The Duchess
Wise Old Thumper
Not wishing to stir up a breeder debate, more one about the ethics of auctioning off donated 'prizes' (which just happen to be live rabbits) at the end of the show. The rabbits are of different 'fancies' and have been donated by the breed's premier breeders and exhibitors.
The organisers of the auction will also be presenting the person who donated the rabbit that secures the highest bid with a prize.
I find this a totally disgusting way of perpetuating the idea that a rabbit is a chattle and not a living creature. I do realise that this no different in some ways to that of cattle auctions and sheep etc, but for some reason because this is for 'pleasure' rather than a need to produce food I find it unacceptable. Of course it happens with horses too but again, horses are held in higher regard in general than a rabbit so it's care is likely to be better than that of a rabbit.
I guess the rabbits are going to be good examples of the breed and therefore will be used by the winning bidders to further their breeding programmes so that is upsetting in itself.
I am open to listening to why anyone thinks that this is acceptable, but right now I am even more angry about rabbit welfare and perception in the UK than I normally am and you'll need to go some to convince me that I am being unreasonable.
I don't like Burgess as a product anyway and by them supporting such an affair, it just cements my need to recommend other pet food suppliers ahead of them always. Burgess of course will have a massive customer base in the UK with the breeder community so they have to protect their business by sponsorship, but surely they should make a stand and support welfare events only.
Thoughts please.......
The organisers of the auction will also be presenting the person who donated the rabbit that secures the highest bid with a prize.
I find this a totally disgusting way of perpetuating the idea that a rabbit is a chattle and not a living creature. I do realise that this no different in some ways to that of cattle auctions and sheep etc, but for some reason because this is for 'pleasure' rather than a need to produce food I find it unacceptable. Of course it happens with horses too but again, horses are held in higher regard in general than a rabbit so it's care is likely to be better than that of a rabbit.
I guess the rabbits are going to be good examples of the breed and therefore will be used by the winning bidders to further their breeding programmes so that is upsetting in itself.
I am open to listening to why anyone thinks that this is acceptable, but right now I am even more angry about rabbit welfare and perception in the UK than I normally am and you'll need to go some to convince me that I am being unreasonable.
I don't like Burgess as a product anyway and by them supporting such an affair, it just cements my need to recommend other pet food suppliers ahead of them always. Burgess of course will have a massive customer base in the UK with the breeder community so they have to protect their business by sponsorship, but surely they should make a stand and support welfare events only.
Thoughts please.......