I belong to HRS and the local chapter although we have our own private rescue with excellent care for rabbits we can get adopted/or transition to foster homes and sanctuary.
The December WHRS newsletter included an article about a drug raid confiscation and Iowa rabbits that were ... well, here's the quote: "They came from a former breeder who told the investigating officers that she no longer cared about the rabbits 'and wanted them to die.' Dead rabbits were found in cages next to the the trophies and ribbons they had won in breeder shows. The surviving bunnies were emaciated and lacked food and water."
slavetoabunny, this breeder reminds me of a backyard breeder place in Milwaukee-area where the sheds look decripid, and she posts a sign saying to stay off premises. We get this awful feeling everytime we drive by the place. They are sold for snake food from what I've heard. Just seems to be a horrible place to live your short or extended life, in breeding mills in hutches with little human regard or concern.
personal experience: A young gal in agriculture program got tired of the 2 buns she had (actually they were the wrong sex, she wanted 2 females and was told wrong by the breeder), and the ribbons don't mean a darn thing anymore. The other rex bun she got and showed *won* a fair ribbon, but it too was surrendered to the humane society a short time later. Very sad for sentient beings, rabbits who are capable of feeling pain and have emotions. The project bunnies from the breeder that got sick were placed on dry ice in a back shed to die. ugh.
Slightly OT : the rehabbed cottontail we continue to monitor in our yard knows her name, and responds to our human voice. Yah, even the cottontails -- wild rabbits who get killed and eaten -- have emotions!!! Like the eastern cottontail who chased after its baby being carried away by a crow, momma e/c running after her youngster ... now, is that mom lagomorph completely ignorant of feelings for its little one??
Why do people perceive Rabbits as *not having feelings or emotions*? Which the agriculture leader told me one day at the fairgrounds. "We don't believe they have emotions or feelings." Ugh.
My apologies on hijacking the thread yet this seems relevant WRT the emaciated comment - and selling, or dumping your actions on others. Here, you take care it!! Overbreeding and neglect...
Where's the humane and responsible brain cells in humans ????
Thank heavens for your care and actions, :hug:Gainesville Rabbit Rescue and Volunteers. Please keep us posted if you can. Thankfully there's a brighter future ahead through Rescue Groups.
