I refer to the letter by Ms Kay Mohlman to Today, "Stop gimmick for rabbits' sake" (Jan 15).
We applaud Ms Kay for voicing her concerns that a few major pet stores in Singapore are widely promoting the sale of rabbits using methods such as unsolicited text messages.
This appears to be a trend with the year of the rabbit approaching.
We are also extremely concerned that as part of such marketing gimmicks, rabbit shows and contests are now being held, such as the one organised by Pets Village at Suntec City Tropics Atrium this month.
Our society would like to highlight two events that cause unnecessary stress to rabbits.
The "Best Dressed Rabbit" contest is absolutely unsuitable for rabbits. We may think it is cute and fun to dress our pets up in clothes that we (or dolls) would wear, but it is most certainly a form of animal abuse - especially so for rabbits.
Rabbits are prey animals and are therefore ultra-sensitive to their bodies being wrapped in material. They liken the sensation to being caught by a predator.
When this happens, the rabbit feels threatened and its heart rate quickens.
It tries to get itself out of the situation by struggling or dashing about to escape.
When this happens, the rabbit experiences stress and risks severe injury.
There have been numerous cases of rabbits suffering broken backs, necks and legs due to people trying to put things on them - be it clothes or collars or harnesses.
Clothing a rabbit also prevents it from stretching out comfortably, moving about freely and grooming itself - all of which are natural behaviours that rabbits do on a daily basis.
Let us not forget how hot the rabbit will feel with the extra layer over its thick fur in our hot and humid climate.
The "Racing Rabbits" competition is equally unsuitable. Rabbits, being prey animals, are by nature extremely timid. They get stressed easily - especially in unfamiliar, noisy environments like a mall.
Rabbits do not behave like cats and dogs, which can perform at a race or contest, and should not be treated like them.
ORIGINAL SOURCE
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