Ok...I tried to contain myself but just can't anymore. I'm sure this will prove I am a nut to those that had any doubts left. I have received an email request -- 3 times now from 3 different people -- soliciting me to provide rabbits for the Puyallup Fair Petting Zoo.
I understand why I would be asked -- we have a lot of rabbits (until the recent food situation), we have a variety of breeds, I have provided display rabbits in the past and I have access to people and 4-Her's.
However, I think that the request for bunnies -- 5-6 weeks old is out of line. Bunnies that age should NOT be put in a petting zoo to be "petted" -- lets be honest - man-handled -- for 5-7 days.
I've been through the petting zoo. The majority that work there are doing just that -- working. They are not educating the public on rabbit ownership or even rabbits in general.
Showcasing 6 week old bunnies for amusement is exactly what organizations like PETA started out to prevent. Is this ethical treatment of bunnies?
For those of us who show rabbits, especially here in Washington, we know you would never bring a 6 week old bunny to a show. Why then, do some of these same breeders think having 6 week old bunnies in a petting zoo is OK?
What kind of example are we putting out for our rabbit-raising youth? What about the youth and people that come to the petting zoo? What example are we setting for them?
At 6 weeks old, all bunnies are cute. They are cuter at 4 weeks -- why not have some 4-week old bunnies there for the public to pet? Where do we draw the line?
And, if your bunny is cute enough someone will surely want to buy it (or another one). As enticement to provide bunnies, the fair will pass along your contact info so you can sell your bunnies to these "well-informed and well-educated" fair goers.
(Remember though, those of you showing your rabbits may NOT post any for sale info on your cages.)
And, the offer has gotten better. The last email offered me a bag of feed and free passes to the fair. Yipeeee
I don't think I'll sell out my 6-week old bunnies for $40 -- they deserve better than that.
So...shame on those of you for supporting this irresponsible behavior!
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1 comment:
I totally argree with your post! This age is WAY too young for "working". WSRBA has policy that says animals must meet their minimum weight to be in the showroom. For most Holland lops, the minimum weight doesn't happen until the rabbit is over 8 weeks of age! I believe state law says you can't sell a rabbit younger than 8 weeks. I don't even wean until at the EARLIEST 7 weeks. A rabbit 6-8 weeks of age is still "fragile" and can easily get stressed, which leads to loose stools and possibly death!
I hope the fair sets a better example!!!
Jackie Ferry
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