The campaign against the intensive farming of New Zealand White rabbits in Victoria has finally begun. Petitions and official letters have been sent out to various politicians at both state and federal levels outlining our objections to this issue.

Animal Liberation has two major concerns:

First and foremost we believe that introducing yet another battery system is extremely retrogressive, especially considering public disdain of the battery hen system. This method of farming is undeniably cruel, with the 'suggested' code of practice only allowing an 18cm/sq space for each adult rabbit. Caged rabbits can suffer from ulcerative pododermatitis (also called "sore hocks") consisting of scab-covered ulcers on the hind legs. This may be caused by the pressure of heavy body weight on a wire floor, or by excessive stamping of the feet by nervous rabbits. The rabbits are doomed to spend their entire lives caged with other rabbits in huge corrugated iron sheds, deprived of all natural instincts.

Secondly, we hold serious reservations regarding the safety of the calicivirus (RCD) with regards to the health of humans and 'non-targeted' animals. Although released as a particularly cruel way to kill European wild rabbits in Australia (by means of massive haemorrhaging); the virus can live on stock feed, surviving extreme temperatures and can jump species. Considering that the rabbits would be farmed for their meat (for both companion animal and human consumption) we believe this presents a serious issue. As we understand, vaccines for rabbits at this stage are very crude; and non-existent for non-rabbit species (including humans).

ACTION:

Boycott all rabbit products. Urge friends and relatives not to buy rabbit meat (currently farmed in WA) for companion animals or themselves.

Print and sign the pre-written letter below (or write your own), and send it ASAP to Mr Pat McNamara, showing him how strongly Victorians oppose battery rabbit farming. Simply highlight the letter with your left mouse button, choose Edit and then Copy on your browser and then paste into a word-processing program (some minor editing may be necessary) and print. Be sure to sign the letter and include your address for a reply.

Dear Mr McNamara,

I write to voice strong opposition to the proposed farming of New Zealand White rabbits in Victoria.

As public awareness and disapproval of the inherently cruel battery hen system have increased markedly over the last few years; it seems quite retrogressive for the Victorian government to consider introducing yet another intensive method of farming. I believe this will result in the mass exploitation of rabbits for financial gain.

In the interest of public health, I hold strong reservations regarding the safety of the calicivirus with regards to public health. Considering that the rabbits would be farmed for their meat, I believe this presents a serious issue. Vaccines for rabbits at this stage are very crude and no safe RHD vaccines exist to protect any non-rabbit species at risk, including humans.

It is for these reasons that I ask you to reconsider the proposal to farm New Zealand White rabbits in Victoria.

I would appreciate a prompt reply addressing the above concerns.

Yours sincerely,

Last updated 16 September 1997

Email: alib_vic@paradigm4.com.au

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