GMTV Rescue Rabbits

[sarahlm]

Did anybody just see that item on GMTV about the 15 year old lad with 97 rescue animals?

He seemed like a really nice, caring lad - he gets up at 6 to feed them and let them out and then does 4-5 hours of cleaning out - but he had 38 rabbits and the ones they showed in the interview were medium lops in what looked like 3 ft cages. The rabbits looked healthy enough, but he said he let them out for 2 hours before school - thats 22 hours a day in a 3ft cage!

Any thoughts, or did anyone else see it?

[raine]

I didn't see it. Did it say he was rehoming them, or just taking in? Ill check GMTV website

[mini lop1]

yeah i saw it noticed the cages/hutches were only tiny

[bluebunny]

This was in my local paper last week it just said he had over 90 pets he has taken them in over the years sure it said he had 30 guniea pigs but like you said his garden looked quite small he has 6 dogs outside and all rabbits and guniea pigs in small hutches,not sure he rehomes them as it said they were his pets,apparently he lives in the same village as me!

[bluebunny]

Cant find anything on the website

[AliBenMummy]

Hi there,

Just wondering if anyone saw GMTV this morning? There was a boy on there (maybe early teens) who rescued animals. He had around 90 I think and some were buns that were kept in cages in a shed. The cages looked tiny and the buns looked really unhappy... Surely GMTV shouldn't be promoting this sort of stuff even though I guess animal rescue was at the heart of the story.

I wasn't sure whether to complain to ITV, but not sure what exactly I'd be complaining about. The whole story just kind of bemused me... :?

[raine]

Ive responded to this in another section, think welfare. I didn't see the programme and couldn't find it on their website. He is obviously a very dedicated boy, but does he rehome the bunnies. We could point him here which could help him.

[AliBenMummy]

I've just posted about this in General Chat - I didn't see your thread. I thought his heart seemed in the right place but the buns looked so cramped and sad. Maybe we should write to ITV but not sure what to say about it. Poor buns, but I guess the care hes giving them is better than them being harmed in other ways. :?:cry:

[Deelove]

I didn't see it but that's an awful lot of pets to care for when he hit's his later teens and wants to be seeing a bit of the world. :?

[Snowflakes mummy]

Not just me that thought OMG when I saw it :shock:
I believe totally his heart is in the right place - and although the bunnies didnt look 'ill' or under weight - the cage sizes were far to small! and how on earth at 15 does he provide 30 + rabbits with vaccinations a year :shock: let alone anything else - and the dogs kind of looked a bit :(

[animus]

I saw that too, he was 15 with 97 pets :shock::shock:
Agree about the rabbits cages, looked well small, can't see how they'd all go out for a run either :?
Bless his heart for trying but I think he's gone a bit too far

[elaine]

at least he is looking after them more than others do who are a lot older than him, I say good luck to him, even if cages are small so what apparantly they are imacculately clean

[elaine]

at least he is looking after them more than others do who are a lot older than him, I say good luck to him, even if cages are small so what apparantly they are imacculately clean

[Lea-Anne]

even if cages are small so what apparantly they are imacculately clean

I really don't think that is the point. Exercise and freedom to move around is a right not a luxury:?.

[AlisonA]

even if cages are small so what apparantly they are imacculately clean

But there's more to rabbit care than clean cages. It would be ok as a temporary measure if they were being taken from worse conditions and were in short transition to a new home but not as a permanent measure in my opinion. Rabbits need far more stimulation than the rest of their life alone in a small pen.

[Amy & Amber]

He is on central news now.

[Amy & Amber]

He is on central news now! Will update with my opinion when I have watched it :D

It is a shame he doesnt re home them.

[Jack-Bun]

I saw it, I was going to post a thread about it. The hutches looked tiny. There was this one bun sat there looking out the hutch... And I bet they were all scared to death with the camera crew there!

But- he's only 15, so he must still have to go to school? How does he find all the time to care for all those animls individually?

[powab]

Ok the cages are small, but in fairness to him...at least he's trying to help? :D

Them poor buns could be in alot worse place, Maybe he lets them have a run around in the evenings after school? I saw the news said that he spends his evenings with them. :D

[Becca]

Ok the cages are small, but in fairness to him...at least he's trying to help? :D

Them poor buns could be in alot worse place, Maybe he lets them have a run around in the evenings after school? I saw the news said that he spends his evenings with them. :D
Awww bless him.I agree,they could be in alot worse place.

[Jay M]

Hi

I thought that it was nice to see someone his age caring for animals.
The only thing that I thought was that the shed was dark and the hutches seemed quite small.
Would of liked to know what will happen to them when he goes to college and university will they end up in rescue centres.
Also the kennels that the dogs were in were quite small and what do the neighbours think of the dogs barking.
Also the 8 cats, hope they are chipped and have collars, also what about vaccinations for the animals, hope they've been done, otherwise you could get diseases.
Perhaps should contact GMTV and ask more questions
What do other members think.

Jaye

[Jack-Bun]

Did you see the dog's bit? It was just like a small run?:roll:

[*Bex*]

I think i saw a tiny bit of this when i was getting ready - was it the place in leicestershire and they have chickens and stuff?
I didnt see the boy or the bunnies but just wanna make sure im thinking of the same thing

[louandjoe]

Yeah, he's from Coalville.

[powab]

Yeah there was ducks and chickens about from what I saw as well. Think they must live in a place with a little bit of land....I know my parents wouldn't of let me keep that my animals in their semi detached! :lol:

[sally1974]

I personally think he is pretty fantastic, I cant believe his dedication and he is only 15. I know some of the hutches were a bit on the small side but nobody knows how often he lets them out etc. He also does a extra job to raise money and spends all of his pocket money on the animals. I also heard his headteacher gives him £10 a week toward the animals and is trying to help him get onto a course. I really admire this boy and think he puts lots of adults to shame. I have nothing negative to say about him whatsoever. I wish there were more kids like him.
Sallyx

[Jack-Bun]

This is it:

http://www.gm.tv/index.cfm?articleid=24657&iframe=roo&channel=GMTV%20Highlights

Omg! She just grabs the bunny!

[Jack-Bun]

http://www.gm.tv/index.cfm?articleid=24657&iframe=roo&channel=GMTV%20Highlights
Thats It!

[*Bex*]

There isn't many 15yr old boys that would dedicate so much time to animals!

[Pringle]

I just watched it and fair enough the cages are quite small but they look healthy and very friendly animals i think good on him. He seems to care for them and love them a lot! for a 15year old guy to get up every morning to feed and care for these animals must mean something. I think he cares for them well and for GMTV to go into his home environment and video this must mean he isnt hiding anything. Maybe the rabbits dont get the attention that we give our buns, but they are getting looked after/cleaned etc. Hopefully when he gets a bit older and more money he will upgrade to bigger huthes. Yes these animals could be in better homes and he will have to learn when enoughs enough but as long as he is caring for them, good on him.
xx


heres the link if anyone wants to watch it -

http://www.gm.tv/index.cfm?articleid=24657

[powab]

I think he deserves a pat on the back, makes a change to see a 15 yr old boy doing something good for a change. Better than hanging round the streets or causing trouble. :thumb:

[Jack-Bun]

Me too- he dedicates all his time to them...!
I say Well Done Mate!:):wave:

[Kay]

He looks so much older than 15 years.

Yeah ok fair enough that they look well cared for and look clean, but how can you afford to look after that amount of animals, I mean properly? They obviously aren't vaccinated, spayed etc unless his parents are loaded. The food bill alone must be huge, and those hutches were tiny. Clean or not they must be in those hutches all the hours he is at school and by the time he has fed and watered them all plus all the other pets that surely leaves no time at all for running etc.

Its good that he's not out on the street corners mugging old ladies but at the same time is it good to let your child keep on collecting animals like that?

I know its only a short bit of the program but where were shots of rabbit runs, and that dog constantly barking in the background would terrify most buns.

[Pringle]

I know its only a short bit of the program but where were shots of rabbit runs, and that dog constantly barking in the background would terrify most buns.

I agree with the part of the rabbit runs as they could have shown these if he has any! and like i said these rabbits could have a lot better homes, I think he needs to stop here though! vet bills must be very high.

The dog barking, i suppose it depends if the buns are used to it or not, as i have two dogs who ocasionally bark and the buns dont flicker an eye lid at it.

[bluebunny]

He now on my local free paper saying much the same as on gmtv,but it says at the bottom if anyone wants to donate money for up keep or to adoped an animal to contact his mum,it says in paper he lives on a farm

[AliBenMummy]

I don't think its wrong that he cares and has rescued them. I'm not denying the fact that his heart is in the right place. Those poor buns are just looking out and looking really sad. I can't imagine that 30 buns and 22 guinea pigs could all get out for enough exercise in a day and get the proper care an attention they need. Fair enough, most rescues won't be able to do that either but it just seems that hes taken on too much probably to the detriment of the animals. I know how much looking after just three buns take, never mind 97 animals, its a full time job.

[cavysrock]

he's fantastic :D

[animus]

As a whole, I agree, he does a great job and it is something quite unusual for a 15 year old boy to do (doesn't mean he doesn't mug old ladies though) but from the individual rabbits point of view, it's not a very good existence, yes they have clean hutches and food to eat but the boredom must drive them to madness :(

[Kay]

I know there is alot of support for him and as always with the media you never get the full picture, I just can't help think its irresponsible. Not from his point of view but from the point of view of other school children who may have watched it especially as we're around Easter and will think well if he can look after 30 odd then I can deal with 1.

Perhaps I am looking at it the wrong way :oops:

[animus]

I know there is alot of support for him and as always with the media you never get the full picture, I just can't help think its irresponsible. Not from his point of view but from the point of view of other school children who may have watched it especially as we're around Easter and will think well if he can look after 30 odd then I can deal with 1.

Perhaps I am looking at it the wrong way :oops:

I think you're spot on, I forgot it's nearly Easter too.
Although they did say he puts in 2 hours before and 5 hours after school, that might put some people off :?

[cavysrock]

but where would they be now if he hadn't taken them in :?

[animus]

I obviously can't answer that Beth, they never mentioned where he got them from.
I'm not critisizing the lad, it's just, why would anyone ever take in an animal if they can't fully care for it? Surely taking it to a rescue or rehoming them to good homes privately would be a much better option?

[Kay]

Its a good point about where would they be now but it doesn't make it right that they are in those tiny hutches.

We all on here try to follow the guidelines about rabbit care. Can you imagine if he was a new member on here and posted those pictures? What kind of reception do you honestly believe he would get.

I am not saying he is doing a bad job but he just seems to be keeping his 'collection' in good condition. They are unbonded buns we can assume as they are all in separate hutches, so even if they did get out for exercise that would be 30 odd separate runs, or even on a rota system the buns would get much exercise.

I just don't see how this is ok because the two buns you can see from the clip look ok! Sorry if this is speaking out of line but I just think it goes against pretty much everything I thought this place stood for. :oops: :?

[cavysrock]

i'm not saying it's perfect but at least he has the heart to take in unwanted animals :?

[Lea-Anne]

He looks so much older than 15 years.

Yeah ok fair enough that they look well cared for and look clean, but how can you afford to look after that amount of animals, I mean properly? They obviously aren't vaccinated, spayed etc unless his parents are loaded. The food bill alone must be huge, and those hutches were tiny. Clean or not they must be in those hutches all the hours he is at school and by the time he has fed and watered them all plus all the other pets that surely leaves no time at all for running etc.

Its good that he's not out on the street corners mugging old ladies but at the same time is it good to let your child keep on collecting animals like that?

I know its only a short bit of the program but where were shots of rabbit runs, and that dog constantly barking in the background would terrify most buns

Totally agree.

My friend Jo has 39 rabbits in a similar set up. They never come out but they are well fed and reasonably clean. But what kind of life is that for a living creature? I have argued with her until it got quite nasty but she insists she is "helping" these animals as many were unwanted. I disagree. I would rather be dead than be forced to live in a wooden box 24/7. And I see no difference here.

He said he is not going to stop getting more. How can any "rescue" not draw the line somewhere and say enough is enough? You have to or yes you rescue 300 animals but they'll end up in no better situation than the one they left.

[Kay]

I know :) it wasn't a personal attack honest ;)

[cavysrock]

i'm sorry if it sounded like i thought that's what your post sounded like :)
i couldn't cope with the ehart ache of owning that many animals, i#'m bad enough with the one si have now :lol:

[sally1974]

Its a good point about where would they be now but it doesn't make it right that they are in those tiny hutches.

We all on here try to follow the guidelines about rabbit care. Can you imagine if he was a new member on here and posted those pictures? What kind of reception do you honestly believe he would get.

I am not saying he is doing a bad job but he just seems to be keeping his 'collection' in good condition. They are unbonded buns we can assume as they are all in separate hutches, so even if they did get out for exercise that would be 30 odd separate runs, or even on a rota system the buns would get much exercise.

I just don't see how this is ok because the two buns you can see from the clip look ok! Sorry if this is speaking out of line but I just think it goes against pretty much everything I thought this place stood for. :oops: :?


I think your post is way to harsh, Your question on what if a new member came on here and posted those pictures? Well I would like to think he would be given some advice in a nice manner and guided in the right direction, I think I have been on here long enough to think most people on here would say he is doing a brilliant job and obviously bigger hutches would be great maybe he is saving for bigger hutches who knows. Why is there always such criticism of people trying to do the right thing? I think he is fantastic.
Sallyx

[Lea-Anne]

My friend Jo has 39 rabbits in a similar set up. They never come out but they are well fed and reasonably clean. But what kind of life is that for a living creature? I have argued with her until it got quite nasty but she insists she is "helping" these animals as many were unwanted. I disagree. I would rather be dead than be forced to live in a wooden box 24/7. And I see no difference here.

He said he is not going to stop getting more. How can any "rescue" not draw the line somewhere and say enough is enough? You have to or yes you rescue 300 animals but they'll end up in no better situation than the one they left.

[animus]

Beth, I think you can relate to this boy because you have a big heart too, Lea-anne just posted on the thread about this in the Welfare section, I think that explains what I am trying to say :)

ETA: You beat me to it Lea-anne :)

[Jay M]

Hi

I agree with what's been said about the young man caring for the animals and not on the streets.
But looking at it realisticly it would take more than 7 hours a day to clean out hutches, groom, feed and walk the dogs. Also the cats and cockatails would need to be sorted out as well.
As you need to check them.
I have 8 Rabbits and 2 Guinea Pigs, which takes 1 hour a day just to clean out, this doesn't include exercies, grooming and health checking.
The vet bills must be high, the vaccinations alone, as cats and dogs are more expensive.
Hope the 8 cats are neutered. Would of liked to of seen the guinea pigs and cockatiels, which were also kept in the shed.

Jaye

[halfpenny]

Having been in a similar position last year, I know it is very easy for things to be misrepresented and reported. I discovered that reporters have their own agenda and don't want to know all the facts- I was told by another reporter that they just want a feel good story for the public at a crappy time of year. It says in the article that he lives on a farm and it looked like some of the hutches were home made, if this was the case , I'm sure he could also make some runs.
However, it costs us a huge amount of money to pay for everything, I can only hope his parents cover vet bills, etc.
I feel relieved to know there are young people out there who still care enough to give up their time for others. I know, although I loved my pets as a kid, they didn't have the life I know to give them now. Hopefully he will continue to learn and give his animals a better life.

[Kay]

Its just one of those weird situations where you can see that the lad has his heart in the right place but is he giving the animals the time, care and attention they need and deserve? Yeah I suppose without him there would be more in rescues. But could you even for one second image allowing your own buns to live like that? me neither.

I have seen set ups like that before in fact my old school was like that. I called the RSPCA in my second year there. The rabbits were taken away. I was called to the headmasters office and told off for calling them. He said that the RSPCA said they were fine! yet still they took them, so he was lying to save face.

Yes its good that he is taking these animals in and I hope he goes on to do great things, I just think that rehomed from a rescue these animals would have a better life.

[cavysrock]

He never said that he doesn't let them out :) he seems very dedicated to them, and i'd ratehr my rabbits were safe and well fed, clena and looked after in a smallish hutch than be in a massive run fed on wagg bunny brunch and left with piles of rotting mess everywhere :?

[katie7]

Totally agree.

My friend Jo has 39 rabbits in a similar set up. They never come out but they are well fed and reasonably clean. But what kind of life is that for a living creature? I have argued with her until it got quite nasty but she insists she is "helping" these animals as many were unwanted. I disagree. I would rather be dead than be forced to live in a wooden box 24/7. And I see no difference here.
He said he is not going to stop getting more. How can any "rescue" not draw the line somewhere and say enough is enough? You have to or yes you rescue 300 animals but they'll end up in no better situation than the one they left.

Totally agree with you.
What kind of a life can that be? Sitting in a small (some of the hutches didn't even look 3ft) box 24/7?
If i came on here and said i have 30 odd rabbits living in my flat in 3ft boxes i am sure people would have something to say about that!

[animus]

I hate to seem like I'm hassling you Beth it's just, it shouldn't be one or the other, it should be both.

Food, water, affection, grooming, exercise and room to roam are fundamental needs, they're not luxuries that only very well cared for buns get, fair enough if they don't have lots of toys but basic stimulation is a nessessity :)

He may well let them out but unless he has over 30 runs, they aren't getting enough exercise

[Kay]

Well just reading other posts there you go! **edited because its not all other posts that was a mistyping on my part**

Harsh or not that message went out to thousands of people today and if thats the way that the future of rabbits lays then I'd prefer to be no part of it. All the campaining about Tesco hutches and Argos hutches being too small. Is it the case then that it doesn't matter as long as they are clean and looked after?

Perhaps my opinions aren't wanted here, but I have them none the less. I have slogged myself silly this past week trying to build a decent set up that a rescue would approve of for two rabbits and yet he comes along with 30 odd buns stuffed in tiny hutches in a shed! Something is wrong somewhere.

[honeybunny]

I think he's trying his best..
my main worry is the media have given out his name and village...so goodness knows how many more animals will be dumped on his doorstep now..just hope he can cope..

[sally1974]

Well just reading all your other posts there you go!

Harsh or not that message went out to thousands of people today and if thats the way that the future of rabbits lays then I'd prefer to be no part of it. All the campaining about Tesco hutches and Argos hutches being too small. Is it the case then that it doesn't matter as long as they are clean and looked after?

Perhaps my opinions aren't wanted here, but I have them none the less. I have slogged myself silly this past week trying to build a decent set up that a rescue would approve of for two rabbits and yet he comes along with 30 odd buns stuffed in tiny hutches in a shed! Something is wrong somewhere.

who said your opinions are not wanted here? They are just that your opinion and mine is mine im sure thats what general chat is for it is called a difference of opinion and you will find it in lots of posts. Does not mean you are wrong or that I am either.

[Kay]

Hi Sally I wasn't having a go at you :)

I didn't mean to sound so dramatic either, its one thing thinking your post in your head and a complete other thing as to how it sounds, in hindsight my wording could have been softer. Just get a bit carried away from time to time :)

[sally1974]

Hi Sally I wasn't having a go at you :)

I didn't mean to sound so dramatic either, its one thing thinking your post in your head and a complete other thing as to how it sounds, in hindsight my wording could have been softer. Just get a bit carried away from time to time :)

sorry:oops:
im the same:lol: didn't mean to upset you:D
Sallyx

[Crystal butterfly]

if im honest i think were all to quick to judge we have no idea how these animals are looked after really do we? we do not know facts we just make assumptions although i agree the hutches looked small but we cant make assumption saying that they dont get exercise you never know he could have 30 runs but he might not you just dont know, all im saying is his heart is in the right place but to say the rabbits are greatly looked after would be wrong as i have no idea on what goes on behind the scenes its also wrong to automatically say that their not looked after if you get what i mean :? in my personal opinion i feel he has taken on to many animals and his mum should really step in and say no more really :?

[Deelove]

I have to agree with Kay. If he was a breeder keeping rabbits in a similar situation, small hutches, limited out time, possibly not bonded, neutered and vaccinated. I think we'd all be jumping on them.

I don't think it's very responsible of his parents to have allowed him to get to many. They are going to be a big burden on someone of his age. Fair enough if he was a rescue and rehoming them but as far as i'm aware he is not.

[Deelove]

I'll post what I've just posted in the other thread... If he was a breeder keeping rabbits in a similar situation, small hutches, limited out time, possibly not bonded, neutered and vaccinated. I think we'd all be jumping on them.

I don't think it's very responsible of his parents to have allowed him to get soo many. They are going to be a big burden on someone of his age. Fair enough if he was a rescue and rehoming them but as far as i'm aware he is not.

It is comendable that he cares about animals and yes we don't know where they came from or anything else. But looking at it logistically they really can't be getting all that much time outside of their hutches. Especially since he also has a lot of guinea pigs, hamsters etc.

[bluebunny]

I have to agree with Kay. If he was a breeder keeping rabbits in a similar situation, small hutches, limited out time, possibly not bonded, neutered and vaccinated. I think we'd all be jumping on them.

I don't think it's very responsible of his parents to have allowed him to get to many. They are going to be a big burden on someone of his age. Fair enough if he was a rescue and rehoming them but as far as i'm aware he is not.

It does say on the front of my local newspaper if anyone is intrested in adoping an animal to get in touch with him mum

[Kay]

It would just be so nice for the tv to show it done properly for once wouldn't it. Bonded buns in big hutches with runs attached, or house buns strutting their stuff indoors.

I think its bugged me so much because in that brief 3 -4 min slot all the hard work re-educating people about buns and their needs went out of the window and we saw that horrible old way again :(

[Kay]

Well Bluebunny hopefully thats a step in the right direction, just hope he knows how to homecheck! :)

I admire his intention if he turns to rescue, I would love a makeshift rescue in my back garden.

[animus]

He has 97 pets!!!! It's not just 30 something rabbits, he has dogs, cats, birds, chickens, hamsters, a duck......

I fail to see how one person working 24 hours a day could care for that many animals, every one of those animals has a right to a certain standard of care, how can you possibly think that one school boy can possibly take appropriate care of 97 animals in just 7 hours per day?

[Sooz]

Im sorry to say it but those rabbits are living in breeders blocks. They are made for compact living in an environment where animals are viewed as 'stock' and are not conducive to a happy lifestyle. There is no room for those rabbit to hop or stretch and dare I say it a few of them probably have or will develop spinal and muscular difficulties from being enclosed for long periods.

What I saw in that clip was a collector.

[Deelove]

It does say on the front of my local newspaper if anyone is intrested in adoping an animal to get in touch with him mum

That's fair enough if he is doing that, but in the interview she asked if he planned on getting any more and he replied yes.

[Jack-Bun]

He has 97 pets!!!! It's not just 30 something rabbits, he has dogs, cats, birds, chickens, hamsters, a duck......

I fail to see how one person working 24 hours a day could care for that many animals, every one of those animals has a right to a certain standard of care, how can you possibly think that one school boy can possibly take appropriate care of 97 animals in just 7 hours per day?

I know, because dogs need to be walked everyday, every animal needs food, water, hay for bunnies etc.

[Kay]

As Sooz said he is a collector, some schoolboys collect pokemon cards he collects animals :(

[Sooz]

Regardless of whether the rabbits are exercised or not the hutches are still to small, and not even by a little, they are breeding blocks.

I am sure he is trying his hardest but I would feel a hell of a lot better if he was rescueing to rehome them all rather than keeping those rabbits like that for the forseeable future (or possibly 10 years).

[Sooz]

As Sooz said he is a collector, some schoolboys collect pokemon cards he collects animals :(

I said that on the other thread Kay :wave:

Perhaps we need a thread merge...

[Kay]

I agree Sooz. I think its very sad. I believe its because he is 15 that people think 'aww he's trying'. If it was an adult then people would be up in arms saying how they should know better.

[Kay]

Lol Sooz yeah a thread merge would be good, its getting very confusing :lol:

[Denny]

I watched it on central news last night and agree, he is obviously a dedicated animal lover with his heart in the right place but, I did feel that he needed some help and guidance. It was said that it costs £40 a week to feed all of the animals (which is very cheap for that amount of animals:shock:) which he does odd jobs for and walks the dogs in the evening after school. I think my main concerns were that he was holding baby rabbits which again brings me to some educational help as it did make me wonder if the bunnies were breeding due to mis-sexing. The clip shown prior to the article I did watch him scruff the bun so if that was the easiest bun for him to hold then I would hazzard a guess that there is not much interation going on with them.

Its hard to get the full picture from a 4 minute article but if the papers are now forwarding potential animal adopters his way then it kind of shows that sadly he really cannot cope with that amount of animals.

Good resposible kid but needs some help and guidance to make it better for the animals:)

[rspcarabbits]

I did'nt see it ......but in our experience when any person has more animals than they can reasonably cope with at some point things will go horribly wrong.

Regardless of his age or circumstances under the Animal Welfare Act 2007 he, or his parents has a duty of care for all the animals in their possession which includes the five freedoms .When you start talking about veterinary care, vaccinations and freedom to express normal behaviour it is easy to see that they could be in for a nasty shock.Not all publicity is good publicity ,especially for them ,as is clear by some of the contributions in this thread

We are all for animal dedication which this lad appears to show and I am sure their intentions are good. However from what I have read on here ,he and his parents need proper help and guidance if they themselves are not to become victims.All it takes is one complaint re the conditions these animals are being kept in and they could receive a somewhat unwelcome knock at the door followed by possibly a new tv feature they would rather not appear in.

[abbymarysmokey]

I agree with rspcarabbits...

It all very admirable, but at 15 this boy doesn't have the sense of responsibility to stop collecting animals. Therefore it is up to his parents to stop him.

You see this time and again when kids are given free-rein to do exactly what they like, and parents refuse to take responsibility.

I just hope they don't ever have a load of animals need the vet at the same time.

[jrn1310]

I agree with rspcarabbits...

It all very admirable, but at 15 this boy doesn't have the sense of responsibility to stop collecting animals. Therefore it is up to his parents to stop him.

You see this time and again when kids are given free-rein to do exactly what they like, and parents refuse to take responsibility.

I just hope they don't ever have a load of animals need the vet at the same time.

On the podcast it says that he is not planning to stop taking on any more :(

[honeybunny]

I saw the Central news bit later too and noticed the "scruffing"..as said on other thread I think he is trying to help but too young..
also his name and location has been given out freely so now he will get all sorts dumped on him:cry:

He has attracted the media due to his age....
and to add another aside,,,smaller cages are fine as temp or emergencey accomodation..but how long is he keeping his animals in them..and the majority of his shed looked very dark..the gps at back had no daylight:(

[Ben's mum]

if im honest i think were all to quick to judge we have no idea how these animals are looked after really do we? we do not know facts we just make assumptions although i agree the hutches looked small but we cant make assumption saying that they dont get exercise you never know he could have 30 runs but he might not you just dont know, all im saying is his heart is in the right place but to say the rabbits are greatly looked after would be wrong as i have no idea on what goes on behind the scenes its also wrong to automatically say that their not looked after if you get what i mean :? in my personal opinion i feel he has taken on to many animals and his mum should really step in and say no more really :?

You don't have to be judging to do the maths. He goes to school, I'd assume 9-3.30ish given that he'll be in year 10 or 11 - let's say 15 minutes travelling to/from minimum too. Assuming, like most younger people should get, he has around 7 or 8 hours sleep, that means he's got 9 hours maximum if he did nothing else but care for the animals (but realistically, there's dinner, bath/shower, homework/coursework/revision, household chores, with the possibility of after school clubs/hobbies/meeting friends cutting into those 9 hours). So 9 hours divided by 97 pets means he has 5.5 minutes per pet! Even if they were paired up (I didn't see the show so not sure how he houses them), that's 10 minutes to feed, clean out, health check etc per pet. 5.5 minutes to walk each dog? And that's with dedicating every spare minute to them - count the things I listed before into it and that cuts into those 5.5 minutes per animal.

[Lea-Anne]

I have to agree with Kay. If he was a breeder keeping rabbits in a similar situation, small hutches, limited out time, possibly not bonded, neutered and vaccinated. I think we'd all be jumping on them.


That was going to be my next arguement :D We can't say " ok, you can compromise on conditions aslong as you are rescuing..." That doesn't make sence. Also if he is rescueing and rehoming what does it tell the new owners when they see the rabbit kept in a hutch that size!? He can't turn around and say " Oh you must get a 6ft hutch and 8ft run with lots of stimulation "when hes not housing them like that himself...??? That rabbit will go onto be housed in the same conditions it is kept in now. If thats good animal welfare then I am a monkey's uncle:rolleyes:.

[Lea-Anne]

Its wonderful this boy loves animals but it would be much better if he were to go and help out a proper established rescue in his spare time :)

[Mandy]

That was going to be my next arguement :D We can't say " ok, you can compromise on conditions aslong as you are rescuing..." That doesn't make sence. Also if he is rescueing and rehoming what does it tell the new owners when they see the rabbit kept in a hutch that size!? He can't turn around and say " Oh you must get a 6ft hutch and 8ft run with lots of stimulation "when hes not housing them like that himself...??? That rabbit will go onto be housed in the same conditions it is kept in now. If thats good animal welfare then I am a monkey's uncle:rolleyes:.

I see what you are saying, but it's not practical for rescues to have massive hutches and runs- in terms of space and funds. I don't see a problem with a rabbit being kept in a small hutch TEMPORARILY until it finds a new home.

EDIT: this is just a general comment, I didn't see the GMTV piece, and it sounds like he doesn't rehome.

[Kay]

Thing is that he isn't a rescue! He says he takes on so called rescue animals but from where. I think it was suppose to be a nice bit of telly and nothing else.

Pure assumption but I reckon he gets them from word of mouth or from freeads.

[Jay M]

Hi

Wonder if anyone has checked about vaccinations and chipping for the animals, also have any been neutered.
As mentioned in a previous post, what happens when he goes away and goes to university.
Hope they all don't end up at rescue centres in the future, but you can see that happening.
Is good to see that the boy is so interested in animals, but think that it should be looked realisticly.

Jaye

[Kay]

Hi Jay, that was exactly my point. Can you imagine the cost of jabs etc for the buns alone, then theres all the guinea pigs he has, yearly boosters for the dogs and cats, plus wormers/fleas etc. Not sure what care chickens need but I know that they require all kinds of medication.

The thing that worries me is he is being hailed as some kind of hero or Dr Dolittle just because he is 15, so people watch it and think its good enough animal care because he has appeared on tv so it must be alright!

[Tamsin]

I didn't see the piece but you do have to be careful relying on TV snippets to get a true picture of the issue.

For example if you'd asked me at 15 what pets I had I'd have included a cat and several hundreds fish, however they weren't my responsibility to care for. Likewise the dogs could be family pets with the feeding and walking shared between family members.

Whilst 90+ rabbits is a lot to care for there are rescues that do the same with a full time job (longer hours than school). It would be perfectly possible to feed/water/check that many in an evening and then do the cleaning at the weekend.

I don't know if it was clear how many his other family members are involved. It makes it sound more interesting news if it's all a kid but that doesn't mean his parents/siblings don't help.

[Jay M]

Hi

Someone mentioned that he lived on a farm.

Hopefully the animals are all vaccinated, but if there not then the Rabbits could pick up Myxomatosis or VHD.

Recently I've had to have the Myxomatosis vaccination every 6 months due to a number of out breaks up and down the country.

Surely he will have done as there are more likely to be wild rabbits around where he lives.

If not he's playing quite dangerously, as the other animals such as the cats could carry the disease.

Jaye

[raine]

Has anyone made contact to see if he is rehoming any of the bunnies and pointed him to here as a tool to aid this?

[sally1974]

I didn't see the piece but you do have to be careful relying on TV snippets to get a true picture of the issue.

For example if you'd asked me at 15 what pets I had I'd have included a cat and several hundreds fish, however they weren't my responsibility to care for. Likewise the dogs could be family pets with the feeding and walking shared between family members.

Whilst 90+ rabbits is a lot to care for there are rescues that do the same with a full time job (longer hours than school). It would be perfectly possible to feed/water/check that many in an evening and then do the cleaning at the weekend.

I don't know if it was clear how many his other family members are involved. It makes it sound more interesting news if it's all a kid but that doesn't mean his parents/siblings don't help.

completely agree
Sallyx

[Kay]

I agree but his Mum says something like 'as long as he looks after them himself then I don't mind'. She gave the impression he gets no help.

[xx-lou-xx]

the reporter makes me laugh, just grabs the bunny but then she gets paid back in the end!...(decides to use her arms as a toilet!)

[Sooz]

It did seem like mum was OK as long as she didn't have to get involved. Did they not say at one point that he dosn't tell her when he gets a new one because she dosn't tend to notice?

[Deelove]

The enphasis was very much on the fact that he get's up early and cleans them out, he gets new one's, he takes care of them by himself. Even if you take the dogs and cats out of the equation it's still 30 + rabbits and 30 + guineapigs, plus hamster's etc.

[Kay]

http://www.gm.tv/index.cfm?articleid=678

I emailed them on the above link but heard nothing back. I emailed yesterday night. If anyone else would email that would be great.

K

[Lea-Anne]

It did seem like mum was OK as long as she didn't have to get involved. Did they not say at one point that he dosn't tell her when he gets a new one because she dosn't tend to notice?


She did say that. That to me says the parents have no responsibility in relation to the animals care whatsoever. That is a heck of lot of work and cost for one 15 year old to manage!? As his parents they should be monitoring his intake and if necessarily tell him enough is enough.

[Kay]

If my son had 97 pets I'd want to know about it. As a parent I would be worried about how his schooling is being affected. All that time cleaning animals won't get him through his exams. He is 15 now so he has exams coming up whats going to give his care of the animals or the exams? Its so irresponsible.

[sillyrabbit]

Ive sent an email and asked them if they are going to follow this story up by showing suitable hutches for rabbits, I doubt I will get a response though.

I know we dont know the whole story, but I do think 97 pets is far too much for a 15 year old assuming he doesnt rehome them and said he will keep taking more in :( I really think his parents need to at least put a limit on how many he can have, what if he comes home tomorrow with another 10 rabbits :? By saying oh I dont notice when he gets another one isnt going to help :( And like others have said now everyone knows where he lives how many more will he be dumped with.

My brother is 15 and brings home a huge amount of homework and coursework each week, he often starts when he gets in and finishes at around 10pm and goes straight to bed so I think it must be very hard to balance school so close to GCSE's and all those animals. I struggle letting mine out before and after work and I only have four :shock: Maybe he does have 30 runs we dont know, I think it would take about an hour just getting them all in and out of the runs and with all those piggies being let out too I really dont think its possible.

I completely agree with all of you who have said rabbits in rescues dont need massive sheds with attached runs while they are waiting for their forever homes by the way :D

Im upset that GMTV even showed those hutches on tv though :( How many people watched and saw someone being praised for keeping all these rabbits in little hutches stacked up on top of each other, and will now think its ok to keep a rabbit in something that size :cry: Its hard enough trying to convince people as it is that these pet shop hutches are too small, having them shown on the news with someone being told they are doing a good job isnt going to help at all :?

I have no doubt that boy is only trying to help and is heart is in the right place im not criticising him at all. I just hope his family is loaded or something. They must spend a fortune at the vets before any even get ill what with vaccinations.

[Denny]

Sorry to point this out folks but vaccinating and neutering is not a legal requirement in this country so he is not breaking any laws by not doing either, however, duty of care is and we all dont know if they have/are or needing any treatment.

His mother did say that he could keep them as long as he could pay for them hence the odd jobs he does and the majority of mothers tend to say this with their own children when they are asking for a pet to see if they are committed to the animal despite helping them out when the pet arrives is some cases.

I did feel however, that this lad, dedicated as he is, had either learning difficulties or problems at school that has resulted in having no friends which would be why his mother allows him so many animals as they have become his freinds and family at the end of the day. I know it is wrong to pacify your children with having animals and I admit, when my eldest was younger and having problems in school, I got her a hampster as she needed a friend and some-one she felt close too which Tom did exactly that and she looked after him well with my help and direction.

I am not defending the conditions they are living in, I just feel he needs some help on the educational side of things and if that means helping him find homes for many to allow the rest in his care space and healthy living then he might welcome such knowledge on animals.

I doubt very much he is even aware that rabbit keeping has come on leaps and bounds since the days of them being kept in a hutch in the garden but it is not really his fault if they have been portrayed as this and it is how he is keeping them as he doesnt know any better.

Yes he is 15 years old, so is my youngest daughter and I have to say, she is in year 10 now and since the GCSE's exams are being spread over their last 2 years of their schooling, she has already had 3 or 4 exams this year. Due to the examinations taking place at various times over these two years means that she will not have them all in one go in the final months of year 11. She brings no course work home or homework as she chooses to do this in school time so this could be the same case for this lad allowing him time with the animals and his jobs out of school hours.

Some-one has written that the papers are directing people wishing to adopt an animal off him, do they state who to contact should they wish to do so?

Over the years, I have been sole carer for all of my pets but it doesn't mean to say that my children have not learnt from me on how to care for them but then they also understand that they do not have time in their busy life schedules to care for any at the moment, but hopefully, maybe one day when they are older and settled they may concider a pet of their own and I will take comfort that they will know how to care and cater for that pet and adopt one in need. The educational power of a parent sticks well, if it had not been for my parents whom were also animal lovers then maybe I wouldn't be the caring animal lover today if I had not been taught to respect, love and care for them as a child.

[chloaster]

I admire his effort and compassion but I am in agreement with others who have said that his parents should take some responsibility and know when to say no ...... which incidently was about 95 animals ago ...... :?