Rabbit Scramble! SAD!

[Pandorachik]

Abusive rabbit “scramble” in Oregon is where they let rabbits go and kids run after them and at some point could even hurt them! Its terrible and sickening, I’m not sure how to stop it but the source I got the news off of is a facebook page “red barn rabbit rescue” heres the link: https://www.facebook.com/redbarnrab…mp;fref=ts  Theres videos and more information there. The people who did it deleted there sites and facebook page because they dont want any more people telling them what to do. But I was just crying my eyes out of the sight of people handeling these rabbits like this! Hopefully, I was allowed to share this, but I just hate this abuse!! Tell me if anyone has any more information, Thanks!

[Monkeybun]

Yeah, its rather horrendous. RBRR has proposed an ordinance to the county to bad live animals as prizes, but we’ll see what happens. With all teh pro-animal legislation going on here in Oregon, I do hope that passes!

[LBJ10]

Wow, that is pretty sad. Could have definitely been worse though. I saw the one boy who lost his grip on the bunny he had and it was dangling by its rear legs from his arms. Those rabbits could have easily been hurt.

[colleenbunny]

Here’s a link. I know that you aren’t allowed to use this site for this purpose… But I’ll give the link anyways…

http://www.redbarnrabbitrescue.org/2012rodeo.html

[MoveDiagonally]

Me too Monkeybun!

The link colleen posted is about last years rodeo in Cottage Grove. You can see them kicking, throwing, and one person almost stepping on the rabbits while they’re lining them up before the kids give chase.

The recent event was at the South Douglas Rodeo and you see the rabbits being kept in a pick up truck without water. They actually “hosed them down” on Saturday because they were worried about them overheating. You see people carrying them improperly in the video and there are pictures of ADULTS walking around with rabbits dangling from their scruffs.

The defenders of such events often say “it gives them a chance at a new home”. The problem is that in Cottage Grove they have the rabbits specifically bred for the event. That’s 80 rabbits that wouldn’t exist without the event. I’m not sure about how Douglas County Rodeo obtains their rabbits but I don’t think an animal should have to be put through that level of stress for the small chance at having a good home. They also say it “gives children a chance to learn responsibility” which doesn’t make sense to me either. An animal isn’t a lesson it’s a living being. If they wanted to teach their kids about responsibility why not hold an adoption event instead of a “scramble”? The whole situation is just sad.

[NewBunnyOwner123]

Ugh this is so sad! With all those kids running at those rabbits they could have easily tripped and stepped on or crushed a rabbit. Heartbreaking watching the link that colleenbunny listed. The video was heartbreaking watching that. I will definitely be voicing my concerns about this!

[colleenbunny]

I found this a while back. It is so sad. And what’s more is that the females are probably all bred, because it doesn’t take very long.

[NewBunnyOwner123]

This is why rabbits get abandoned. Because these rodeos are having this “scramble” for the kids. The kids chase, and snatch a rabbit. and then they don’t really WANT the rabbit because it is obviously an impulse grab in the first place and then it’s uncared for and abandoned. Or other time god only knows what kind of place the rabbit is going to. This whole situation and the argument about “giving them a chance at a home” is just OUTRAGEOUS! and irresponsible on so many levels.

I hope this even gets stopped in the future. Poor things

[MoveDiagonally]

NBO – I agree wholeheartedly. The Cottage Grove Rodeo is happening next month and as far as I’ve heard they’re still planning on this event being a part of their rodeo.

I believe I remember reading about how RBRR corresponded with the Cottage Grove Riding Club (that puts on the rodeo) and they were mainly concerned about the money they’d lose if they stopped having their “scramble”. They didn’t even want to consider alternative children’s events. They defended themselves in the media by saying, ” …it is a great opportunity for children to learn responsibility caring for a pet and families are advised to not let their children participate if they’re not prepared to take an animal home.”

Again, they breed these rabbits specifically for the event. These rabbits should not exist or need homes, they just add to overpopulation issues.

Colleen, I had the same concern. I honestly hope the stress of the situation prevents them from breeding. Otherwise most of the doe’s are likely pregnant and that 80 rabbits can become 100+ real easy.

[colleenbunny]

 Yes.  It looked liked per every 2×2 rabbit cage there was, there were three rabbits. I HATED the way that they handle the rabbits. All that the kids are learning about bunnies comes from the adults around them. When the adults throw the rabbits, the kids are learning to do the same. This event makes me sick. 

[Stickerbunny]

Errrgh. I can’t see how this isn’t counted as abuse. But, then, rodeos in general are really nasty to animals. : (

[meow1]

I just sent them an email requesting they find an alternative activity to the rabbit scramble.

[justwildbeat]

They’d never do that to cats or dogs. Also I doubt most of those children are prepared to care for the rabbit properly.

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