BIT SHOCKED BY WHAT PEOPLE ON OTHER FORUMS DISCUSS

[Happi Bun]

I personally would prefer discussion of meat rabbits to not be allowed, why? Because this forum is pet orientated. I accept rabbits are used for meat and that people eat them. That's not my problem. I come to forums like this to talk about my pet rabbits, learn more about them and see other people's buns. I don't believe it's the proper place for discussion of rabbit's being used for food. Just like I wouldn't want to see snake owners talking about raising rabbits to feed to their reptiles.

:hiding:

 

[Maureen Las]

okiron wrote:

There are people horrified that you eat pigs and cows as much as you are horrified with them eating rabbits.

Rabbits can be pets or food. You have to respect that. I would have no issues keeping some rabbits as pets while breeding others for food. I plan to do so with chickens, ducks and cows anyway.

This truly is life. All different cultures have all different customs. We do not think twice about chicken or beef in the US , however ,they are animals also with feelings . We are a rabbit website and if there are rabbits out there being bred for meat then as a rabbit lover website we want those rabbits to have a humane life while they are alive. That is the noblest thing that we can do and that is to care for rabbits in every way whatever they are bred for pet or food or show in a humane way.

we are not here to cast stones at others or disparage anyones lifestyle.

We are here to make sure tha all rabbits have a humane life while they are here on earth with us.

 

[BlueGiants]

If you disagree with a topic being discussed in the Rabbitry section, you can avoid it. Not all the breeders breed for meat. But we can offer advice or help to anyone with rabbits and possibly make the rabbits life better and more comfortable.
Kudos to anyone for not eating meat. But a lot of people still do. And any animal, regardless of purpose, deserves to be properly cared for and comfortably raised. Our food chain would be healthier and better for us if we cared more for how the animals are kept.

 

[Happi Bun]

I guess my main problem of allowing meat breeders to post openly on RO is because I don't see how they could be treated humanely. The USDA classifies them as Poultry. It's no secret the vast majority of poultry are treated horribly. Tiny cages with many animals crammed inside and lack of veterinary care when needed because it makes more sense in the 'business mind' to just dispose of them. They never see the light of day, the vast majority are factory farmed.

 

[BlueGiants]

A lot of people feel very strongly about treating their "farm" animals as humanely as possible. Happy animals tend to be healthier, require little or no antibiotics or drugs and are better for us. Taking better care of them benefits everyone.

 

[TinysMom]

I used to be on a meat breeders board before coming here and I have got to say that many meat breeders try to give their "stock" as good a life as possible and often are very educated on medical issues so that their animals aren't mistreated.

One thing I like about this forum is that we do try to allow everyone to have their opinion and voice it as long as they are respectful of others who disagree.

 

[JimD]

TinysMom wrote:

One thing I like about this forum is that we do try to allow everyone to have their opinion and voice it as long as they are respectful of others who disagree.

Agreeing to disagree.

And there's no way to measure the amount of knowledge gained about care and treatment from the breeders on this forum.

 

[OakRidgeRabbits]

Happi Bun wrote:

I guess my main problem of allowing meat breeders to post openly on RO is because I don't see how they could be treated humanely. The USDA classifies them as Poultry. It's no secret the vast majority of poultry are treated horribly. Tiny cages with many animals crammed inside and lack of veterinary care when needed because it makes more sense in the 'business mind' to just dispose of them. They never see the light of day, the vast majority are factory farmed.

You have to realize, though, that rabbits are not farmed as commonly as poultry. Many and most breeders who breed for market rabbits are doing so for their own private use or for the local market. They are not as in demand as poultry, which is internationally the #1 imported and exported meat. The treatment of poultry is not so much even determined by a mind on money, but rather just trying to feed the demand for it! That doesn't justify bad treatment, but my point is...

Rabbits are not farmed in the same way as poultry. Even large rabbitries are generally very humane in their treatment, though I'm sure there are inhumane ones, just like anything. Genetically, rabbits are more sound and able to live comfortably in wire cages so as long as they get a proper diet and are processed humanely, they are hardly in the same uncomfort as poultry is in the U.S.

Beyond that, rabbit breeders are generally very knowledgable about the care of rabbits. Very few vets know as much as a reputable breeder does, so rabbits are cared for very well inthat breeding situation. In fact, in most cases, rabbit breeders try to avoid vets becausethey're so aware of how ignorant a lot ofvets are to proper care of rabbits.So yes, humane treatment is possible...and even common in the rabbit world.

 

[Brandy456]

Happi Bun wrote:

I guess my main problem of allowing meat breeders to post openly on RO is because I don't see how they could be treated humanely. The USDA classifies them as Poultry. It's no secret the vast majority of poultry are treated horribly. Tiny cages with many animals crammed inside and lack of veterinary care when needed because it makes more sense in the 'business mind' to just dispose of them. They never see the light of day, the vast majority are factory farmed.

No one here said they were breeding buns' for meat. Thus, they are not posting openly. Even if there were meat breeders lurking the site, don't you think that them comming here is for a reason. Wether it be to find info about how buns' live comfterbly or whatever, if their here then their here for a reason and someone who didnt care about the well being of the animal surely wouldn't be on a forum dedicated to it.

 

[NorthernAutumn]

Brandy456 wrote:

No one here said they were breeding buns' for meat. Thus, they are not posting openly. Even if there were meat breeders lurking the site, don't you think that them comming here is for a reason? Wether it be to find info about how buns' live comfterbly or whatever, if their here then their here for a reason and someone who didnt care about the well being of the animal surely wouldn't be on a forum dedicated to it.

Perfectly said. Couldn't agree more!

 

[Happi Bun]

I'm agreeing to disagree...
I will just stay away from threads like these in the future.

 

[peppa and georgie]

Oh gosh i have only just got back on here i didnt expect to cause so much chat. Sorry you are prob right it is not a good topic of conversation i just wanted to tell someone as i was a bit surprised on the other forum as like happy buni i just want nice fluffy talk or helpfull hints and concern etc. But also it is nice to see that people can be polite and not rude when expressing their opinions. I think i will do the same and try to avoid the meat discussions if i can. I was just a bit shocked by the blatancy on the other forum as was not expecting to see it xx Hope no one has been caused any offense by this thread xx

 

[anneq]

OakRidgeRabbits wrote:

Happi Bun wrote:

I guess my main problem of allowing meat breeders to post openly on RO is because I don't see how they could be treated humanely. The USDA classifies them as Poultry. It's no secret the vast majority of poultry are treated horribly. Tiny cages with many animals crammed inside and lack of veterinary care when needed because it makes more sense in the 'business mind' to just dispose of them. They never see the light of day, the vast majority are factory farmed.

You have to realize, though, that rabbits are not farmed as commonly as poultry. Many and most breeders who breed for market rabbits are doing so for their own private use or for the local market. They are not as in demand as poultry, which is internationally the #1 imported and exported meat. The treatment of poultry is not so much even determined by a mind on money, but rather just trying to feed the demand for it! That doesn't justify bad treatment, but my point is...

Rabbits are not farmed in the same way as poultry. Even large rabbitries are generally very humane in their treatment, though I'm sure there are inhumane ones, just like anything. Genetically, rabbits are more sound and able to live comfortably in wire cages so as long as they get a proper diet and are processed humanely, they are hardly in the same uncomfort as poultry is in the U.S.

Beyond that, rabbit breeders are generally very knowledgable about the care of rabbits. Very few vets know as much as a reputable breeder does, so rabbits are cared for very well inthat breeding situation. In fact, in most cases, rabbit breeders try to avoid vets becausethey're so aware of how ignorant a lot ofvets are to proper care of rabbits.So yes, humane treatment is possible...and even common in the rabbit world.

Well put, ORR. I believe responsible breeders do what is best for their stock, whether that be show or meat.

 

[Flashy]

I have to be honest, in my opinion, if the rabbit has a decent life, and a humane death, then what happens after its death (be it buried, cremated, eaten, stuffed) is far less relevant, in my eyes. And that is ONLY my opinion.

I think Brandy has wise words about this, in terms of if they are here they are here because they want to better the lives of their buns, and that's the same as any of us.

I can see why it would offend some people, but personally, I just focus on the life and death of the rabbit, and if that's all good, then that's the most important thing, in my eyes.

 

[irishlops]

this is going to sound really bad...
butif was in some ones home in malta, and they had rabbit on the menu, heck, ild try it! yes.... i said i would try it.
aslong as the rabbits were breed, rasised annd killed humanley im fine with it. aswell as the doe who gave birth to them was in good breeding standard. like, i would not eat caramel and eyore. one friend, breed rabbits, about 50 to eat. she said theyw ere saw as food, but were in just as good standards as pet ones. and were humanly killed. and she showed me them
for some reason i think i made a few enimes.
ps. i dont want to hear all that *%$£"!
about if you love animals, why do you eat hem.
i respect your oppiens and stuff, so dont force or make others feel guilety!
no offence

 

[Flashy]

^Don't be too quick to get defensive Elena, I don't see why you would make any enemies because of that. That's a fair response and an honest response, and just your opinion, you're not trying to put it on anyone else.

 

[irishlops]

well, bad day, if you were in my shoes to day, you might see im being polite in my mood! lol. i was i bit befensive.. i guess.
thanks

 

[Flashy]

Hope you're ok x

 

[irishlops]

ha, i dont want to take over the thread! lol.
thanks for the x!:big kiss:

 

[peppa and georgie]

I dont eat meat but i see no problem in other people eating meat that is up to them, it is only my choice not to.
I dont think people should feel guilty either, i get more harrasment from people when i say i am vegetarian than meat eaters seem to as everyone assumes i am going to attack their choice and starts going on about how i shouldnt wear leather shoes if i dont eat meat etc.
Everyone is entitled to their choice, i was just surprised to hear about it in the context of the pet chat, one minute we were merrily chatting about our cats and rabbits health next someone is going on about how they are going to breed rabbits to feed to their cats to make them more healthy, and how they currently give the cats squirrel carcus, and i was just a bit shocked as everyone was like hey yeh cool.
I wasnt expecting it in that environment if you get me.
Personally speaking i dont think i could cuddle one bun in my living room and say hi to the others knowing i was going to chop them up for the cat to eat, but that is just me, i would find it hard to look them in the eye. I have no idea about how rabbits are humanely killed, and i can see that it is mainly important that they have a happy and healthy life, although it would be one cut short x
Like if you left someone else in charge and instructed them to do the deed and kill the rabbits for the cat to eat, you would be horrified if they went to the wrong cage and got your pet but to an unrelated person they would not see the difference and would not have done anything wrong xx I am probably not making any sense now but i know what i mean.