06/08/2021
AMHERSTBURG BUNNY MEADOW PUBLIC STATEMENT JUNE 8TH 2021
We have been undergoing an ideological harassment campaign by groups that believe domestic rabbits should only be homed indoors.
First of all, we deeply appreciate all of the concern, animal welfare is extremely important, and as a result of the input we have decided to change our feeding policy to absolutely NO feeding any food brought in. We will supply a small amount of pellets for the experience.
June 7th 2021 - As a result of the controversy, an Inspector from Ontario Animal Protection (the Provincial enforcement arm of animal welfare) came and conducted an unannounced inspection of the facility and animals. We welcomed it and were not surprised that he had no concerns. We also continue to have the full support of the Windsor Essex County Humane Society. Please feel free to contact either agency to confirm this.
We have been caring for domestic rabbits outdoors in a colony setting for nearly five years. We do not breed, all of our rabbits are spayed and neutered rescues that are overflow, too large, too generic to be easily adoptable in the usual way. We specifically only take in this type for the past 4 years and only after they have been available for adoption and not found a home.
These groups have claimed that we are exploiting these rabbits for financial gain. The money will ensure that we can develop 6 acres in the same manner and provide the largest permanent rescue sanctuary in the world, where every bunny easily gets a happy home and people can come and enjoy their company. The money helps to cover liability insurance, operations and expansion. We have invested thousands of dollars and countless hours and would continue to do so even without public money. Further, the rabbits have a fenced off private area where they can go if they are not interested in interacting with people.
While we understand the passion of the indoor groups, it has been our experience that domestic rabbits thrive year round in all weather in a conditioned outdoor environment. We have covered areas, and natural burrows for the hot parts of the day and insulated wind proof shelters for winter. Rabbits naturally burrow and grow thicker coats and appear to prefer the outdoors. We approached this slowly and cautiously with indoor/outdoor access to a heated barn. We quickly found out that the rabbits preferred to be outside and were very happy. We spend time with them daily, most often multiple times a day.
Reality is that there are pros and cons to both indoor and outdoor care.
It is important not to anthropomorphize the animals and assume they want to be like humans. Living with their own species, and exhibiting natural rabbit instincts and behaviours of digging, meadow grazing and having space to freely roam is important and stops many health issues. Our rabbits are very healthy and strong and will likely never suffer from obesity or GI stasis as they are free to eat naturally, run, dig and play as their bodies were designed to do. There is a predator risk and we mitigate that with covered areas, regular and electric fencing and active patrols. To date we have not had any issues.
Indoor care has it's own benefits and problems, we have an indoor bunny that watches Netflix, so we are not against the other side. What is best can be defined in different ways and we truly believe that the ultimate answer is grey. What matters most to us is that all animals have their needs met, are not in distress and are comfortable and happy where they are.
Due to threats we have received, we would like to state that we have a dedicated night vision equipped camera system as well as stealth trail cameras and will aggressively prosecute any trespass or theft of our property and animals both criminally and civilly.
Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
Have a hoppy day! :)
