s a peaceful place here on rabbits online I see

SableSteel said:

This is one of the things I like about this site; it's a place where pet owners and rabbit breeders can come together and share their knowledge and love of rabbits (and btw, I've yet to meet a meat breeder that doesn't love their rabbits. I used to breed meat rabbits myself, and each rabbit would have their names and personalities and favorite toys, even if they were technically stock for breeding fryers) Keep an open mind about it.

Click to expand...

Very good point and it’s true that id rather animals being farmed for meat are well cared for. I’m a big advocate of that and I guess if the breeder is on this forum it means they care about their rabbits. I just associate meat rabbit farming with tiny wire bottom cages and improper diet etc. etc. My empathetic side also gets super sad thinking about bunnies not having homes that want them to live it’s all emotional and not logical response I guess.

If it is up to me I would not allow that on my website but this world is full of different views and we, vegetarians, have to accept it.
As some people said, at least these animals should have good life before they become somebody’s dinner.
And yes even dogs are dinner in some parts of the world. People who are horrified by that should understand how we feel when somebody is talking about rabbit breeding for meat.

Gelly, that is a very narrow minded way of thinking and is actually infringing on some of our forum rules.
Blue Eyes has already posted the rule regarding the discussion of meat rabbits..
I will follow that up with the link to our entire rule set since it doesn't seem anyone else has read it.
https://www.rabbitsonline.net/index.php?posts/156911
Bashing of meat breeders will not be permitted just because you don't like it. This forum is here to help rabbits and their owners REGARDLESS of what their final destination is.
Topic closed.