|
Rabbit Advocacy Animal Matters
|
|
Say 'no' to rabbit cafés December 27, 2014 The Straits Times EVEN with the recent controversy over the welfare of animals in cat cafes ("Troubled cat cafe put up for sale"; Dec 19), the House Rabbit Society (Singapore) has been receiving queries about the setting up of "rabbit cafes" here. We oppose the establishment of such cafes, on both the grounds of animal welfare and public hygiene. While there are stringent licensing conditions for pet cafes, the health and well-being of rabbits often deteriorate too rapidly for any regular inspections and enforcement to be effectively conducted. Rabbits are fragile and sensitive small animals that do not take well to being handled constantly, and being in an environment with crowds and loud noise - aspects present in any cafe. They are significantly more vulnerable than dogs and cats, and require proper care by individuals trained in their diet, handling and daily monitoring of their health and behaviour. We have been involved in the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of abandoned rabbits for more than a decade, and have seen many cases of rabbits being mishandled, resulting in serious injuries. The welfare of rabbits takes precedence over commercial gains, and we urge the authorities to refrain from granting pet cafe licences to prospective applicants. We also remind the public not to encourage business activities that treat rabbits as toys rather than living beings with sensitivities and vulnerabilities. Betty Tan (Ms) President House Rabbit Society (Singapore) December 27, 2014 comment: The Rabbit Advocacy Group is in agreement with the HRS, in NOT supporting rabbit cafes, or any other exploitation of these vulnerable, sensitive creatures. For one, animals are still regarded as property under the law, and the fallout of their possession, including abuse, neglect, and abandonment, is colossal. Any welfare/advocacy/rights group knows that the pet industry is full of suffering, and would not encourage or promote yet another business whose goal is to profit off their backs. It’s extremely discouraging that some in the field actually try to justify these schemes, but then again, they are motivated not by care or compassion, but by their own self-serving agenda. There will be no moral advancement of society unless attitudes radically evolve. June 22, 2021 Vancouver has opened its Bunny Café. It hopes to provide a safe space for people to socialize with adoptable bunnies from Rabbitats rescue. Their main goal is to feature homeless, abandoned and feral rabbits that need to find forever homes. It is located at 1696 Venables Street, on the corner of Commercial Drive. The admission fee is $15.95 +GST per person. Our treatment of non-human beings can be a catalyst for a more just and compassionate society, or it can be a symptom of a society that has lost its moral compass. "Without a global revolution in the sphere of human consciousness nothing will change for the better." Vaclav Havel Visit our Links & Gov’t Contacts page Be sure to visit our Websites/Articles page to see some of the organizations working to make our world a better place for animals! |