the Canadian Rabbit Seizure

[Beka27]

over 400 rabbits?!  from a meat farm?  very sad! 

i saw this on Bunspace, and i clicked the Canadian link  http://www.rabbitrescue.ca/  but i could not find anymore info. 

has anyone heard about this?

[Lion_Lop_Lover]

Ugh :*( No, I haven’t heard anything about this…what a shame…

[Sarita]

Oh, those poor rabbits – I don’t see anything on the website either – if you find out more, let us know.

[osprey]

It is really awful.  Some people on rabbits online are trying to help out some of the moms and litters.  You can see what they are trying to do on this thread.  The shelter seems to be adopting the “catch ’em and kill ’em” approach to this mess, and they are giving the local rescues very little time.

 

ETA: I just realized that you have to register to read that thread.  Registration is free and easy, but I will summarize as I see more postings.  The good news is that some folks from RO are picking up two moms and litters today, so at least some of them will be safe.  I have no word on the others yet.

 

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Osprey and Beka, where in Canada is this?

[Beka27]

“There is a HUGE rabbit rescue going on in Canada. A rabbit meat farm was shut down and the roughly 400 rabbits have been seized by the SPCA. Rabbit Rescue (http://www.rabbitrescue.ca) is trying to place as many as possible. Surely not all can be rescued, but we can try to make a dent. Donations as well as foster homes are urgently needed. Please see this forum thread for contact information and details.”

that is what was on Bunspace main page.  that is all i know.  i have no idea where.  Osprey?

[Beka27]

this is so very sad and i know many will be put down, but is it wrong to look at this on the “bright side” as far as at least these 400 rabbits will no longer be reproducing.  there could have been thousands more if this seizure had not happened.  i’m all for giving rescues a chance at a happy life of course… but they cannot all be saved.  and at least now this particular situation has been stopped.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I found some contact info and I’ve emailed them for specifics on where it is and how to help;

[osprey]

The RO thread lists the seizure as happening in Barrie, Ontario, and they provided a map.  The map shows Barrie basically due north of Toronto.  Here is a map, the line is the route one of the transporters is taking:

[Sarita]

It’s very sad but I imagine the huge burden that this is for the SPCA shelter and the rabbit rescues. I would be interested to know if the party responsible for this will be fined.

Who knows what the cost for medical, altering, and manpower this type of seizure can be. I’m certain the SPCA does not want to euthanize these rabbits, but with such a large amount, where would they house them? At least they are trying to save the ones that they can.

[JK]

My emotions can’t take this any more!!!! This is horrendous.

[Carolyn]

here are some news stories I found on the net

http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=943084

http://www.torontosun.com/News/Canada/2008/03/14/5001021-sun.html

as well at http://www.rabbitrescue.ca/ has some information now on the site, but not much.

Poor little Rabbits I didn’t know how people can be like that to any kind of animal.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Ok guys got some more info, here’s the email I received; I replied and asked for a specific mailing address so if you want to donate supplies you can (for me I was thinking the easiest thing would be to buy things online and set that as the delivery address) and also a paypal account number or some way we can donate money (for those who want to)…Anyways here’s the info I got

Thank you so much for you offer to help.
We still have a longggg way to go.
Many buns have been euth’ed already but some have been moved to other shelters and rescue’s but can only stay a short time.
We have at least another 100 we’re working to save.
They are mostly located in Barrie, Ont.
Anyone able to help or would like to foster or adopt please give them my email address to contact me directly for applications and directions on what needs doing. rosalind@rabbitrescue.ca

Other than housing we are in desperate need of supplies.
Many of our wonderful foster homes have gone out to buy more supplies for incoming buns but there is just too many.

As well we are in desperate need of donations for vet care.
Everyone of these bunnies have to be spayed/neutered and health checked. Some have come in injured and will need surgery.
We are working hardest to get the females in for spays immediately as they are all pregnant. We did get 1 female in and done today and she too was pregnant. We have to assume all females breeding age are since they have all been confirmed to have been breeding.

Anything else I can tell you or any questions please dont hesitate to ask.

And thank you soooo much!
Rosalind

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

So If you’d like to make a donation of either money or rabbit supplies, email Rosalind Glousher [rosalind@rabbitrescue.ca] for details on an address I guess they are in desperate need of food!

[babybunsmum]

how horrible!  barrie is only a few hours drive away from me.  i have emailed rosalind to see if i can help transport buns and if they can use a dog crate i have.  i know its not suitable for wee buns but perhaps they could use it  for the larger ones? 

i saw the pic of sprout on their website & my heart just broke    i’ll let you guys know if i hear anything & if i’m able to get involved in some way. 

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Awesome BBM!! *HUGS*

[rabbitsmba]

Hi Everyone. I am new to this site and this is my first post. I was very excited to see this thread as I am a volunteer for Rabbit Rescue up here in Ontario.

This situation is a very sad one indeed. The last two weeks have been both heartbreaking and full of hope. We have managed to save more than we thought and with support from people and groups like yourselves, we are still doing all we can to help those that are left.

We have had to keep mum on a lot of the info regarding this case because it is still under investigation. In Canada, we have a law that basically states that if any details get out about an animal crulety case, it will be thrown out, so until the OSPCA finishes their investigation and charges are laid, certain things cannot be discussed. But as soon as we can, Rabbit Rescue will be giving a full report on the situation.

For now, we are in desperate need of foster homes and donations of supplies and money! We have a lot of rabbits to spay and neuter and treat for various things. We have many more waiting for us as soon as we get the space. So if there is anyone reading this who is near either Barrie or Toronto and would like to help out by volunteering, we could definitely use you!

Thank you so much to all of our rabbit friends – we have received help and donations from all over and it is because of boards such as this one for sharing the info and getting it out there. The Barrie Bunnies thank you!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Welcome Welcome!!! Pumped to have you here! *HUGS* That’s sooo great you volunteer with a rabbit rescue!

Is it after charges are laid that details will be realeased or after the whole trial rigarmoral? Also does your rescue have a website? I couldn’t find one, but admitedly not the best internet seacher

[rabbitsmba]

Yes, once charges are laid, more info will become available. You can visit us at http://www.rabbitrescue.ca. We try to update everyone on the situation but like I said there isn’t much we can say right now.

But I can tell you that Sprout, the little bunny featured on the website, is doing very well! He is a lovely, snuggly little boy who is growing fast and recouperating in his new foster home.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Cool, we’ll stay posted for info. I’ll have to check your site out soon !

[kralspace]

same here, welcome rabbitsmba!

Kathy

[kralspace]

Welcome rabbitsmba!

Good grief, I just read the articles, that is so very hard to comprehend, poor bunnies. Poor rescue! I can’t even imagine how overwhelming that number of buns is, I”ll be glad to mail a donation.

Kathy

[rabbitsmba]

Barrie Bunny Update….

10 more rabbits will be making their way from the Barrie SPCA to a Toronto shelter today! 10 more little lives saved!

Out of over 400 rabbits that were seized, Rabbit Rescue has been able to save about 150 in total, plus this additional 10 makes 160! It’s a lot more than the initial 20 we thought we would only be able to save.

More of them are still waiting in Barrie and we will continue to take in as many as we can into our own rescue as well as transport to other shelters and rescues who can help.

Wish us luck!

[rabbitsmba]

Today is a happy day! Our very first Barrie Bunny adoption has happened! Big beautiful Stella stole the hearts of the family that came to visit her and she was immediately adopted. She will be bonded to a boy bunny. She is a good candidate for bonding because she is so used to being around other bunnies and she is such a lovebug!

We are all really excited! 18 days ago, she was at a meat farm awaiting her death sentence – today, a new loving forever home. YAY Stella!

[rabbitsmba]

Our newest video on youtube featuring the Barrie Bunnies…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuDO-ozYPGk#

[babybunsmum]

yay for stella!!!  what a great job rabbitrescue is doing =)  beautiful video too.

thanks for keeping the binky bunny crowd updated!

[havivabunny]

Hi,

I just wanted to pop in here and say ‘THANKS’ for everyone’s support with this case we have been helping with. I am the E.D. of RR and am truely touched by all the support we have recieved regarding these rabbits. Im glad that one of our fantastic volunteers has joined here and I know she will keep everyone updated on our efforts. As she mentioned we were able to get 10 more out of Barrie today and into another shelter. The barrie SPCA has done a fantastic job in handling this horrible event. Trying to deal with so many incoming animals at once is not easy. Im glad that we have been able to help them so much, and it is because of everyone who has been pitched in so much to help us – by either donations, fostering or just words of comfort and support. Once the charges are laid, we can share more info about what has happened and what we have been dealing with. So thank you again to everyone for their kindness and support.
Haviva

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Wow Haviva thanks for the update and for popping in!! I really feel like a celebrity was here
You guys are doing wonderful fantastic awesome things and I wish you all the best.

Thanks rabbitsmba for keeping us up to date, this is a truly sad story and we’re so glad to get to know the good ending this story is getting thanks to you all!!

[rabbitsmba]

Hey, it’s Haviva!

For those of you who don’t know, Haviva is the founder and executive director of Rabbit Rescue Inc. She devotes every waking moment to helping bunnies in need.

I don’t know what would have become of these Barrie Bunnies if it wasn’t for Haviva. She was up in Barrie within hours of the call and assisted them with sexing and medically assessing every single rabbit. She is made of steel and has a heart of gold and never, ever stops working to help whenever it is needed.

She is truly an inspiration to everyone at Rabbit Rescue!

[rabbitsmba]

Hi All,

Just sending out a desperate plea for fosters in the Quebec area.  In March, Rabbit Rescue helped place many rabbits surrendered from a meat factory investigation – a lot of them ended up at Rabbit Rescue Quebec (http://www.secourslapins.org/).  Unfortunately as of late, they have had some fosters back out and now have some of these Barrie Bunnies that are in desperate need of new foster homes. 

If you live in the Quebec area and have room in your home to foster one of these wonderful and loving bunnies (they have a very high bonding success rate BTW!), please email me and I will put you in touch.

Thank you for your continued support for these wonderful rabbits!

[rabbitsmba]

Another happy ending for one of the Barrie Bunnies!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGBDdPIeSdA

[Sarita]

Sprout is stunning – he looks like he has some Flemish Giant in him.

What type of injuries were those? Do they know how that happened besides the obvious horrible care.

The big red eyed whites are my favorites.

I wasn’t aware they had a rabbit rescue in Quebec too so that’s good to know.

[rabbitsmba]

Sprout is a new zealand but I’ll bet he’s got some giant in him too. Most of the bunneis from the seizure were new zealands, californians and flemishes.

Sprout had two very bad abscesses when we rescued him, most likely from either being bit by another rabbit in crammed quarters or getting caught on the wire cages. That picture of him where he has the bloody spot was right after his emergency surgery. And he has grown like a weed – with a lot more growing to go!

He’s such a happy boy! I was over at his new home the other day and we were in the hall taking and Sprout just went running up from the basement, weaved around our feet and bolted to the upstairs! Then he came ripping back down and continued to the basement! Back up he came, but then he decided to investigate the recycling bin that was by the front door. He proceeded to dump out anything that smelled interesting and after creating a bit of an avalanche and scaring himself, he went back to binkying up and down the stairs. Silly Sprout!

[Nicci607]

 

I just watched Sprouts video!! what an awesome little guy…he’s very CUTE!!

Sprout is a VERY special bunny

Its SO good to know he can do binkies, finally…

<3 sprout <3

I wish Rabbit Meat was banned!!

more Bunny Rabbit pet owners need to speak up, for this, to make this an issue!! so the government has to hear us!! right now, no government guy cares…rabbits are classified as poultry, I mean, come on, rabbits are NOT poultry!! but by doing that, rabbits are not even protected by the “Humane Slaughter Act”.

we don’t raise dogs or cats in meat farms, then eat them…

Bunny Rabbits are “our” pets too!! they are NOT meat, NOT fur, neither do they belong in needless animal testing…!!

I’m SO SICK OF IT!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Deleted User]

Another disaster for bunnies … fires now this!  This is horrendeous.

I wish I could help out … living so far away …. I would foster a house ful of them … just to save their tiny lives.

I want to donate here  … also want to help out with the bunnies evacuated from the fires … geezz the list goes on.

Those poor babies!

[LittlePuffyTail]

I agree 100% with you Nicci. Rabbits should be for humans to love and cherish, not wear, eat or experiment on. Why are rabbits treated any different from cats and dogs? You would never find Canadians eating dog meat!!!

[Deleted User]

In any event, if the Government is not prepared to raise this issue in Parliament, well nothing will change the law of breeding rabbits for meat purposes.  They could (maybe) get fined but who will take them on in court!   If they are a big company, the little man will be squashed.  Call a picket line … some bullying may need to be brought in at the factory line!

This has cut me up … anyone in my books who participates or works for these companies should hang their head in shame …. oh lets open a cat / dog / hamster factory.  Well you would never in a million years see that!  And why not … huh!  I bet that would get on the 6.00pm CNN news!

But the poor Mere Rabbit!  Would not get a mention.

 

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