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 Feature of the Month
I got to know about this RABBITS IN THE CITY exhibition from one of my contacts on Twitter just one day before the event. Sensing history repeating itself, I immediately did some searching online and managed to find the information from Suntec City's website.
The weird thing is, I can't seem to find any information on the organiser's own website.
Honestly, I applaud the organisers for educating the public on proper rabbit care but, what I find unnecessary here is the rabbit race.
Rabbits are timid creatures.
It just isn't their nature to run a race unless it's to get away from danger.
I could almost visualize the chaotic situation unfolding before my very eyes: The terrified rabbits are confused by the unfamiliar environment and the mob of people screaming at them to move towards the finishing line helped nothing except to traumatise them even further.
I don't see how taunting rabbits with loud noises is happening at a event which is supposed to promote for their well-being. Isn't that akin to having foodstores selling beef burgers and hotdogs at a PETA event?
Contradicting, isn't it?
This has already been STOMPed with protests from the House Rabbit Society Singapore (HRSS) and the Singapore Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
Nonetheless, I still wrote in to the relevant authorities, trying to raise the issue of the possible dire consequences that could befall the rabbits during the race.
The rabbit race would be held over two weekends:
- 22 & 23 Jan (Sat & Sun)
- 29 & 30 Jan (Sat & Sun)
I sent out the email on Friday night (21 Jan) so there is there is a high possibility that there is no one in the office to act on my complaint. It might be a little too late to stop the rabbit race during the first weekend but at least, I hope something can be done on the second weekend.
I am not asking to scrap the entire event. The education part is all good and proper. All I am asking for is not to hold the rabbit race, and also to house them comfortably in non-wired bottom cages.
However, before I receive any acknowledgement from the relevant authorities, I saw this piece of report on Today the next day after sending the email and I must say that my impression of the organiser has plummeted to rock bottom.
I supposed this was the cage that is "twelve times the size of a rabbit"?
To quote Mr Isaac Koh in his own words, "the flooring was of a material that did not hurt the animals".
Could he kindly demonstrate by standing barefooted on the wire himself for just one hour to prove his claims? I would only be convinced by what he said if he could withstand that one hour without showing any signs of discomfort.
I am a regular customer of Pets Village but what they have done has marred my impression of them.
*UPDATES (25 JAN) I have finally received a reply from AVA (whom did not answer my questions about the rabbit race)
 Click image for bigger view
I learnt from a friend that rabbits were actually put up for sale when the event first started but perhaps due to AVA's intervention, those rabbits were eventually removed. So, the educational talks were nothing but a facade to sell rabbits? In my opinion, the organiser should not hitch a ride on this rabbit year to sell rabbits just so to earn a few extra bucks! They, of all people should understand the rising trend of pet abandonement after the festive period better than anyone else. It's a live, breathing animal that lives for 9 - 12 years; not a Lady Gaga DVD which we could chuck one side after getting bored with it. As a professional in the pet business, the organiser have the social responsibility to counsel customers against buying any pets on impulse rather than encouraging it. It's depressing to know that the rabbit's well-being has been sacrificed for monetary gains. For that, I am BOYCOTTING Pets Village henceforth for being so insensitive and unfeeling towards the rabbits' physical and mental state of well-being.
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| | Posted 1/22/2011 3:41 PM - 2663 Views - 0 eProps - 4 comments
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"DC" is the acronym for Dead Cockroach - my online moniker.
