Rabbit Breeders and Animal Welfare and Rights

 Our humble views on this volatile subject

 We ARE RABBIT BREEDERS AND PROUD OF IT

We are rabbit breeders- and I am taking out the word 'responsible' because I am tired of this label being used just to satisfy others.  I've found many internet sites where the term 'responsible breeder' is 'defined' by many made-up descriptions such as: "responsible breeders will accept any animal back at any time", "they will take in rescue animals", "they will not breed for any characteristics which may be 'detrimental' to the animal or for cosmetic (color) traits", "they will treat all sick animals (even ones who carry infectious disease-using isolation to prevent spread of illness)", etc. etc. 

Clearly these definitions are made up to suite the anti-breeder agenda; this type of labeling allows them to call all breeders who do not fall within this 'responsible breeder' definition, bad or irresponsible breeders.  No, we are not one of those responsible breeders as defined by some of the AR groups and rescues, but we are are responsible people and are entirely comfortable and proud of how we raise, breed and care for our rabbits.

We breed rabbits for fancy and try to produce animals that nicely represent their breed according to the ARBA Standard of Perfection.  We promote healthy temperaments, healthy rabbits and rabbits that are healthy genetically.  We love our animals and enjoy spending a lot of time with them.  We also take great pride in the way we care for our animals and work hard to maintain a clean environment for our rabbits. We try our best to plan breedings and crosses so all the babies produced are provided for- in other words we don't indiscriminately breed knowing that we don't have cage space for the youngsters produced. 

Because not all the babies produced fall within the breed standard, some rabbits are sold as pets.  This is especially true of the Holland Lop breed, where some of the offspring genetically are not true dwarfs and result in an rabbit oversized for the breed standard - producing these cannot be prevented and they are sold as pets. We never breed our rabbits just to generate income from pet sales.

WHO CAN BE BLAMED FOR ALL THE UNWANTED PETS?

During recent years, there has been a developing trend to blame others for personal misfortunes and bad choices – we see it all the time; sue McDonalds or other fast-food places because YOU ate too much of their food and became overweight, blame the tobacco companies because YOU smoked and became ill, and my personal favorite – “the gun killed him, not me!”. 

This trend carries over to the animal world also – because shelters are reportedly overpopulated with unwanted rabbits and cavies, it must be the breeders’ fault, not the persons who dump their animals there! 

The real blame belongs to the irresponsible pet owner-the person who didn't keep their commitment to their pet.

Many pet owners who want to get rid of their pet, mask their real reason(s) by claiming ignorance - With all the pet rabbit information so widely available on the internet, libraries, TV and in magazines nowadays - there is no longer any excuse for a pet rabbit owner to claim 'they had no idea what they were getting into' or ' my gosh, I didn't know they live so long!"  Ignorance is no longer a valid excuse for pet rabbit owners and I refuse to take the 'blame' for these people who do not fulfill their commitment to their pet rabbits. 

Many start out with good intentions but down the road they tire of the responsibility or no longer have the time to care for their pet, and so readily give their pet to a rescue or shelter.   Commonly I hear that kids grow older and no longer have interest in their pet - leaving the parent to care for it, which is usually short-lived.  For this reason, we rarely find reason to sell pets to families with young children, especially when the pet is purchased for the children. 

Commitment and taking responsibility for one's own actions seems to be difficult to attain in today's world, and someone has to be blamed for the unwanted pet population - it is so much easier and convenient to blame the breeder instead of addressing the real problem.  After all, it is impossible to force someone to keep an unwanted pet and care for it properly, but it is relatively easy to attack a rabbit breeder who produces rabbits, even if their rabbits are not the ones ending up in the shelter! 

I am not producing a 'homeless animal' every time I breed - the results of our breedings are intentional and they are wanted.  There are many reasons that unwanted pet rabbits are ending up in shelters and rescues, but the rabbit breeder IS NOT THE CAUSE!   Through attending many rabbit shows, conventions and other rabbit-based events, I've had the opportunity to meet and talk to many, many rabbit breeders, and I've discovered one common trait; not one rabbit breeder I've ever met, breeds rabbits with the intention of selling any of them as pets.  Most, like us, close their rabbitries to the general public, and only offer the occasional pet rabbit for sale.  I also am not aware of any rabbit breeder who has relinquished his or her rabbits to a rescue or shelter.

The dumped pet rabbit-now a shelter rabbit

The shelters and rescues are in a difficult position- even when they have no more room or resources, they still accept these pets because of concern for their welfare in an unwanted environment.  Of course, they are not going to admonish people who dump their pets off, or this would turn others away from surrendering their pets - causing irresponsible pet owners to dispose of their pets by other means - or to neglect them, threatening their well-being and possibly their life.

Often, these surrendered pets are hard to place in new homes.  Many have a stigma of some sort, such as chronic illness or bad habits. We know that some older, or surrendered animals may have some bad or undesirable habits - which may be why they were given up for adoption in the first place.  People also should realize that many animals develop bad habits due to lack of proper training, neglect or abuse, and sometimes a simple misunderstanding of the animal's natural growth behaviors.  Many of these bad habits can be successfully addressed with proper care, re-training, consistent attention, and veterinary care if needed.

I am sure there are also a fair number of rabbits in shelters or rescues that fall in to the category of requiring extreme attention or care such as those who are paralyzed, suffer from chronic, debilitating disease, genetic malformations and the like, that should be humanely put to sleep but instead are kept alive under the blind idea that all animals deserve to live no matter what.  These rabbits can suffer needlessly just to satisfy some human's selfish sense of righteousness or desire to be needed or important.

It has got to be a rare event when a young or baby rabbit is surrendered to a shelter or rescue - most rabbits are well into the adolescent stages before given up.  I also bet that any youngsters that do arrive at shelters are also the first ones to be adopted out. I would imagine, as it is with cats and dogs, adult rabbits in shelters do not fare well at rehoming compared to the younger animals.

Adult or Mature Pets

Until society changes their views on adult or mature pets, of all species not just rabbits, there is always going to be unwanted adult pets in the shelters and rescues.  Visit your local humane society to confirm this if you don't believe me.  Never will you find puppies or other baby animals left un-adopted....but there will always be a good supply of adults waiting for new homes. 

People searching for a new pet are always going to seek out the youngster and if they are not available in shelters, they will find other sources.  This is the way it is, unless society as a whole, changes their views on age.  When our rabbitry was open to the public, we experienced this all the time - visitors would be shown the older pet rabbits because we had no babies to offer, and despite our older rabbits being very nice, healthy and friendly, they were almost always turned down and the visitor would be on their way to seek out a baby rabbit at another place. 

More education needs to be done to convince people that adult and mature animals make wonderful pets!  Pet choice seems to be equated with the HUMAN idea that only a very young 'infant' will be able to 'bond' and become part of the family - the same problem sadly exists within human adoption- infants are highly desired and older needy children are passed up. 

Animals are not people though and older animals are easily capable of 'bonding' with a new family!  I got my first 'rescue' horse when she was 14 years old!  It didn't take her long to recognize me as her new caregiver and I now enjoy her daily nickering and warm responses to my attention!  We have purchased rabbits and cavies that are way past the baby stage and they always fit right in - each with their own distinct personality.  I've spent the earlier years of my life buying older dogs from our local humane society and these dogs became our steadfast family members - very much loved!  Every adult animal we've purchased has turned out to be a great pet.  People who won't consider an older animal don't realize the gift they are passing up!

CHOOSING A PET THAT WILL NOT END UP AT THE RESCUE

As far as pet rabbits go, adult rabbits are by far the better choice for new pet rabbit owners.  Unfortunately no one wants to acknowledge this - probably 95 percent of all our pet inquiries are for baby or very young rabbits - and usually, I cannot even talk these potential pet owners into considering an adult rabbit.

Many new pet owners insist on buying a baby rabbit - the cute, little, fury creature is so irresistible to them.  What they do not realize is that the adult version of the same rabbit is just as cute- the healthy adult rabbit plays just like the youngster- they run and buck, twisting in the air and throwing their heads- they are just as cute and funny to watch as the baby rabbit!  Many have concerns over the litter box training ability of an adult rabbit - but we have sold several adult rabbits to pet homes - and every one of them was easily litter trained by their new owners.....

An advantage to buying an adult rabbit is that the owner will have no surprises when it comes to the rabbit's personality.  You have the opportunity to observe and choose a rabbit with a personality that will fit in with your needs and expectations. The adult rabbit has already gone through adolescence and has leveled off into his or her regular personality and behavior. 

 Now on the other hand....choosing a baby rabbit often turns into a huge disappointment for new pet owners;  soon after buying that cute little bunny, adolescent hormones take charge and the new owner becomes distraught over the irritating behaviors that accompany normal rabbit adolescence.  This is the stage when many new rabbit owners give their rabbits up for adoption because they cannot tolerate the behaviors or don't understand them.  Sometimes, that sweet young bunny will evolve into a saber-tooth adult - much to the surprise of the owner, who gave nothing but love and attention to their young charge!  This is why we recommend the stable, adult rabbit as the pet of choice, especially for new rabbit owners.

A brand-new, inexperienced rabbit owner choosing a baby or young rabbit as their first pet rabbit will often result in another rabbit being relinquished to a shelter!  We advise all new owners to choose from the stable adult rabbit population first.

THE LIFETIME COMMITMENT TO A PET

Despite all we do to ensure our animals go to good permanent homes, nothing can guarantee that each buyer will fulfill his/her obligation for the life of the animal.  Having a new pet owner sign a 'lifetime commitment' document is useless and not enforceable! Perhaps the idea behind this type of document is to remind the pet owner of his or her initial commitment, but a mere piece of paper is not going to prevent a pet owner from getting rid of a pet they don't want any longer.  Human nature lends itself to constant change – we can only hope that all buyers will be responsible for their pet's future, and include their pets in all of their life changes. 

To have a blanket policy that says we'll accept any pet back, at any time, for any reason, does not work for us due to our own limited space.   It is unrealistic to hold a cage open for 10 years, just in case the new owner tires of the pet!  Wow, can you imagine if a 'lifetime return policy' was not just for rabbits, but for all animals???  How nice to know that when my old horse begins having inevitable health problems, or board is raised beyond my budget - I can just ship her back to the breeder who produced her years ago and voila! Done with it! I guess I don't have to worry about it - I didn't produce her so she is not my responsibility! Oh....never mind that I bought her and claimed I owned her all these years........   Perhaps my work schedule will change and I will find it too difficult to get home often enough to let my dogs out - therefore I think I'll just send the dogs back to their breeders!  What a convenient policy for those who will not recognize responsibility and commitment for what it truly is.

 Of course I am just kidding - I'd never return my horse or dogs for any reason and I certainly would never expect a seller to hold open a 'life-long' option to return an animal I bought from them!  Do you see how ridiculous this sounds?   If you buy an animal - it no longer belongs to the person you bought it from and it is yours alone, it is your responsibility to provide care for it until it dies or until you sell it to someone else!  You should not be looking to buy a pet if you are under the impression that you can return it when you are 'finished' with it!  Your pet is not a 'loaner' - if you are thinking along these terms, you are not suited to own a pet rabbit.

Owning a pet is not a fleeting responsibility - it is a lifetime commitment to care for the animal, to teach your kids that your pet is a living creature who feels pain and hunger, who depends on you for daily care no matter what else is going on in the family!  If you cannot make this commitment - do not buy a pet!

EDUCATION OF POTENTIAL BUYERS

We educate all potential buyers on the commitment they are about to make.  We discourage impulse-buying and offer both written and verbal information on the intended pet and commitment required.  We have turned down many inquiring pet buyers and some even back out once they realize the commitment  required may not work for them.  We don't sell a pet unless we feel confident that the buyers will be long-term exceptional pet owners. 

I am all for educating prospective rabbit owners before they choose a pet rabbit - even educating new breeders about proper rabbit care is essential for the health of our rabbit breeding hobby.  We have a booklet on basic rabbit care available for both pet rabbit owners and for new breeders: this booklet covers cages and equipment, transition to a new home, proper feeding, heath and common illnesses, litter training, beginning breeding, tattooing show and breeding rabbits and finally showing and rabbit clubs. 

This printable booklet is available on our website, and is also handed out to new rabbit owners that purchase rabbits from us.  While this booklet doesn't cover every aspect of rabbit care, it gives enough basic information so the new owner has a good start and can be well-informed.  We also ask potential owners to read through this book before they come to look at sale pets.

Because I feel it important that all rabbit breeders selling pet rabbits or selling to new breeders should educate their customers, we've made this this rabbit care booklet available for anyone to use, free of charge - other breeders my use it as an educational tool for their own customers. 

We also ask potential pet owners to read through the series of articles we have in our Pet Rabbits & Cavies website segment - these short articles help educate and identify the commitment required of a pet rabbit owner. 

MASS PRODUCTION OF PETS

              We DO NOT support 'puppy mills' and similar pet breeding operations - those who 'mass-produce' for the sole intent of gaining profit by flooding the pet market with stock that is produced without regard to sound genetics and temperament.  Shame on you for creating so many animals destined to a life of misery and inevitable pain just to satisfy your greed.

               I am not referring to meat-rabbit breeding operations - these are legitimate businesses that produce meat - not pets.

Research

                We do not condone using animals for research and testing when it is for cosmetic or unnecessary use!  Animal testing is necessary for some medical research – unfortunately there is no other way to ensure drugs and new treatments will be safe for human use unless first tested on animals.  I don’t suppose any one out there would like to volunteer their selves, or offer up their families, for experimentation of a promising new cancer treatment in order to save the life of a lab animal, would you?  Are you willing to sacrifice your young child to a disease that could have been cured at the expense of a lab animal's life? 

               We wish animals did not need to be used for experimentation and testing, but there is not much choice when the probable alternative is human loss or suffering.  I do not agree with experimenting on rabbits unless it absolutely essential for human life - there seems to be a fine line between what is considered 'essential' and 'non essential'  with many experiments I've read about that don't sound like (at least in terms that I can understand) they could be necessary for human life, but are rather just for further knowledge of human systems and responses - I don't like this at all and it shouldn't be done.

Meat, FUR and Pelt Use

Historically, rabbits have been a food and clothing source for humans (and a food source for other animals!)  Modernization of our country has provided us with synthetic clothing sources and we no longer need to use animal pelts, so we don't raise rabbits just for their fur.   Using rabbits for a food source is still practiced in this country, and is an even greater practice in developing countries, where rabbit meat is an inexpensive and oftentimes the main source of food for less fortunate people.  Rabbit meat is lean, nutritious and inexpensive to produce.  Of course, using the meat and pelts from rabbits (and other animals), as a byproduct of another use, makes for less waste and honors the rabbit's existence.

Because we still live in a free society, we can choose our reasons for raising the animals that we do – we personally would not choose to eat rabbit (I also don't like wild game-grew up with the store-wrapped meat and I kind of like it that way, LOL),  raise them for their pelts, or wear fur, but we do not begrudge others who do- our opinion should not be able to deter someone from legally raising rabbits for these purposes.  I don't have any issues with people raising rabbits for these purposes.

I do feel that all rabbits, and in fact all animals, should have a quality life up until the time 'their number comes up' and that euthanasia methods are humane and immediately effective.

Many anti-fur groups out there try to claim that fur/wool raisers' rabbits suffer horrid living conditions and tremendous stress when sheared of their wool - but this is just not true.  Common sense should prevail here - a poorly-kept fur/wool rabbit is not going to produce the desired coat/wool, and shearing is not the terrifying painful procedure the anti-fur groups would like you to believe it is.  A good breeder is not going to put his fur and wool producing animals under undue stress, again, this would not help produce the desired fur and wool.

I've read AR articles claiming that shearing leaves the rabbits 'bloody and terrified', but again, use your common sense- I doubt such a bloodied and terrified animal is going to produce a marketable product.  Oh I imagine there might be a few who accidentally clip too short and nick their rabbit's skin in the process, or while they are learning - but I also believe this is not common, and it is not the 'standard'.

 I have watched shearing of these beautiful rabbits and the process doesn't seem to bother them much at all.  Most are used to, and seem to welcome, all the attention from their extensive grooming periods, and the ones that don't like the procedures and grooming, don't seem to put up much of a protest at all - at least not like some of these anti-wool groups would have you think - I have watched long-haired dogs being professionally groomed and they put up more of a fuss than any rabbit I've ever seen getting sheared!  These wool and fur rabbits are generally pretty pampered and get a lot of personal attention - hardly the traumatized, poor rabbits described in AR articles! 

If you ever have questions about show/meat/fur/wool rabbit care and procedures, why don't you talk to some actual breeders?  There are so many animal-rights and anti-fur articles and warnings splashed all over the internet and other places, intended to sway you towards anti-breeder groups without accurately presenting the facts - do yourself a big favor, and become informed from both sides of the fence before you unjustly accuse rabbit breeders of foul play or unethical practices!

Different Ways TO Care for Domestic RABBITS

                Humans have domesticated several species of animals throughout the years, and by doing so we have made it difficult, if not impossible, for these species to return to their wild, natural state.  We have an obligation to provide adequate food, shelter and care for our domestic animals. 

                Because Domestic Rabbits are truly one of the only multi-purpose animals around, they can be kept and used for different purposes; as a house pet, as breeding and show rabbits, and even as meat or fur rabbits.  For decades, the rabbit was considered a livestock animal and commonly kept in cages out in a barn and it has been only in recent years that rabbits have found their way into American homes as pets.  Each of these uses for the Domestic Rabbit entails a different housing and care regime, and rabbits can thrive well in any of these settings, under completely different care. 

                Many animal rights groups and pet rabbit groups will have you believe that their way is the only acceptable way to keep rabbits - and they openly admonish any other care/housing options, even traditional and time-tested options! If you own a house rabbit, fine, keep it according to how The House Rabbit Society wants you to keep your pet rabbit- the rabbit is your pet, it lives in your home with you as a treasured member of your family such as a dog or cat would be. But I don't believe you have the right to expect ME to keep my rabbits as if they are house pets because my rabbits are not house pets!

                I resent these groups trying to enforce their own beliefs on others claiming ‘their way is the best or only way’, and denouncing anyone who has a different point of view or way of doing things.  The animals in your care can thrive, be healthy (barring any illness caught), and be happy under circumstances that might be completely different from how another chooses to raise their animals.

                We are frequently contacted by people who want to buy a pet rabbit or guinea pig.  Some want a baby bunny that is still in the nest box (which they can't get from us) and others are looking for a specific breed/color/type so they come to us.  Because we are a smaller breeding operation we don't have a ready supply/variety of pets and we often refer these people to local shelters and rescues, only to have them call me a few weeks later and explain that they've just tried to purchase a pet rabbit from their local humane society/rescue but were turned down when it was learned that the rabbit would be living outside or in a place deemed 'not acceptable' by the rescue workers.  When I ask what is meant by not acceptable, I am told this means basically- anywhere but inside your home-they can purchase a rescue rabbit only if they agree to house and care for it in a specific way. 

               Now of course these people could be hiding some other reason they were turned down, but I hear this often enough to realize that a lot of potentially nice pet homes are being passed up this way - how many pet rabbits are put to sleep that could be enjoying one of these homes right now?  Not all rabbits that are kept outside the home are neglected, as is claimed by some of these rescue groups!   Another case of 'my way is the only way' and sadly, the rabbit suffers for it.  This to me, is unacceptable.

            What always amazing me is the number of pet inquiries we get from people who claim their training or experience in rabbit care comes from various house rabbit and rescue groups and information - but why are they coming to us for their pet when these same groups are so opposed to rabbit breeders?  and when there is reportedly such an overabundance of dumped pet rabbits to choose from?  We have also had a few actual rescue owners buy rabbits from us (under 'hushed' 'don't tell anyone I bought from a breeder' circumstances) because they wanted a specific breed, color or type of rabbit-and these same people represent the various groups who denounce breeding just to get these qualities that they themselves now want to choose from!

Bad Breeders-Bad Owners

                        Of course, there are bad breeders out there, just as there are bad pet owners, and bad rescue workers but each incident must be taken as an individual case - a rescue worker in my area, was recently in the news, when several animals in her care, ranging from dogs to birds, were found neglected and dead in her home - now, because I heard about this one bad rescue worker - does that mean that ALL rescue workers are just as bad??  Of course not!  This was obviously an isolated incident!  But when a bad breeder is found and publicized, the AR groups would like you to believe that ALL breeders are bad!  Come on...use your common sense here!

                Lack of knowledge can be a reason some accuse others of not caring for their animals.  In my own experience several years ago, before we knew anything about rabbits, (back when we looked at rabbits as if they were cute, cuddly animals) we often visited a friend who bred rabbits for show and meat.  He fed his rabbits a measured ration once a day, and their cages were inside an old shed that barely had a roof on it.  I remember feeling sorry for his rabbits!  I'd think to myself  "wow, they only get food once a day, and a seemingly small amount at that, and this cold breezy air inside! that's not much protection for these bunnies!  How could he be so neglectful?"  Despite my thoughts, his rabbits seemed healthy and I attributed that to plain old good luck.  Later, after we bought our own rabbits and learned how to care for them, I realized that my friend did care for his animals well - he fed them a quality feed in a quantity that kept them lean, and the constant fresh air was necessary for respiratory health, I just didn't know it until we got our own!  But I look back and see how easy it could be for an ignorant person to pass judgment on another!           

The debate will never be over…..

                Animal rights and welfare will be a never-ending debate.  It is a shame that many times, the people and groups involved in these debates lose focus on the very thing they are debating – the animal’s welfare.  Occasionally, the debate becomes nothing more than a power struggle between opposing groups and again, this does no good for the animals!  Most people have a desire to protect baby or suffering animals.  Without a doubt, there are groups out there that prey on this human kindness by professing to end animal suffering and subsequently, solicit and collect donations from people who assume they are contributing to a 'good cause'.  I have read that little, if any, of this donated money goes to actually helping animals, shelters or spay/neuter programs.   

                Some groups oppose ANY human involvement at all with animals and this is not realistic.  They claim animals should not be pets, used for service, food or entertainment.  Mankind's entire history is intertwined with animals in these and many other ways - this bond has always been strong and I presume it will remain intact for the future, despite opposition from some.

                We will all have different opinions, and as long as we are free, each opinion will have the opportunity to be expressed.  Your personal opinion is just that- your opinion, not the law, although many anti-breeder groups are trying to make their opinion the law.  Just because there are people that don't believe in the same things you do - doesn't mean  you have to wager an all-out war against them (think of the world problems we are currently having....)  Have the intelligence to think things through before you decide to involve yourself in a 'cause' and think about the reasons why you are choosing to participate- is it for self-gain?  An avenue to express yourself?  A way for you to have 'control'? or are you genuinely concerned with animal welfare and want to help promote good animal husbandry?

                Until each and every individual person in this world is 'healthy' mentally, economically, and ethically, sadly, there will always be some animals that suffer abuse and neglect at the hands of humans.  Perhaps more effort put into relieving human pain, suffering and abuse throughout the world, may benefit animal welfare in general terms, as overall 'healthy' people are better able to care for both themselves and their animals. Severe punishment for those who abuse and/or chronically and  intentionally neglect animals is a must. 

                I wish the same energy put into anti-breeder causes was put into efforts to stop child abuse and crimes against children - after all, statistics show that sadly, some abused children grow into an adult life riddled with problems, some developing a criminal intent themselves which often begins with animal abuse before they move on to crimes against other humans.  If you are a radical person looking for a cause to promote this is one arena where you would get unending support from many, plus be improving not only human lives but animal lives (indirectly) also.

                We support animal welfare meaning all domestic animals should have proper and sufficient food, clean water, adequate shelter without overcrowding,  proper care, humane euthanasia, and no animal should be abused or chronically neglected.  We think our energies and resources are best spent on caring for our animals, not tied up in a no-win argument.

Thanks for reading...perhaps you don't agree with this article, but I believe people should be held accountable for their actions and quit blaming others for their failures and inadequacies.

Cathy

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