"They removed the animals from hutches belonging to Southampton rabbit enthusiasts Dawn and Pete Bundy after neighbours alerted authorities."

But according to the report the RSPCA already knew of the rabbits 13 months earlier. It will be interesting to see if any legal action ever does take place.

Perhaps the family can ask for them back one at a time so they can eat them for dinner?

So just where are the RSPCA going to put these animals ? My guess is they will be more cramped and less well cared for in the long run.

Rabbits are, after all, a menace to the countryside, vermin carriers and basically a foodstuff for human and/or foxes. Why all the fuss.

Will the RSPCA be raiding a battery chicken farm next to complain of the conditions ?

World's gone animal mad again !

The 52-year-old added: "They say the hutches are too small but there's no regulation size.




Taken from the British Council Website_
The British Rabbit Council recommends a hutch size of at least 750mm x 600mm x 450mm for a Netherland Dwarf.

Considering her rabbits are a larger breed,I wonder if the hutches were larger.

She should have known that, as she says they are members of the BRC.

Shame that the authorities don't instigate a massive raid on Millbrook and get rid of the real vermin.

King Mush wrote:
Shame that the authorities don't instigate a massive raid on Millbrook and get rid of the real vermin.

Hopefully following on from a similar operation in the inbred capital of Southampton...Woolst
on

MUST OF BEEN AT IT LIKE RABBITS !!!

keith wrote:
MUST OF BEEN AT IT LIKE RABBITS !!!

Hi Keith.

Wait till Gordon Ramsey cottons onto that. Along with his crocs he can breed rabbits and put on his menu at 50-00 a serving.

Then it will be ostrich, buffalo and before you know it, wildebeest will be roaming the Test Valley. (-:

Im glad the rabbits have been taken away. The rabbitry looks a dirty, unkept nightmare for all of them trapped in a hutch where they can barely turn round.If you are a member of the BRC you should be aware of the regulation hutch sizes and the need for them all to have proper exercise otherwise you are breeding "faults".
Tidy up and clean up the mess - like you were told to do 13 mths ago. You only have yourselves to blame.

Ian, read what you just quoted. The BRC RECOMMENDS a hutch of that size. nowhere does it say that its the law.

Because we breed and show the rabbits, they're kept in smaller hutches - otherwise the smaller rabbits grow too big

Regardless of how much they claim to love these furry critters, or the BRC recommended size of hutches etc. the fact that they willfully restrict their growth for show purposes sounds pretty darn cruel to me.

ian is thick wrote:
Ian, read what you just quoted. The BRC RECOMMENDS a hutch of that size. nowhere does it say that its the law.

I did not say it was the law and am fully aware of what I have written.
She admits the RSPCA say the hutches are too small, and says there are no regulation sizes.
The point I was making was with them being a member of the BRC, they should have known the recommended sizes of the hutches for a smaller breed of rabbit than they have, and increased the size of their hutches for a larger breed. This does not seem to be the case and she is a touch contradictory.

First of all, the BRC RECOMENDS a hutch size, it is NOT a regulation. Secondly, these are show rabbits and have to be kept in slightly smaller cages than pet rabbits or they grow too big and can't be shown. The Bundy rabbits are all show rabbits and have a number of awards and rossettes. The family also have awards for breeding and keeping rabbits. They did everything the RSPCA told them to 13 months ago, so there shouldn't have been a problem. The complaint came from an embittered old man who they have a long standing dispute with, because he shouts abuse at everyone that he sees. The way the RSPCA handled this was appalling, they treated the family and rabbits with no respect, and the woman from the RSPCA leading the raid, was rude, nasty and vindictive, and didn't even know that you look after show rabbits differently than pet rabbits. The vet they brought didn't even know what breed any of the rabbits were, and was marking them down simply by their colour and size. They took 73 in total, including the little girls rabbit that had won 15 rossettes just the day before. Imagine how this 8 year old felt when she got back from school to find her special rabbit taken. The rabbits were simply picked up by the ears (something you should never do) and put into cardboard boxes in the vans. During this time the RSPCA were heard to say that all the rabbits were perfectly healthy, and that they had nowhere to put them so they would have to stay in the boxes in the vans overnight! How is that treating them properly? And even though they took 73, they left 53 with the family, so they coudn't have been that worried about them. They were simply doing it to make themselves look good. The RSPCA woman was heard to say to a police officer that she would get a recomendation from her boss as she had now rescued so many animals. But the only reason they could give for taking them was the size of the hutches, which just showed her ignorance about the subject. This is a warning to all small animal owners, the RSPCA are claiming that rabbits should be able to stand up on their hind legs in a hutch and that there should only ever be one rabbit in a hutch. You also have to clea

quote

n the hutch every time a rabbit has a wee or poo, even if they have a new litter in the hutch. So, all small pet owners must stand by the hutch all day every day, waiting for their pet to wee, then clean the whole cage. And if you even attempt to go near a new litter, it is a high probabilty that the mother will then kill them as they will have a foreign scent on them. Any one who really does know anything about rabbits would know this. The RSPCA officer clearly didn't know a thing. She should be stuck off and made to return all the rabbits, with a full apology and compensation. It's very possible that some of the rabbits will now die, because there were young litters among the ones removed, and also some older rabbits who are now retired from being shown. The stress of being shoved into cardboard boxes alone could have caused some of them too much stress, with a devastating effect.

I know the family very well, and they are very much aware of the hutch sizes recommended by the BRC. ALL their hutches are recommended sizes. On the day of the raid, most of the rabbits that were claimed to be in the too small hutches, had been taken to a show the day before and were in their small cages used to transport them, NOT the ones they lived in. The woman from the RSPCA was very sneaky, underhand and extremely rude to the family, lauding it over the whole process and showing her ignorance of the subject she claimed to know everything about. Even the vet she brought with her could find no fault with the rabbits saying that they were all perfectly healthy. A lot of the officers there were in sympathy with the family and some even said they really didn't want to be there. It seems that this woman was simply power mad and determined to snatch beloved animals no matter what the cost to the family or even the animals themselves. If I was her boss, she'd be sacked on the spot and made to hand the rabbits back with a very public apology and made to pay compensation out of her own pocket for the stress the family and rabbits endured.

The B.R.C.recommends a hutch size. this is not a law. if you knew the family involved you know how much they care and love their rabbits. the children have reared there show rabbits from babies and as the family have been a member of the B.M.C. for over 16 years dont you think they would know the recommendations . the family have a house full of trophies and prizes for their rabbits. Lauren the daughter had been to a show on Sunday and won fifteen rosettes and on Monday that rabbit was one of the ones seized.how must have she felt. how is that fair to the animals and family. the rabbits were taken in smaller cases then they lived in and the family where informed they were to be kept in them overnight as they had nowhere in Hampshire for the rabbits to be take too .This is supposed to be for good for their health. Many of you who live in mill brook will know the rabbits or family as every year they came to Mansel Infants school summer fete. this prove to be a great attraction and many children got close to a rabbit that they may never have got the chance too. The recommendations given to the family by the R.S.P.C.A. thirteen months were met. so the family are not sure why this raid happen.only reason i can give is someone out there have it in for the family. in total seven police officers attended the house to execute the warrant as well as two vets one environmental health officer and the R.S.P.C.A.officer. Why this many police should have to attend when you have a job to get one to come when needed. the whole thing seems to be heavy handed. why could they have not give new recommendation's to the affect of larger hutches and return to ensure that they had done it. what happen to these rabbits now as not to long ago in the echo it was reported that shelter and rescue centers were over run with rabbits. The Rspca should have offered help not snatched and run. 53 of the rabbits were left with the family so they can't be that bad keepers can they.

King Mush wrote:
Shame that the authorities don't instigate a massive raid on Millbrook and get rid of the real vermin.

There is never a cop in millbrook to help with the real vermin but take 7 to execute a warrant they family had a window on their jeep smashed an stones thrown at there windows not 2 weeks ago and the police were called but not one arrived

There was no need for the RSPCA to approach this the way they did. The family had done everything asked of them the year before and had been told by the RSPCA that things were ok. The complaint was made by an elderly neighbour who lives alone, is an alcoholic , vile nasty man, feared by many as he constantly shouts abuse out of his windows at people. However, for the RSPCA to suddenly turn up at the house at 2.30pm, with vets, environmental health officers, police and a battering ram to knock the door down, was completely over the top. They chose this time to make maximum inpact, knowing that the local school finishes at 3pm and loads of people would see what they were doing. Many of us stood back and watched in horror, unable to do anything to help, while the distraut family were treated like dirt by the woman from the RSPCA who was running the raid. WHY did they need 7 police officers for this raid? When any real crime happens on Millbrook estate, it takes hours for just one to turn up!! The Bundy's poor daughter, 8 year old Lauren came home to find her precious rabbit being taken, even after it had won a large number of rossettes just the previous day! So if show judges thought it was worthy of 15 awards, why did this pompous, power crazy RSPCA officer beleive it was being so badly looked after it had to be taken into care?! And though they took over 70 rabbits from the Bundy family, they left over 50 with them. They couldn't have thought things were that bad could they? The woman was so cold, calculating, vindictive and downright nasty to the family, reducing not only Mrs. Bundy to tears, but some of the people stood helplessly by. Some of the officers there said they didn't want to be there, and everyone agreed all the rabbits were perfectly healthy, even the 2 vets. It was simply that the Gestapo like RSPCA woman couldn't be seen to have got her facts wrong. She wouldn't accept that these show rabbits were being kept in the recomended size cages, and claimed it was LAW for them to be in bigger cages. Did she ever actually read the BRC's information on how to keep and care for show rabbits? No, because then she would have know she was wrong and this travesty wouldn't have happend. She should be fired and made to admit she was wrong and apologise to the family on camera.

As a BRC member myself I feel very sorry for this family indeed! From the video all rabbits looked healthy, but I do think the hutches looked a little small and did look a bit messy.

However, they are regular showers and breeders and no BRC judge would award a rabbit any prizes if they showed any signs of neglect. The RSPCA are supposed to educate people about animal welfare, not bully them into giving up their hobby and family pets! Leaving them in cardboard boxes in the back of a van overnight? Surely this is neglect! What a bunch of hypocrites!!! How is that making their living conditions any better? Not to mention the stress those rabbits are going to have.
You never hear of the RSPCA rescuing any rabbits that "clueless" individuals have bought as an impulse buy from pets shops do you? Isn't there enough homeless rabbits in rescue centres without adding to them!!!

Mr and Mrs Bundy, I really hope you get this sorted and get your bunnies back. RSPCA can forget my donation this year!!!

I'm sorry but no matter how nice this family is or how much they love their rabbits there is NO WAY that any of the houses or gardens on Maplin Road are big enough to house 126 rabbits! (If 73 were taken and 53 were left = 126)
And maybe showing rabbits should be stopped altogether as restricting an animal's natural growth by keeping them in too small a cage is barbaric. In that picture of the family, the hutches look dirty and they look absolutely tiny.
Although I would agree with some of the points made about where the RSPCA intend to house these rabbits and I would also suggest that the family DON'T let their rabbits breed anymore or they'll be in danger of losing the other 53!

King Tosh wrote:

King Mush wrote: Shame that the authorities don't instigate a massive raid on Millbrook and get rid of the real vermin.

Hopefully following on from a similar operation in the inbred capital of Southampton...Woolst on

Oi! My sister is very angry about this post. Mind you - she does look very much like my cousins/aunties/gran
ny etc.

Can anyone tell me of any DNA testing labs on this side of the river? Thanks

126 rabbits is stupid. And it is cruel to keep 126 caged rabbits. They should be taken by the RSPCA and destroyed.

These rabbits are being cared for at a specialist facility, where they have the space, car and clean accommodation they need and deserve, anyone that suggests otherwise is talking rubbish

I assume all you people who dont think the RSPCA should have intervened would be happy to have more than 73 rabbits in your neighbours garden!

I have one rabbit who is out of her hutch all day and shut away at night. There is never any mess in her cage to clean because she does that outside. These rabbits must be shut away for long periods of time to mess their cages that much.That is cruel to the animal whether its a show rabbit or not.Call that love?, I don't think so. RSPCA were right to remove them and the lady in question was probably rude because she was discusted by what she saw as any true animal lover would be!!! Give her a promotion. Good job done, now get the rest of them!!

What is going on with the RSPCA these days? They seem to make a lot of mistakes which end up with animals suffering or even dying. I heard about a case in London where a woman reported her cat as lost, it turned out it had been seen in a neighbour's garden - the neighbour was new to the area and thought it was a stray, so called the RSPCA. The inspector came along and without checking with any other local residents to find an owner, put the cat to sleep as it seemed to be in poor health. This cat was just old with a few loose teeth!! The poor owner was devastated. The inspector wasn't even disciplined, nor did she apologise.
You have to wonder whose side these people are on.

Tom wrote:
These rabbits are being cared for at a specialist facility, where they have the space, car and clean accommodation they need and deserve, anyone that suggests otherwise is talking rubbish

Oh yeah - the RSPCA have plenty of spaces and accommodation for 73 rabbits to be brought in at once.

Dream on, these will/should be dog food by now.

Jim wrote:
126 rabbits is stupid. And it is cruel to keep 126 caged rabbits. They should be taken by the RSPCA and destroyed.

Eaten - surely?

Another RSPCA mistake wrote:
What is going on with the RSPCA these days? They seem to make a lot of mistakes which end up with animals suffering or even dying. I heard about a case in London where a woman reported her cat as lost, it turned out it had been seen in a neighbour's garden - the neighbour was new to the area and thought it was a stray, so called the RSPCA. The inspector came along and without checking with any other local residents to find an owner, put the cat to sleep as it seemed to be in poor health. This cat was just old with a few loose teeth!! The poor owner was devastated. The inspector wasn't even disciplined, nor did she apologise. You have to wonder whose side these people are on.

The RSPCA (and the NSPCC) lost my support a long time ago. Both have lost sight of their objectives and seem to be like the Police is some respects - target based and after the easy wins.

I think it is disgusting that these rabbits were kept in such vile living conditions, I think the family should all be made to live in a cramped cupboard in their own filth for a few months like they've imprisoned the poor rabbits. I know very many people who show their rabbits but none keep theirs like this I hope they get their brc membership revoked for bringing shame on the organisation

i am disgusted to the way the RSPCA have handled the matter,what they going to do next come in to everyone garden to see if they got rabbits, with a tape measure to see if there all look/housed properly,i knw the BUNDY family very well when they go away to the show's i go over 2/3 times a day to check on all the animal and believe me they are well and truely looked after. ive had a few rabbits from them. my children love it when they see all the new ones they got.im a big softy too.. so all the ones that havent got a clue especially THAT RSPCA officer should all grow up and get a life and another thing has that officer got animals of her own maybe we should visit her one day see how she looks after them bet she havent crack a smile in years

I wonder did you people see the video and the conditions the rabbits were kept in. There should be a legal limit to how many rabbits these people should have. On looking at the couple they look like they can't look after themselves let alone 126 Rabbits. They look like the usual Millbrook trash.

I wonder did you people see the video and the conditions the rabbits were kept in. There should be a legal limit to how many rabbits these people should have. On looking at the couple they look like they can't look after themselves let alone 126 Rabbits. They look like the usual Millbrook trash.

I wonder did you people see the video and the conditions the rabbits were kept in. There should be a legal limit to how many rabbits these people should have. On looking at the couple they look like they can't look after themselves let alone 126 Rabbits. They look like the usual Millbrook trash.

Tom wrote:
These rabbits are being cared for at a specialist facility, where they have the space, car and clean accommodation they need and deserve, anyone that suggests otherwise is talking rubbish

WTF??? Clean accommodation? Tom, dude, seriously. They're f^*%ing rabbits. What next? A hotel for rabbits, where each room has a sea view? A personal rabbit patio with a miniature rabbit hot tub? How about a dedicated rabbit chef to serve up all their rabbit culinary needs? A rabbit masseuse perhaps? Is that what you want, Tom? I mean, really.

i was acully at the house when the rude happyen.the r.s.p.c.a. orricer was very rude and impolite they wailked into the garden and look at the cages and she said she was taking the rabbits .she was not concern that the rabbits were heathly .they are show rabbits i have been friends with the family more then 5 years and not once have i witness anycreltyto the animals. nor have i every scene them mishreaed.the r.s.p.c.a.were heathly. handed cren the vets said.the rabbits were heaithly the family have worked with the r.s.p.c.a over the last 13 months to do the recommend at tions nrguired .and they have done them.the family have been showing rabbits for over 16 yearthat i no they konw what they are doing .i have two of her rabbits and she has been a great source of help and aduice .my opinion is the r.s.p.c.a. should rerum the rabbits to the family the rabbits were tacken in samall boxes.and kept in these over night how is this good for there heath

quote

I think that taking the rabbits away from their rightful home is perposterous. Because the rabbits are show rabbits they have to be kept in smaller cages than a normal house rabbit because otherwise the rabbits will grow to long and fat. I know the Bundy family well and i know that the rabbits are kept to a good standard as i regularly have to look after them when some other rabbits are being shown. The rspca cannot suggest that the rabbits are kept in to small cages and not looked after properly because when they were taking the rabbits away instead of picking them up how you should (under there front legs) they picked them up from the scruff of there neck and kept them in boxes during the journey of taking the rabbits to the animal sanctury. THE RABBITS MUST BE GIVEN BACK SO STFU RSPCA.

YOU DO NOT NO HER .YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO SAY THINGS SHE IS LOVELY THE SAME AS HER FAMILY IS IF YOU DONT COME FROM MILLBROOK YOU DONT NO ---------

Rabbit's growth and size is genetic,it cannot be determined by the environment it lives in!!!!Restricting size and growth only works for bozai trees. Get real guys!!!!!

I know this family very well, and am also a BRC Member. The vast majority of rabbits owned and kept by BRC Members/Breeders are kept in excellent conditions, are super fit healthy stock and are cared for very well. There are also a few Members/Breeders who have stock in poor health and poor conditions, and there are others who fit mid-way. The BRC, as a responsible organisation, has good working system to help find any of its members who are mis-treating animals and has strict procedures in place to deal with them. BRC judges are also very strict about looking for signs of neglect or mal-treatment and any exhibit displaying these signs would be immediately disqualified from the show and a report issued to the BRC so that the BRC can make an investigation and/or involve the RSPCA if necessary. As far as I am aware the Bundy's rabbits have never been disqualified for signs of neglect or mistreatment from ANY show nor has any investigation ever been carried out against them. Obviously the judges have no way of viewing the rabbits in their home living conditions, but it would be very hard to hide signs of neglect on show day if rabbits lived in constant poor conditions. It is also worth noting that rabbits living in constant poor conditions will stop breeding, so the very fact that these rabbits had litters states things can never have become too bad. This coupled with the fact that a number of rabbits were left with the family tells a story of its own.

While I wouldn’t personally keep my own rabbits in hutches quite as small or low as theirs, and would have liked to have seen them a little bit cleaner and tidier, I do not feel this family were being cruel and did NOT deserve this treatment. The hutches were due a clean out I’ll admit, but they were far from filthy conditions, as the rabbit waste had not even begun to get compacted as would happen if a hutch is left dirty for too long. I would guess that the hutch waste pictured amounted to little more than 10 days waste. The average person cleans their rabbit (pet, breeding or show rabbit) out once a week, so there is very little difference there. 120 odd rabbits is a large number, but the Bundy family is also fairly large, so when care is shared among them the work is reduced greatly. Their rabbits are generally healthy and well cared for. Anyone can see the rabbits were in good health from the film, let alone the fact the vets stated it themselves.

The film also does not state the actual sizes of the hutches and I would like to point out that many breeding hutches have very different dimensions to the types of rabbit hutches that can be bought in pet shops. MANY breeders’ hutches are much longer than they are in width, so when viewed from the front only (as the hutches in this film were) they appear to be small. If you were to actually look inside this type of hutch you would see they go a long way back in a sort of ‘tunnel’ style mimicking a wild rabbit’s burrow. This enables the rabbits to hide at the back of the hutch in privacy if they wish to and makes does with litters feel more comfortable. I do not know what style of hutches the Bundy’s used, but would not be surprised if they did have the tunnel style, and their hutches were larger than they appeared to be in the film.

The Bundy’s comment on keeping rabbits in small hutches for the purpose of showing them is slightly incorrect and I’m sure they didn’t mean it as it sounded. After all we’re not all brilliant at saying what we mean when put under pressure and asked for a statement for the media at short notice. Firstly they would have meant some of their rabbits may have been in slightly smaller than normal hutches so they don’t end up too small (not too big as they said). What they will have fully meant is that when rabbits are bred for showing they obviously need to be in absolute tip-top health, for reasons mentioned above, as only rabbits in the best of health and condition will win the highest prizes. In order to ensure young rabbits put on enough weight during their growing period to be fully healthy their exercise might need to be curtailed a LITTLE bit so they don’t exercise off all the calories they need to take in to grow properly. Space is also an issue when breeding does are due to kindle. If the hutch is too large and the doe refuses to use a nest box (many do refuse) then slightly smaller hutches are advisable for the first 3-4 weeks of a young litter’s life. If a young kit falls out of the nest it will probably become cold and die if it can’t find its way back to the nest quickly if the hutch is too large and too much of a ‘maze’ to it. Young rabbits can also become too excitable if given too much free space. It is often advisable not to put very young kits in open exercise runs until they have naturally calmed down a bit (at about 10-12 weeks old) as they can ‘binky’ (jump and flick about in pleasure) and injure their spines. Yes, wild rabbits do have unlimited free space, and yes wild rabbits therefore do run the risk of injury when playing. As responsible owners we should try to reduce the risk of injury when playing surely? To clarify, BRC Members/Breeders DO NOT keep their rabbits in small hutches in order to stop them growing too big for showing purposes. This may have been quoted by the Bundy’s but it was said during a rather stressful and confused time for them!

If the RSPCA really were going to keep these poor animals in boxes over night as they had no room for them then this is appalling treatment! RSPCA cardboard boxes have no way of fixing water to them so do we also assume they were not given access to fresh water all night as well?

The RSPCA really do need to make some sort of apology here especially as the Bundy’s had passed one of their checks not that long before. If the family had put into practice all points ordered of them from their previous RSPCA visit how can this action be justified? If this particular RSPCA officer in charge of the raid felt there was a new problem, surely the family should have been given a chance to rectify it and obtain larger hutches before officers just stormed in and took their animals. I can understand this type of behaviour from the RSPCA if the animals were all distressed, diseased and/or dying but clearly they were not. I think all that was needed here was perhaps a little slap on the wrist and a time limit set to make improvements. Have the RSPCA not made a mountain out of a mole hill and been very unfairly heavy handed in order to make themselves look good? If this is what they were trying to do all they have managed is to make themselves look bad.

i pay a lot of money to get my rabbie better but they put it to sleep so i was not happy so what did they do with all the money i pay .did they keep it.......

Anyone for rabbit pie?

mick wrote:
i was acully at the house when the rude happyen.the r.s.p.c.a. orricer was very rude and impolite they wailked into the garden and look at the cages and she said she was taking the rabbits .she was not concern that the rabbits were heathly .they are show rabbits i have been friends with the family more then 5 years and not once have i witness anycreltyto the animals. nor have i every scene them mishreaed.the r.s.p.c.a.were heathly. handed cren the vets said.the rabbits were heaithly the family have worked with the r.s.p.c.a over the last 13 months to do the recommend at tions nrguired .and they have done them.the family have been showing rabbits for over 16 yearthat i no they konw what they are doing .i have two of her rabbits and she has been a great source of help and aduice .my opinion is the r.s.p.c.a. should rerum the rabbits to the family the rabbits were tacken in samall boxes.and kept in these over night how is this good for there heath

quote

Sorry Mick, I didn't catch any of that. Would you mind rephrasing?

as a rabbit lover myself i know that the regulation size that the r.s.p.c.a officer said (3 foot) is wrong because imagan a baby rabbit in there they'd be scared to death what if u stood in the middle of emtpy wembly stadium you'd feel lost .i look after there rabbits with my mum and my sister , the rabbits are looked after,housed,fed,wat

er-d properly

IVE BEEN INVOLVED IN SHOWING / JUDGING EXHIBITION RABBITS FOR A PERIOD OF NEARLY 30 YEARS NOW ON AND OFF AND HAVE COME ACROSS STOCK FROM THE BUNDY FAMILY AND HAVE FOUND THEM TO BE FIT CLEAN AND HEALTHY JUST CHECK FUR AND FEATHER SHOW REPORTS NOT ALL JUDGES ARE WRONG.IF A RABBIT WAS SHOWN UNDER ME AND IT SHOWED SIGNS OF NEGLECT AS GOES FOR OTHER FELLOW JUDGES IT WOULD BE DISQUALIFIED AND A REASON STATED FOR WHY,NOT ONLY WOULD A JUDGE REPORT A PERSON FOR NEGLET THOUSANDS OF OTHER FANCIERS WOULD AS WELL NOT MR NASTY NIEGHBOUR WITH A GRUDGE I DONT BELIEVE THE BUNDYS HAVE EVER HAD A RABBIT DISQUALIFIED FOR ANY REASON AND THEY SHOW THERE STOCK AS FIT AS FLEAS ON THE DAY. THATS NOT A SIGN OF NEGLET TO ME. AND YOU DONT WIN SHOWS WITH POOR STOCK.... FACT.) NO DOUBT THE YOUNG GIRL VET WAS TRYING TO IMPRESS HER BOSSES BUT SHE DIDNT EVEN KNOW THE BREEDS AND ITS EXPERIANCE THAT TELLS YOU THESE WERE FIT HEATHY RABBITS AND I BELIEVE SHE DIDNT DENIE THIS HERSELF.HER REASONS WERE FOR HUTCH SIZES.WELL I HAVE OFFERED TO SUPPLY THE BUNDYS BRAND NEW LARGER BLOCKS FREE OF CHARGE SO THEY CAN CONTINUE WITH THIER HOBBY,THESE ARE A NICE FAMILY WHO DOESNT DERSERVE THIS.

i am the owner of all these rabbits and my rabbits are healthy, well cared for, never ever been put of the judgingt table for ill health, or anything,or evehn been asked to box up at shows. If you are not a breeder or a member of the brc then you havent got a clue about rabbits. I suggest if you dont know anything about the brc then keep out of this.the rspca had no right what so ever to take my buns and to see a so called vet actually hold a rabbit by the sruff of the neck was heartbreaking. They actually made the rabbits squeal with pain. My 8 yr old daughter knows more about rabbits then this vet did. Thanks for all the nice comments and support it is appreciated.

WELL DONE FOR SAY WHAT YOU HAVE DAWN

I am appalled the size of those hutches which also looked filthy. People keeping rabbits (or any other animals) must take care of their welfare needs and no rabbit could move around freely or exercise when confined to such a cramped cage. Disgusting - and well done to the RSPCA for acting upon this. I hope they are able to find suitable loving homes for those rescued rabbits who will be properly cared for.

But what happens to the remaining 50+ rabbits left with the family?? Do they remain in those tiny prisonlike cells they appear to find acceptable?

Shocking and disgusting for a nation of supposed animal lovers.

Linda D wrote:
I am appalled the size of those hutches which also looked filthy. People keeping rabbits (or any other animals) must take care of their welfare needs and no rabbit could move around freely or exercise when confined to such a cramped cage. Disgusting - and well done to the RSPCA for acting upon this. I hope they are able to find suitable loving homes for those rescued rabbits who will be properly cared for. But what happens to the remaining 50+ rabbits left with the family?? Do they remain in those tiny prisonlike cells they appear to find acceptable? Shocking and disgusting for a nation of supposed animal lovers.

IT NOT YOUR RIGHT TO SAY THAT AS THEY ARE NOT YOURS HER KIDS ARE CRYING .YOU DONT THINK ABOUT THEM DO YOU .SO WHAT IF IT WAS YOUR KIDS

So far (disregarding the silly comments) there have been 16 comments in support of the family and only 10 in support of the RSPCA's actions in this case. Despite the way this story has been portrayed in the media, most people can obviously see these rabbits were kept in a healthy condition and this was unjustified action.

Dawn - if you read these messages again as I am sure you will - and want to have a friendly chat at this time via email feel free. I won’t post my email address on here, but you'll be able to locate it quite easily with a few clues that only BRC members will know the answers to.... Check F&F on the BRC show diary page for the name of the Club that is hosting Southern Dutch on November 25. Once you have worked out the name of the club do a google search for the club’s full name and our club's website will come up on the first page of Google searches. Our email address is on the front page of our club website. Hope you can find me if you want to from those cryptic clues!

For all those that blindly support the RSPCA and there callas action of removing the rabbits, including young that should not have been separated from there mothers here are some facts for your to consider. This information is taken directly from RSPCA published date.

In 2006 the income for the RSPCA from donations from the public was over £110,000,000 (one hundred and ten million pounds)

RSPCA Statistics
2000 compared to 2005

Phone calls received Down 36.60%
Complaints investigated Down 12.55%
Inspections Down 94.65%
Animal collections Down 23.10%
Homes found Down 27.50%
Humane destructions Up 85.70%
Income Up 53.12%

From the RSPCA’s own data an animal relinquished into their care has only a 50% chance of surviving

dawn bundy wrote:
i am the owner of all these rabbits and my rabbits are healthy, well cared for, never ever been put of the judgingt table for ill health, or anything,or evehn been asked to box up at shows. If you are not a breeder or a member of the brc then you havent got a clue about rabbits. I suggest if you dont know anything about the brc then keep out of this.the rspca had no right what so ever to take my buns and to see a so called vet actually hold a rabbit by the sruff of the neck was heartbreaking. They actually made the rabbits squeal with pain. My 8 yr old daughter knows more about rabbits then this vet did. Thanks for all the nice comments and support it is appreciated.

Dawn its a rabbit. A bit of physical pain in the long run is nothing compared to the mental harm you probably caused these animals. They were probably squeals of joy. Keep 3 or 4 rabbits but any more than this is jsut ridiculous. Its not a human so don't treat it like one. There are always rules, boundaries and limitations. By having 70+ rabbits you breached all three. Regards.

Just a quick note in support of and sympathy for the Bundys. The conditions we see in the video are not perfect, BUT the video is hardly going to show the 'best bits'! I (as a keen rabbit keeper myself) would not have considered anything seen in the video to warrant confiscation of the animals.
it is this discracefull kind of action by the rspca that can bring the demise of some of the rarer breeds of animal. surely a rare specimin of a breedable age and condition in a slightly smaller hutch is better than a castated/neutered specimin in a big hutch??
on a more technical note; did the rspca take advice from the bundys on what food the confiscated rabbits were on? did they ask for any other information that may be relevant, such as are any of the does pregnant? have any just lost a litter? are any of them on medication?

and as for needing 7 police officers for this? we struggle to get one for the numerous incidents of criminal damage and threatening behaviour we have suffered on our estate.

there is only one 'vermin' in this whole situation and that is the RSPCA.

OBNOXIOUS IGNORANT BA*DS!

The Bundy's are nice, friendly neighbours of mine. They have shown their rabbits at Mansel park Primary school fetes. The rabbits are ALWAYS very calm and at ease with small children and adults alike. Everyone loves their stall. You get a sense that the rabbits are realy loved. Any questions asked about them are keenly answered by Pete and Dawn. I hope what has happened will not disillusion them. It would be such a shame for people to miss out on this stall at future fetes.

I love how most of the people in support of the Bundys can't even grasp the English language!

Anna Baddams, you're hilarious, what do you know about keeping animals?

No one said anything about neglect, what those among us care about is the tiny hutches you have kept these animals in. A house and garden on Maplin Road is NOT big enough for 126 rabbits, how can you think it is?

Dawn, I feel sorry for you because you believe what you're saying but I feel more sorry for those rabbits. You CANNOT keep them in small cages to restrict their growth, that is so wrong.

Why did you need 126 rabbits anyway? I mean, seriously? If you were showing them, maybe keeping a selection of ten or so would have been more appropriate but 126???

Craig David wrote:

dawn bundy wrote:
i am the owner of all these rabbits and my rabbits are healthy, well cared for, never ever been put of the judgingt table for ill health, or anything,or evehn been asked to box up at shows. If you are not a breeder or a member of the brc then you havent got a clue about rabbits. I suggest if you dont know anything about the brc then keep out of this.the rspca had no right what so ever to take my buns and to see a so called vet actually hold a rabbit by the sruff of the neck was heartbreaking. They actually made the rabbits squeal with pain. My 8 yr old daughter knows more about rabbits then this vet did. Thanks for all the nice comments and support it is appreciated.

Dawn its a rabbit. A bit of physical pain in the long run is nothing compared to the mental harm you probably caused these animals. They were probably squeals of joy. Keep 3 or 4 rabbits but any more than this is jsut ridiculous. Its not a human so don't treat it like one. There are always rules, boundaries and limitations. By having 70+ rabbits you breached all three. Regards.

by this comment you no nothing on the subject and as a breeder half of the rabbits seized were babies with their mother.

AnimalLover2343 wrote:
I love how most of the people in support of the Bundys can\'t even grasp the English language!

Anna Baddams, you\'re hilarious, what do you know about keeping animals?

No one said anything about neglect, what those among us care about is the tiny hutches you have kept these animals in. A house and garden on Maplin Road is NOT big enough for 126 rabbits, how can you think it is?

Dawn, I feel sorry for you because you believe what you\'re saying but I feel more sorry for those rabbits. You CANNOT keep them in small cages to restrict their growth, that is so wrong.

Why did you need 126 rabbits anyway? I mean, seriously? If you were showing them, maybe keeping a selection of ten or so would have been more appropriate but 126???

i have keep pets for many years and for you to judge me is very rude, i currently have a American Grey parrot and two of dawns rabbits that she gave my children the reason dawn has so many rabbits is because it breeding season and most of the rabbits were babies,with their mother. if your knew anything about rabbits they can have a litter of up to twelve depending on the breed.you need a breeding pair to do this and dawn and Pete have/ had very rare breeds and have you every been in the Bundy.s garden i think not so how can you say how big it is,

I stopped supporting the RSPCA several years ago after observing that many of them (the women especially) were cranks, not governed by reason and logic but by perverse imaginings and confabulation.

All RSPCA inspectors should take an annual personality test and I suspect half of them will fail it due to their mental imbalance.

hallsy wrote:

Craig David wrote:

dawn bundy wrote: i am the owner of all these rabbits and my rabbits are healthy, well cared for, never ever been put of the judgingt table for ill health, or anything,or evehn been asked to box up at shows. If you are not a breeder or a member of the brc then you havent got a clue about rabbits. I suggest if you dont know anything about the brc then keep out of this.the rspca had no right what so ever to take my buns and to see a so called vet actually hold a rabbit by the sruff of the neck was heartbreaking. They actually made the rabbits squeal with pain. My 8 yr old daughter knows more about rabbits then this vet did. Thanks for all the nice comments and support it is appreciated.

Dawn its a rabbit. A bit of physical pain in the long run is nothing compared to the mental harm you probably caused these animals. They were probably squeals of joy. Keep 3 or 4 rabbits but any more than this is jsut ridiculous. Its not a human so don\'t treat it like one. There are always rules, boundaries and limitations. By having 70+ rabbits you breached all three. Regards.

by this comment you no nothing on the subject and as a breeder half of the rabbits seized were babies with their mother.

This still leaves 30+ adults. Excrement everywhere causes rats. If you want to keep hundreds then buy a farm. Dont breed rabbits in an estate. The vet knows what is best for the animal. It is obvious that as a breeder of rabbits you have decided to treat them like human beings which voids your argument. Regards

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AnimalLover2343 wrote:
I love how most of the people in support of the Bundys can\'t even grasp the English language!

Anna Baddams, you\'re hilarious, what do you know about keeping animals?

No one said anything about neglect, what those among us care about is the tiny hutches you have kept these animals in. A house and garden on Maplin Road is NOT big enough for 126 rabbits, how can you think it is?

Dawn, I feel sorry for you because you believe what you\'re saying but I feel more sorry for those rabbits. You CANNOT keep them in small cages to restrict their growth, that is so wrong.

Why did you need 126 rabbits anyway? I mean, seriously? If you were showing them, maybe keeping a selection of ten or so would have been more appropriate but 126???

I am a breeder of rabbits and have about 30 in my suburban backyard. I am very literate and don't get on my high horse on subjects I know nothing about. It is very feasible to be able to take good care of that quantity of SHOW rabbits - especially as the whole family is involved in the hobby.I have had lots of issues with vets not knowing enough about the requirements of rabbits to the point of them accidentally killing them with the wrong medication because rabbits are not deemed important enough to study separately (they are classed as an exotic animal and given very little time in vet teaching) So I would defer to the BRC as they have a much greater knowledge of rabbit breeding and keeping than any of the well meaning but ignorant people who are condemning this family

Robin wrote:

mick wrote: i was acully at the house when the rude happyen.the r.s.p.c.a. orricer was very rude and impolite they wailked into the garden and look at the cages and she said she was taking the rabbits .she was not concern that the rabbits were heathly .they are show rabbits i have been friends with the family more then 5 years and not once have i witness anycreltyto the animals. nor have i every scene them mishreaed.the r.s.p.c.a.were heathly. handed cren the vets said.the rabbits were heaithly the family have worked with the r.s.p.c.a over the last 13 months to do the recommend at tions nrguired .and they have done them.the family have been showing rabbits for over 16 yearthat i no they konw what they are doing .i have two of her rabbits and she has been a great source of help and aduice .my opinion is the r.s.p.c.a. should rerum the rabbits to the family the rabbits were tacken in samall boxes.and kept in these over night how is this good for there heath

quote

Sorry Mick, I didn\'t catch any of that. Would you mind rephrasing?

i think you need to get a life robin.. not everyone are good at spelling i understood what mick was going on about and prob so did everyone else. i think you need a lesson on understanding people before you pass judgement

Jim wrote:
126 rabbits is stupid. And it is cruel to keep 126 caged rabbits. They should be taken by the RSPCA and destroyed.

You know nothing. You should be destroyed

mick wrote:
i was acully at the house when the rude happyen.the r.s.p.c.a. orricer was very rude and impolite they wailked into the garden and look at the cages and she said she was taking the rabbits .she was not concern that the rabbits were heathly .they are show rabbits i have been friends with the family more then 5 years and not once have i witness anycreltyto the animals. nor have i every scene them mishreaed.the r.s.p.c.a.were heathly. handed cren the vets said.the rabbits were heaithly the family have worked with the r.s.p.c.a over the last 13 months to do the recommend at tions nrguired .and they have done them.the family have been showing rabbits for over 16 yearthat i no they konw what they are doing .i have two of her rabbits and she has been a great source of help and aduice .my opinion is the r.s.p.c.a. should rerum the rabbits to the family the rabbits were tacken in samall boxes.and kept in these over night how is this good for there heath

quote

translation please.
I'm assuming one of the rabbits escaped the clutches of the RSPCA and found it's way to a computer.

Ian wrote:
The 52-year-old added: \"They say the hutches are too small but there\'s no regulation size. Taken from the British Council Website_ The British Rabbit Council recommends a hutch size of at least 750mm x 600mm x 450mm for a Netherland Dwarf. Considering her rabbits are a larger breed,I wonder if the hutches were larger. She should have known that, as she says they are members of the BRC.

I was just thinking the same thing about hutch sizes. I'm a new British Rabbit Council member, and I feel now people will think we all keep our rabbits like that.

Ok some of the hutches would need cleaning out with that many rabbits, but it was the cob webs that got me. I don't have cob webs in my house so why should rabbits!!!!

Ange wrote:

Ian wrote: The 52-year-old added: \"They say the hutches are too small but there\'s no regulation size. Taken from the British Council Website_ The British Rabbit Council recommends a hutch size of at least 750mm x 600mm x 450mm for a Netherland Dwarf. Considering her rabbits are a larger breed,I wonder if the hutches were larger. She should have known that, as she says they are members of the BRC.

I was just thinking the same thing about hutch sizes. I'm a new British Rabbit Council member, and I feel now people will think we all keep our rabbits like that. Ok some of the hutches would need cleaning out with that many rabbits, but it was the cob webs that got me. I don't have cob webs in my house so why should rabbits!!!!

Then you obviously don't know ANYTHING about rabbit husbandry!!!! Cobwebs are welcomed as spiders eat flies...flies carry disease....Duh!! Do you want your rabbit to get myxi? Get rid of your cobwebs then.

The hutches were needing a clean but for all we know it was the day before a "mucking out day". I would agree that from the front the hutches look small but could be deep, giving the rabbits plenty space.

The Bundys are often in F&F for their wins, unhealthy, porrly looked after animals DON'T WIN!! All you animal rights psychopaths who support the RSPCA regardless of their lack of knowledge obviously don't realise this!

As for rabbits squealing with joy, you f****** idiot! You make me laugh.

By the way, I'd like to point out that as a supporter of the Bundys in getting their rabbits returned to them, I am perfectly literate thank you very much.

These people are disgusting. I don't care if their inbred children are crying or that they "love" their animals. If they loved them so much they wouldn't bloody breed them or keep them in tiny hutches NOT EVEN BIG ENOUGH FOR A GUINEA PIG.. for what reason? SO THEY DON'T GROW TOO LONG????!! I'm sorry, what?? How would they like their kids to be kept in a tiny box so they don't grow too long in the body. Put these disgusting people to sleep.

Oh and

f you are not a breeder or a member of the brc then you havent got a clue about rabbits.

Clearly.

I would argue that if you are a breeder then YOU clearly don't know about the thousands upon thousands of rabbits in rescues in need of homes. Instead you contribute to the population for your own selfish desires to win a bloody shiney trophy. You disgust me.

the rspca are a charity orgnizeation when have you ever heard of a charity passing laws the rspca can bareley tell a buns head from its bottom i was talking to an officer about ferrets and he said that when they have them come in they put them down as minks so that they ca be destroyed coz they can bite was the excuse i am also a brc breeder and know the bundys they are very nice ppl and i think they should get a second vets oppion then take the rspca to court. this is why i never buy food or accourisies that state any money goes to the rspca wouldnt give them the S**T of my shoes. im in full support of the bundys getting ALL of thier rabbits back!!!!!!!!!!!

These people are disgusting. I don't care if their inbred children are crying or that they "love" their animals.

You disgust me.

As do you for this comment above Jocelyn, sorry but how can you be taken seriously when you make such slanderous comments, what a bloody IDIOT

dawn bundy wrote:
i am the owner of all these rabbits and my rabbits are healthy, well cared for, never ever been put of the judgingt table for ill health, or anything,or evehn been asked to box up at shows. If you are not a breeder or a member of the brc then you havent got a clue about rabbits. I suggest if you dont know anything about the brc then keep out of this.the rspca had no right what so ever to take my buns and to see a so called vet actually hold a rabbit by the sruff of the neck was heartbreaking. They actually made the rabbits squeal with pain. My 8 yr old daughter knows more about rabbits then this vet did. Thanks for all the nice comments and support it is appreciated.

'If you are not a breeder or a member of the brc then you havent got a clue about rabbits.' What a ridiculous comment to make, seeing as all you have to do to become a BRC member is to pay the fee!!

I am glad those rabbits are now safetly away from you, and the cruelty you inflicted on them. Lets hope you are banned from keeping animals :)

I'm disgusted at this! Someone has said rabbits might be squealing for joy. Anyone who knows about rabbits will know you NEVER want to hear this noise from your rabbit. It means extreme pain or discomfort. After seeing this reminds me of why i can my rabbits from rescue's and not breeders.
These people should never get there rabbits back and should only be allowed rabbits again was they sort the cages/hutches out! The min size now is 6 foot cage.

From what I've read, the BRC have a very active membership on the South Coast which is to be commended.

However, do they offer spelling and grammar lessons to their members?

"BRC breeder & exhibitor, UK" - you are not "perfectly" literate. Thank you very much.

Those hutch-sizes were quite shocking and I wonder how often, if ever, those caged prisoners enjoyed any escape to exercise, feel the sun on their coats or grass beneath their feet and to hop, run, skip and binky like normal, happy, healthy rabbits...?

I commend the RSPCA and vet for taking action and hope this will highlight the plight of other large numbers of rabbits kept in such cramped and unsuitable conditions.

I have rabbits myself and would never, ever subject to a life like this.

i think that the RSPCA are wasting there time confiscating perfictly heathly rabbit. if the rabbits where not heathly they would not be able to show them at the new forset show

Those hutch-sizes were quite shocking and I wonder how often, if ever, those caged prisoners enjoyed any escape to exercise, feel the sun on their coats or grass beneath their feet and to hop, run, skip and binky like normal, happy, healthy rabbits...?

I commend the RSPCA and vet for taking action and hope this will highlight the plight of other large numbers of rabbits kept in such cramped and unsuitable conditions.

I have rabbits myself and would never, ever subject to a life like this.

Those hutch-sizes were quite shocking and I wonder how often, if ever, those caged prisoners enjoyed any escape to exercise, feel the sun on their coats or grass beneath their feet and to hop, run, skip and binky like normal, happy, healthy rabbits...?

I commend the RSPCA and vet for taking action and hope this will highlight the plight of other large numbers of rabbits kept in such cramped and unsuitable conditions.

I have rabbits myself and would never, ever subject to a life like this.

Although there is no regulation size rabbits should be able to express natural behaviour, in a cage that small they wouldnt. There IS a regulation size by the RSPCA. Ignorance is not an excuse, those hutches were dispicably small, and just pure cruelty

i think that all the people that are disrespecting the poor family need to sort it out. just think of the pooor children!! if the rabbits were not healthy they wouldn't get shown!! the rspca are wasting there time!!!! they need to concentrate more on animals that actually need help from the rspca!!!

im am one of the family first can i say people who havent got a clue in showing rabbits or keeping them for that matter keep all your noses out of this. If this was you how would you feel about it you wouldnt like it.
and the next person thats starts slagging my mum of then they will now about it as this aint fair. the rspca are suck up thier own ases!

My god there's a lot of ignorant people on here. The RSPCA reccomend a minimum hutch size of 6ft x 2ft with an attached run of 6ft x 4ft for rabbits now- where are these cruel people providing that? Most of the hutches look about 2-3ft x 18 inches! And do they EVER get let out expect when they're having a jolly day out at a show?

Sorry, I forgot people who show rabbits and are members of the BRC are the experts ;)

animallover2343 wrote:
I'm sorry but no matter how nice this family is or how much they love their rabbits there is NO WAY that any of the houses or gardens on Maplin Road are big enough to house 126 rabbits! (If 73 were taken and 53 were left = 126) And maybe showing rabbits should be stopped altogether as restricting an animal's natural growth by keeping them in too small a cage is barbaric. In that picture of the family, the hutches look dirty and they look absolutely tiny. Although I would agree with some of the points made about where the RSPCA intend to house these rabbits and I would also suggest that the family DON'T let their rabbits breed anymore or they'll be in danger of losing the other 53!

how can the **** you be a animal lover you are the sort of person that gets the rspca in cas something like this has happen.
maybe you should keep your mouth shut as showing rabbits are a hobbie as i can see you are suck up person and your a stuiped cow!!!!!!!

nicola wrote:
im am one of the family first can i say people who havent got a clue in showing rabbits or keeping them for that matter keep all your noses out of this. If this was you how would you feel about it you wouldnt like it. and the next person thats starts slagging my mum of then they will now about it as this aint fair. the rspca are suck up thier own ases!

I rest my case re: standard of literacy amongst BRC members and their families.

Personally, I couldn't care less about rabbits (except in stews), but the literacy standard is far more shocking.

Nicola's spelling is so poor, even the Echo's filters couldn't identify her poor attempt to spell arses!

Nicola - calm down, deep breath. Try again. Less time with bunny-wunnies and more time in the classroom.

Anyway, is looking after fluffy bunnikins really a "proper" hobby for a grown man?!!

Jocelyn wrote:
Oh and

f you are not a breeder or a member of the brc then you havent got a clue about rabbits.

Clearly.

I would argue that if you are a breeder then YOU clearly don't know about the thousands upon thousands of rabbits in rescues in need of homes. Instead you contribute to the population for your own selfish desires to win a bloody shiney trophy. You disgust me.

your the misinformed idiot the rabbits in the rescue homes are rabbits brought by people like you who dont now how to care for them and hand them over instead of looking in a book or trying to learn and if you know anything you know the difference between a show rabbit and a fluffy bunnie.is miles apart. have you every been to a rabbit show NO SO STOP JUDGING WHAT YOU NO OBLIOUSLY NOTHING] ABOUT plus the video did not show a side view of the hatch yes they look small from the front but are long so it more like a burrow than a cage

Bunny wrote:

nicola wrote: im am one of the family first can i say people who havent got a clue in showing rabbits or keeping them for that matter keep all your noses out of this. If this was you how would you feel about it you wouldnt like it. and the next person thats starts slagging my mum of then they will now about it as this aint fair. the rspca are suck up thier own ases!

I rest my case re: standard of literacy amongst BRC members and their families. Personally, I couldn\'t care less about rabbits (except in stews), but the literacy standard is far more shocking. Nicola\'s spelling is so poor, even the Echo\'s filters couldn\'t identify her poor attempt to spell arses! Nicola - calm down, deep breath. Try again. Less time with bunny-wunnies and more time in the classroom. Anyway, is looking after fluffy bunnikins really a \"proper\" hobby for a grown man?!!

first thier are not called bunnikins and dont tel me how to **** swear you suck up **** cow

oi u is cheeky bunny boiler leave the poor family alone how would you feel in this situation!!

Good god how on earth can this couple think that those buns are well cared for !!!
They give breeders a bad name. Those bunnies were livng in filth pure filth! I hope these two morans don't get these buns back and I hope they are charged with cruelty!

To start with regardless of the hutch size reccomended by the BRC...it is not law or compulsory however, the new DEFRA animal welfare laws, the ones the RSPCA enforce, do state the conditions a rabbit should be kept in and what I have seen in that video totally disgusts me as the owner of 6 beautiful rabbits whose minimum hutch size is a 5ft double for a pair.

Hope fully when the next set of DEFRA laws are brought in next year hutch sizes will be even more specified and people like this cannot rely on ignorance to try and dig them selves out of a hole.

The filty conditions of those hutches, the state of disrepair and the shere number of animals in such a small area is clearly a health hazard to people and animals, I dread to think of kits being raised in those conditions.

I wonder where the rabbits even wormed or vaccinated???

To the RSPCA its nice to see you finally taking RABBIT WELFARE seriously and I hope we continue to see more good work in this otherwise very neglected area.

stop being horrible to nicola you sad people dont you have nothing better to do with your life!!!! she is part of the family and very distroyed about this dont any of you heartless people have a heart!!!

AnimalLover2343 wrote:
I love how most of the people in support of the Bundys can't even grasp the English language!

Anna Baddams, you're hilarious, what do you know about keeping animals?

No one said anything about neglect, what those among us care about is the tiny hutches you have kept these animals in. A house and garden on Maplin Road is NOT big enough for 126 rabbits, how can you think it is?

Dawn, I feel sorry for you because you believe what you're saying but I feel more sorry for those rabbits. You CANNOT keep them in small cages to restrict their growth, that is so wrong.

Why did you need 126 rabbits anyway? I mean, seriously? If you were showing them, maybe keeping a selection of ten or so would have been more appropriate but 126???

obviously you dont know me because if you did you would know i have animals and their are well looked after as well as any member of my family. My Rabbits are from Dawn show rabbits and they are in excelleant condition if you like to keep having a go please fell free but thats not the issue of these comments. Yes the cages look small on the video but they are long in order to mimmic a burrow like the animal normal living enviroment and if you knew anything about keeping rabbits this fact you would know. Pete was under a lot of presure when that interview was filmed and you have misinturperted what he said.

nicola wrote:

Bunny wrote:

nicola wrote: im am one of the family first can i say people who havent got a clue in showing rabbits or keeping them for that matter keep all your noses out of this. If this was you how would you feel about it you wouldnt like it. and the next person thats starts slagging my mum of then they will now about it as this aint fair. the rspca are suck up thier own ases!

I rest my case re: standard of literacy amongst BRC members and their families. Personally, I couldn\'t care less about rabbits (except in stews), but the literacy standard is far more shocking. Nicola\'s spelling is so poor, even the Echo\'s filters couldn\'t identify her poor attempt to spell arses! Nicola - calm down, deep breath. Try again. Less time with bunny-wunnies and more time in the classroom. Anyway, is looking after fluffy bunnikins really a \"proper\" hobby for a grown man?!!

first thier are not called bunnikins and dont tel me how to **** swear you suck up **** cow

Nicol, Nicola, Nicola. I think you meant, "First, they are not called "bunnikins", and don't tell me how to *** swear, you stuck up *** cow.".

PS. I'm not a cow. Bull, perhaps, in bovine terms (that's cow to you).

tracey wrote:
I'm disgusted at this! Someone has said rabbits might be squealing for joy. Anyone who knows about rabbits will know you NEVER want to hear this noise from your rabbit. It means extreme pain or discomfort. After seeing this reminds me of why i can my rabbits from rescue's and not breeders.
These people should never get there rabbits back and should only be allowed rabbits again was they sort the cages/hutches out! The min size now is 6 foot cage.

what do you know where did you get your information.

This is part of the animal welfare act. It is clear that the Bundy's are severely lacking in several of the points of the welfare act.

Whether pet or show rabbits, they all have the same basic needs and rights. The RSPCA are actually very restricted in what they are able to do, so the fact the rabbits were taken away shows there was very serious problems going on! They were taken away for a reason- the Bundy's cruelty.

What does the new law do?
It makes owners and keepers responsible for ensuring that the welfare needs
of their animals are met.

These include the need:

- For a suitable environment (place to live)
- For a suitable diet
- To exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- To be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable)
- To be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease

Anyone who is cruel to an animal, or does not provide for its welfare needs,
may be banned from owning animals, fined up to £20,000 and/or sent to
prison.

What does it mean to me and my rabbit?

It's not acceptable to keep a solitary rabbit in a small hutch, without the
opportunity to exercise. Sadly we know that this is still the case for
thousands of pet rabbits in the UK, as they are the most neglected domestic
pet. Make sure that you are providing your rabbits with everything they need
to live a long and happy life.

The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund suggest the following to properly
care for your pet rabbits:

Environment
Hutches should be a minimum of 6ft x 2ft x 2ft, and preferably with an
attached run to allow the rabbits to exercise at will. The run should be 6ft
x 4ft x 4ft as a minimum. Hutch size and runs can never be too big, so don't
skimp.


Diet
Fresh food and water should be available at all times. A diet that mimics a
natural diet, that is one which is mainly hay or grass, with a smaller
proportion of greens and rabbit pellets is ideal. Any changes to the diet
should be made gradually watching out for upset tummies and closely checking
at least once if not twice a day for flystike.


Behaviour
Rabbits like to dig, run and hide. They should be provided with the
opportunity to exercise everyday. Ideally a run attached to their hutch, or
even better a garden shed with attached enclosure. Don't forget to include
toys that allow them to display their natural behaviour such as hay/willow
toys for chewing, a planter filled with earth for digging and a place to
hide if they want to.


Companionship
Rabbits are sociable animals and should be kept in pairs or groups, unless a
house rabbit with lots of human contact. The companionship and social
interaction provided by another rabbit is ideal and much more suitable than
housing with another species such as a guinea pig which we would not as a
rule advocate.

Health Care
Annual or twice yearly trips to the vets are a must for their vaccinations
(both for myxomatosis and VHD). Rabbits are prey animals and they hide pain
well, so be aware of any subtle changes in behaviour or diet and take them
to the vet immediately if you are worried. Regular mini MOT's at home can
provide invaluable ensuring teeth and nails are not overly long, your rabbit
isn't gaining or losing weight, and very importantly that once if not twice
a day you check your rabbits behind for signs of soiling to ensure that
flystrike can not become an issue"

This is part of the animal welfare act. It is clear that the Bundy's are severely lacking in several of the points of the welfare act.

Whether pet or show rabbits, they all have the same basic needs and rights. The RSPCA are actually very restricted in what they are able to do, so the fact the rabbits were taken away shows there was very serious problems going on! They were taken away for a reason- the Bundy's cruelty.

What does the new law do?
It makes owners and keepers responsible for ensuring that the welfare needs
of their animals are met.

These include the need:

- For a suitable environment (place to live)
- For a suitable diet
- To exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- To be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable)
- To be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease

Anyone who is cruel to an animal, or does not provide for its welfare needs,
may be banned from owning animals, fined up to £20,000 and/or sent to
prison.

What does it mean to me and my rabbit?

It's not acceptable to keep a solitary rabbit in a small hutch, without the
opportunity to exercise. Sadly we know that this is still the case for
thousands of pet rabbits in the UK, as they are the most neglected domestic
pet. Make sure that you are providing your rabbits with everything they need
to live a long and happy life.

The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund suggest the following to properly
care for your pet rabbits:

Environment
Hutches should be a minimum of 6ft x 2ft x 2ft, and preferably with an
attached run to allow the rabbits to exercise at will. The run should be 6ft
x 4ft x 4ft as a minimum. Hutch size and runs can never be too big, so don't
skimp.


Diet
Fresh food and water should be available at all times. A diet that mimics a
natural diet, that is one which is mainly hay or grass, with a smaller
proportion of greens and rabbit pellets is ideal. Any changes to the diet
should be made gradually watching out for upset tummies and closely checking
at least once if not twice a day for flystike.


Behaviour
Rabbits like to dig, run and hide. They should be provided with the
opportunity to exercise everyday. Ideally a run attached to their hutch, or
even better a garden shed with attached enclosure. Don't forget to include
toys that allow them to display their natural behaviour such as hay/willow
toys for chewing, a planter filled with earth for digging and a place to
hide if they want to.


Companionship
Rabbits are sociable animals and should be kept in pairs or groups, unless a
house rabbit with lots of human contact. The companionship and social
interaction provided by another rabbit is ideal and much more suitable than
housing with another species such as a guinea pig which we would not as a
rule advocate.

Health Care
Annual or twice yearly trips to the vets are a must for their vaccinations
(both for myxomatosis and VHD). Rabbits are prey animals and they hide pain
well, so be aware of any subtle changes in behaviour or diet and take them
to the vet immediately if you are worried. Regular mini MOT's at home can
provide invaluable ensuring teeth and nails are not overly long, your rabbit
isn't gaining or losing weight, and very importantly that once if not twice
a day you check your rabbits behind for signs of soiling to ensure that
flystrike can not become an issue"

Bunny Lover wrote:
Those hutch-sizes were quite shocking and I wonder how often, if ever, those caged prisoners enjoyed any escape to exercise, feel the sun on their coats or grass beneath their feet and to hop, run, skip and binky like normal, happy, healthy rabbits...?

I commend the RSPCA and vet for taking action and hope this will highlight the plight of other large numbers of rabbits kept in such cramped and unsuitable conditions.

I have rabbits myself and would never, ever subject to a life like this.

need to repeat yourself show your intelligenge once was enough the cage are small at the front and deep so the rabbit feels like its in a burrow as it would in the wild DUH

I don’t think anybody here, in support of the Bundys or not, is denying the fact that yes, these rabbits were being kept in hutches that were on the small side and yes, their rabbitry needed a bit of a tidy up. However what we ARE suggesting is that if, as reported, hutch size was the ONLY reason the RSPCA, accompanied by no less than 7 Police Officers, had for seizing the animals then at this point this was unjustified action.

I believe all the points I will list below are true and correct, but I stand to be corrected on some of them if not.

The animals were all admitted by a qualified vet to be in good health, which denotes that a minimum care level, at least, MUST have been being met by the Bundy family. All the animals had access to water and there was evidence of food and hay in the hutches. The hutches, although small still allowed enough room for the rabbits to move about and lie down, and as stated before, could well have been longer and therefore bigger than they appeared on the video. As yet there is no law on minimum hutch sizes, only recommendations by the BRC and recommendations for commercially produced (meat not show) rabbits from DEFRA. The secondary legislation to accompany the Animal Welfare Act will be introducing minimum hutch size requirements in the near future, so some people (BRC Members, Pet Shops, and pet owners alike) may need to slightly adjust their rabbits’ accommodation to meet the new requirements. The vast majority of rabbit keepers will meet these new requirements without needing to make any adjustments.

The RSPCA can visit a private dwelling and interview owners of animals they are concerned about and issue improvements notices. They have no power of entry to a premises and no right to seize animals. If any animal is deemed to be in immediate danger or showing signs of absolute cruelty and distress (e.g. not having access to food, water or shelter or having untreated injuries or disease) Police Officers can seize it as evidence and place it into the care of the RSPCA. Police Officers can also seize animals if owners fail to make the RSPCA’s required improvements within the time period given. I do not know the complete story behind this case, neither does anyone else except the RSPCA and the Bundy family themselves, but from what I can gather the procedure whereby improvements were ordered was followed previously and the Bundy family had complied with all improvement requests. Presumably no request regarding introducing larger hutch sizes had resulted from this previous visit as they mentioned that they passed the return check.

This seizure seems to have taken the Bundy family by surprise which can only mean that they were never warned that they needed to increase their hutch sizes so therefore were not given the opportunity to act upon any request before this happened to them. This does not correspond with the RSPCA’s procedure to issue improvement notices nor does smaller than average hutch sizes constitute immediate danger etc. so would not be a legitimate reason for calling in Police Officers to carry out a seizure as the first point of call.

On this occasion the RSPCA do not seem to have even acted in the best interests of the rabbits as they have been reported to have taken very young animals that would not have been old enough to cope with the stress of a car journey and possibly being kept overnight in boxes. They certainly have not acted in the best interests of the Bundy family by allowing them time to make the necessary improvements. We are all aware that these animals have rights and the conditions were not perfect, but I firmly believe the Bundy family would have happily complied with a request to make their rabbits’ lives better by providing larger hutches if they had been told they needed to do so. Despite being a bit over enthusiastic with the number of rabbits they kept in the space they had I think they really did love their animals and would have wanted the chance to do right by them. The family has rights too and they should have been given the right to make the improvements before being treated in this way, particularly as there were children involved.

Randy wrote:
This is part of the animal welfare act. It is clear that the Bundy's are severely lacking in several of the points of the welfare act.

Whether pet or show rabbits, they all have the same basic needs and rights. The RSPCA are actually very restricted in what they are able to do, so the fact the rabbits were taken away shows there was very serious problems going on! They were taken away for a reason- the Bundy's cruelty.

What does the new law do?
It makes owners and keepers responsible for ensuring that the welfare needs
of their animals are met.

These include the need:

- For a suitable environment (place to live)
- For a suitable diet
- To exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- To be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable)
- To be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease

Anyone who is cruel to an animal, or does not provide for its welfare needs,
may be banned from owning animals, fined up to £20,000 and/or sent to
prison.

What does it mean to me and my rabbit?

It's not acceptable to keep a solitary rabbit in a small hutch, without the
opportunity to exercise. Sadly we know that this is still the case for
thousands of pet rabbits in the UK, as they are the most neglected domestic
pet. Make sure that you are providing your rabbits with everything they need
to live a long and happy life.

The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund suggest the following to properly
care for your pet rabbits:

Environment
Hutches should be a minimum of 6ft x 2ft x 2ft, and preferably with an
attached run to allow the rabbits to exercise at will. The run should be 6ft
x 4ft x 4ft as a minimum. Hutch size and runs can never be too big, so don't
skimp.


Diet
Fresh food and water should be available at all times. A diet that mimics a
natural diet, that is one which is mainly hay or grass, with a smaller
proportion of greens and rabbit pellets is ideal. Any changes to the diet
should be made gradually watching out for upset tummies and closely checking
at least once if not twice a day for flystike.


Behaviour
Rabbits like to dig, run and hide. They should be provided with the
opportunity to exercise everyday. Ideally a run attached to their hutch, or
even better a garden shed with attached enclosure. Don't forget to include
toys that allow them to display their natural behaviour such as hay/willow
toys for chewing, a planter filled with earth for digging and a place to
hide if they want to.


Companionship
Rabbits are sociable animals and should be kept in pairs or groups, unless a
house rabbit with lots of human contact. The companionship and social
interaction provided by another rabbit is ideal and much more suitable than
housing with another species such as a guinea pig which we would not as a
rule advocate.

Health Care
Annual or twice yearly trips to the vets are a must for their vaccinations
(both for myxomatosis and VHD). Rabbits are prey animals and they hide pain
well, so be aware of any subtle changes in behaviour or diet and take them
to the vet immediately if you are worried. Regular mini MOT's at home can
provide invaluable ensuring teeth and nails are not overly long, your rabbit
isn't gaining or losing weight, and very importantly that once if not twice
a day you check your rabbits behind for signs of soiling to ensure that
flystrike can not become an issue"

The RSPCA handbook is a joke, one min in the book it says a rabbit is a good pet and two pages later it is says their not. repeating yourself is a sign of madness you know.

The RSPCA handbook is a joke, one min in the book it says a rabbit is a good pet and two pages later it is says their not. repeating yourself is a sign of madness you know.

Or a sign of having refreshed the page ;)

I'm not talking about the handbook- many of those were produced years ago, and now knowledge is better. The Animal Welfare Act was introduced this year. Being a BRC member does not make you a rabbit expert- how could it when all you have to do is pay a fee??

However much you try and defend yourself there clearly was something wrong with your rabbit care to have so many taken away- as stated previously, the RSPCA actually have few powers to remove animals but yet they were able to this time- suggesting a serious problem :)

I'd actually say half of us 'sick little morons' are members/affiliates/f

riends of rescue organizations which promote 'adopt, don't breed' policies.

By the way- rabbits are not bonsai trees! keeping them in a small hutch will not stop them growing too big- size is genetically determined. They were kept in small hutches to save money and space!! It is just plain cruel.

Although the RSPCA need to investigate all complaints. Surely they can tell the difference in relation to pets which are well cared for and looked after and those which have been neglected. These rabbits are well cared for and loved and have been shown at various shows surely that speaks for itself. I mean who would want to show rabbits that were neglected. Some sense please.

Bundy Supporter wrote:

Bunny Lover wrote: Those hutch-sizes were quite shocking and I wonder how often, if ever, those caged prisoners enjoyed any escape to exercise, feel the sun on their coats or grass beneath their feet and to hop, run, skip and binky like normal, happy, healthy rabbits...? I commend the RSPCA and vet for taking action and hope this will highlight the plight of other large numbers of rabbits kept in such cramped and unsuitable conditions. I have rabbits myself and would never, ever subject to a life like this.

need to repeat yourself show your intelligenge once was enough the cage are small at the front and deep so the rabbit feels like its in a burrow as it would in the wild DUH

Those hutches looked more like 2'-3' to me which is not suitable accommdation for a rabbit - an animal which would normally hop, skip, run and binky and requires exercise every day. Those poor rabbits were like caged prisoners and that amounts to cruelty in my eyes.

Above - Randy has listed the acceptable sizes and even I could see from the video that those hutches are not 6' deep!

I have rabbits myself and as a responsible owner, their health and welfare is my top priority so it was very upsetting to see rabbits forced to live in these conditions.

fiona wrote:
i feel sorry for you lot thats got your noses up the rspca,s arses...if these buns were badly treat they wouldnt keep winning at shows ........half of yous are just sick little morons that breed pet rabbits and havent got a bloody clue to be honest.

Are you telling me that the conditions those rabbits were livng were okay ? I don't breed rabbits love, I have 5 very loved pets and wouldn't dream of breeding with so many already in recsues needing homes..

126 rabbits is excessive and you cannot look after them properly without a team of helpers. THe hutches are tiny - keeping rabbits in small cages to restrict their growth is disgusting. Who cares about rosettes - it is about the rabbits' welll being and being kept in a tiny hutch is cruel. Breeding so many rabbits is also irresponsible - there are thousands and thousands of rabbits in animal rescue centres looking for homes and this is just adding to the problem.

vicki jones wrote:
Although the RSPCA need to investigate all complaints. Surely they can tell the difference in relation to pets which are well cared for and looked after and those which have been neglected. These rabbits are well cared for and loved and have been shown at various shows surely that speaks for itself. I mean who would want to show rabbits that were neglected. Some sense please.

So as long as they look ok it doesn't matter that they sit in small dirty hutches 24-7 in between shows?

Bellamy wrote:

mick wrote: i was acully at the house when the rude happyen.the r.s.p.c.a. orricer was very rude and impolite they wailked into the garden and look at the cages and she said she was taking the rabbits .she was not concern that the rabbits were heathly .they are show rabbits i have been friends with the family more then 5 years and not once have i witness anycreltyto the animals. nor have i every scene them mishreaed.the r.s.p.c.a.were heathly. handed cren the vets said.the rabbits were heaithly the family have worked with the r.s.p.c.a over the last 13 months to do the recommend at tions nrguired .and they have done them.the family have been showing rabbits for over 16 yearthat i no they konw what they are doing .i have two of her rabbits and she has been a great source of help and aduice .my opinion is the r.s.p.c.a. should rerum the rabbits to the family the rabbits were tacken in samall boxes.and kept in these over night how is this good for there heath

quote

translation please. I\'m assuming one of the rabbits escaped the clutches of the RSPCA and found it\'s way to a computer.

like i said to robin i think you need to get a life too before you pass judgement on people spelling .. why dont all you people just grow up act your age not your shoe size

the bundy rabbits are healthy look at thier eyes, teeth, nose, ears and bottoms theres not a thing wrong not likethe other case that happen a couple of monts ago regarding 95 rabbits being kept in a garage these ere healthy animals even more healthy than some of the battery farmed rabbits ive seen and ill treated animals do not win shows. BUNDYS I PRAY TO GOD YOU GET UR LITTLE ONES HOME AGAIN!!!! R.S.P.C.A GET ON YOUR HORSE AND F*** YOURSELF.
the rspca only have stated these new laws becaus where the have lost the funding from the public thier now tring to get it through fining ! and they sell the rabbits to ppl as long as they buy a cage from them thats ova £100 its jus a scheam

Maybe some of you should go and look atthe Rabbit Welfare Association website for some up to date information on sutible care for rabbits. In the last 20 years knowledge of rabbits needs has increased significantly, and so how they should be kept has changed. Many breeders are still using outdated methods, unsuitble housing and beliving myths about rabbits getting scared in large hutches etc. I think it is appauling that rabbits are kept in such conditions so they can be paraded around at shows and sold for money!! I think the people supporting this family have come across and ignorant t*ats. Oh and so what if it upset the little girl, hopefully it will teach her a lesson, most kids I know would be upset to see rabbits in those conditions.

Yes I do have rabbits, all rescues and all netuered, anyone care to say I'm not a responsible owner?

brc girlie wrote:
the bundy rabbits are healthy look at thier eyes, teeth, nose, ears and bottoms theres not a thing wrong not likethe other case that happen a couple of monts ago regarding 95 rabbits being kept in a garage these ere healthy animals even more healthy than some of the battery farmed rabbits ive seen and ill treated animals do not win shows. BUNDYS I PRAY TO GOD YOU GET UR LITTLE ONES HOME AGAIN!!!! R.S.P.C.A GET ON YOUR HORSE AND F*** YOURSELF. the rspca only have stated these new laws becaus where the have lost the funding from the public thier now tring to get it through fining ! and they sell the rabbits to ppl as long as they buy a cage from them thats ova £100 its jus a scheam

You idiot, of course the RSPCA aren't making lots of money from fining people- they lose millions from prosecuting cruel people like the Bundys!

caroline wrote:

Bellamy wrote:

mick wrote: i was acully at the house when the rude happyen.the r.s.p.c.a. orricer was very rude and impolite they wailked into the garden and look at the cages and she said she was taking the rabbits .she was not concern that the rabbits were heathly .they are show rabbits i have been friends with the family more then 5 years and not once have i witness anycreltyto the animals. nor have i every scene them mishreaed.the r.s.p.c.a.were heathly. handed cren the vets said.the rabbits were heaithly the family have worked with the r.s.p.c.a over the last 13 months to do the recommend at tions nrguired .and they have done them.the family have been showing rabbits for over 16 yearthat i no they konw what they are doing .i have two of her rabbits and she has been a great source of help and aduice .my opinion is the r.s.p.c.a. should rerum the rabbits to the family the rabbits were tacken in samall boxes.and kept in these over night how is this good for there heath

quote

translation please. I\'m assuming one of the rabbits escaped the clutches of the RSPCA and found it\'s way to a computer.

like i said to robin i think you need to get a life too before you pass judgement on people spelling .. why dont all you people just grow up act your age not your shoe size

good comeback.

Rachel wrote:
126 rabbits is excessive and you cannot look after them properly without a team of helpers. THe hutches are tiny - keeping rabbits in small cages to restrict their growth is disgusting. Who cares about rosettes - it is about the rabbits' welll being and being kept in a tiny hutch is cruel. Breeding so many rabbits is also irresponsible - there are thousands and thousands of rabbits in animal rescue centres looking for homes and this is just adding to the problem.

First you dont need a team of helpers to look after them and plus they were getting all the care and they needed from the family.
You have to keep rabbits in small cages because they will grow to big and if they do you will not be able to show the rabbits as this mean they will be over weight.
If your that worried about rabbits in rescue homes why dont you have some?

brc girlie wrote:
the bundy rabbits are healthy look at thier eyes, teeth, nose, ears and bottoms theres not a thing wrong not likethe other case that happen a couple of monts ago regarding 95 rabbits being kept in a garage these ere healthy animals even more healthy than some of the battery farmed rabbits ive seen and ill treated animals do not win shows. BUNDYS I PRAY TO GOD YOU GET UR LITTLE ONES HOME AGAIN!!!! R.S.P.C.A GET ON YOUR HORSE AND F*** YOURSELF. the rspca only have stated these new laws becaus where the have lost the funding from the public thier now tring to get it through fining ! and they sell the rabbits to ppl as long as they buy a cage from them thats ova £100 its jus a scheam

Did you not watch the video ?? Those conditions were terrible I pray to god they dont get the rabbits back. Lets hope they are charged with cruelty and can't breed anymore animals.

Randy wrote:

caroline wrote:

Bellamy wrote:

mick wrote: i was acully at the house when the rude happyen.the r.s.p.c.a. orricer was very rude and impolite they wailked into the garden and look at the cages and she said she was taking the rabbits .she was not concern that the rabbits were heathly .they are show rabbits i have been friends with the family more then 5 years and not once have i witness anycreltyto the animals. nor have i every scene them mishreaed.the r.s.p.c.a.were heathly. handed cren the vets said.the rabbits were heaithly the family have worked with the r.s.p.c.a over the last 13 months to do the recommend at tions nrguired .and they have done them.the family have been showing rabbits for over 16 yearthat i no they konw what they are doing .i have two of her rabbits and she has been a great source of help and aduice .my opinion is the r.s.p.c.a. should rerum the rabbits to the family the rabbits were tacken in samall boxes.and kept in these over night how is this good for there heath

quote

translation please. I\\\\\\\'m assuming one of the rabbits escaped the clutches of the RSPCA and found it\\\\\\\'s way to a computer.

like i said to robin i think you need to get a life too before you pass judgement on people spelling .. why dont all you people just grow up act your age not your shoe size

good comeback.

Act your age not your shoe size?? Are we back at primary school?

I mean if you can't have an adult debate...

nicola wrote:

Rachel wrote: 126 rabbits is excessive and you cannot look after them properly without a team of helpers. THe hutches are tiny - keeping rabbits in small cages to restrict their growth is disgusting. Who cares about rosettes - it is about the rabbits' welll being and being kept in a tiny hutch is cruel. Breeding so many rabbits is also irresponsible - there are thousands and thousands of rabbits in animal rescue centres looking for homes and this is just adding to the problem.

First you dont need a team of helpers to look after them and plus they were getting all the care and they needed from the family. You have to keep rabbits in small cages because they will grow to big and if they do you will not be able to show the rabbits as this mean they will be over weight. If your that worried about rabbits in rescue homes why dont you have some?

Self self self!!!!
F*ck the showing of the rabbits think about their welfare you stupid bint!! So keep them in a small shity hutch is the way to go!

nicola wrote:

Rachel wrote: 126 rabbits is excessive and you cannot look after them properly without a team of helpers. THe hutches are tiny - keeping rabbits in small cages to restrict their growth is disgusting. Who cares about rosettes - it is about the rabbits\' welll being and being kept in a tiny hutch is cruel. Breeding so many rabbits is also irresponsible - there are thousands and thousands of rabbits in animal rescue centres looking for homes and this is just adding to the problem.

First you dont need a team of helpers to look after them and plus they were getting all the care and they needed from the family. You have to keep rabbits in small cages because they will grow to big and if they do you will not be able to show the rabbits as this mean they will be over weight. If your that worried about rabbits in rescue homes why dont you have some?

This just makes me feel sick! It is not true that keeping a rabbit in a large cage will make it grow big, the size is determined by the genetics, not how it is kept, if they have correct diet and exercise they will not be overweight. Rabbits are not like bonsai trees for gods sake!!

I hope these people are never allowed to keep rabbits ever again.

nicola wrote:

Rachel wrote: 126 rabbits is excessive and you cannot look after them properly without a team of helpers. THe hutches are tiny - keeping rabbits in small cages to restrict their growth is disgusting. Who cares about rosettes - it is about the rabbits\' welll being and being kept in a tiny hutch is cruel. Breeding so many rabbits is also irresponsible - there are thousands and thousands of rabbits in animal rescue centres looking for homes and this is just adding to the problem.

First you dont need a team of helpers to look after them and plus they were getting all the care and they needed from the family. You have to keep rabbits in small cages because they will grow to big and if they do you will not be able to show the rabbits as this mean they will be over weight. If your that worried about rabbits in rescue homes why dont you have some?

Do I have to say it again?! Rabbits are not Bonsai trees!keeping them in a small hutch will not stop them growing too big- size is genetically determined. They were kept in small hutches to save money and space!! It is just plain cruel.

And they will become overweight if they can't excercise!!

And I have a rescue rabbit :)

You have to keep rabbits in small cages because they will grow to big and if they do you will not be able to show the rabbits as this mean they will be over weight.
If your that worried about rabbits in rescue homes why dont you have some?

You're not helping the Bundys with this comment.

I have to agree that all their supporters seem pretty illiterate, it's a bit hard to take their 'knowledge' about rabbits seriously.

First you dont need a team of helpers to look after them and plus they were getting all the care and they needed from the family.

I'm sorry but even a large family could not provide individual care for 126 rabbits. Are they all vaccinated against VHD and Myxi ? Also, where exactly do you find the space to house large runs for the rabbits to get their daily excercise in. 126 rabbits, assuming they aren't all kept together, that would require a rather large plot of land in order to accommodate for the runs.

You have to keep rabbits in small cages because they will grow to big and if they do you will not be able to show the rabbits as this mean they will be over weight

Rubbish. You are talking out of your rear end. Rabbits become overweight when they are overfed, not because they have adequate space!! This also rings alarm bells because why the HELL would you take pride in stunting an animal's growth in order to get a rosette .

If your that worried about rabbits in rescue homes why dont you have some?

We do. Why do you breed them and contribute to the horrendous number in rescue? Don't tell me you keep every single rabbit that isn't 'show quality' , or vet homes for the 'surplus stock' to go to.

If these were dogs kept in cages that were small enough to ensure their stunted develpoment this would have created an outcry. Rabbits are sensitive loyal creatures who have no place in a sm,all cramped hutch. The owners say that they love them, yet they imprison them.
Horrible and very wrong.

Dawn, I have some questions for you:

1) How did you have space for runs so that the rabbits could get the exercise they need?

2) Did you give them exercise on a daily basis?

3) What exactly did you plan to do with all 126 rabbits?

4) What happens to your rabbits when they are not good enough to be shown?

5) Did you have to pass any checks to be a member of the BRC or do you just pay a fee?

6) Why did you and your husband tell the newspaper that you keep the rabbits in small cages so that they don't grow too big? Do you believe in purposely stunting a rabbits growth?

7) Do you think that winning awards at rabbit shows is more important than the welfare of the rabbits?

8) Have you ever considered that showing the rabbits may not be very good for them?

9) Will your recent experience with the RSPCA make you think carefully about how you treat rabbits? Will it make you improve the living conditions you keep them in?


I'm not trying to be rude or start an argument but I would love to hear your honest answers to these questions.

animallover2343 wrote:

You have to keep rabbits in small cages because they will grow to big and if they do you will not be able to show the rabbits as this mean they will be over weight. If your that worried about rabbits in rescue homes why dont you have some?

You're not helping the Bundys with this comment. I have to agree that all their supporters seem pretty illiterate, it's a bit hard to take their 'knowledge' about rabbits seriously.

they might not be illiterate they might have dyslexia or like mine the comp might be fudging up

How do you pay for vet fees for that amount of rabbits - what do the Bundys do for work.

Thank god the RSPCA got those poor rabbits out!!!

Those hutches were filthy!!!

Those breeders are poor excuses for human beings and know nothing about rabbit welfare!!!

nicola wrote:
im am one of the family first can i say people who havent got a clue in showing rabbits or keeping them for that matter keep all your noses out of this. If this was you how would you feel about it you wouldnt like it. and the next person thats starts slagging my mum of then they will now about it as this aint fair. the rspca are suck up thier own ases!

Lets hope you don't grow too big Nicola, goodness knows what your parents are capable of to stunt your growth. Lets hope its not too painful.

I think the personal comments on here are unnecessary as that does not help the situation at all. True; the housing was not perfect and could really have done with a clean out, but than how many hutches are perfectly clean before clean out day? But the rabbits pictured where not showing signs of neglect and appeared healthy which to me is an important factor.

animallover2343 wrote:
Dawn, I have some questions for you: 1) How did you have space for runs so that the rabbits could get the exercise they need? 2) Did you give them exercise on a daily basis? 3) What exactly did you plan to do with all 126 rabbits? 4) What happens to your rabbits when they are not good enough to be shown? 5) Did you have to pass any checks to be a member of the BRC or do you just pay a fee? 6) Why did you and your husband tell the newspaper that you keep the rabbits in small cages so that they don't grow too big? Do you believe in purposely stunting a rabbits growth? 7) Do you think that winning awards at rabbit shows is more important than the welfare of the rabbits? 8) Have you ever considered that showing the rabbits may not be very good for them? 9) Will your recent experience with the RSPCA make you think carefully about how you treat rabbits? Will it make you improve the living conditions you keep them in? I'm not trying to be rude or start an argument but I would love to hear your honest answers to these questions.

At last! Someone asking sensible and relevant questions! Dawn is understandably very stressed at this time, and may not be posting comments or replies to this article for a little while. I have spoken directly to her this morning on the phone and together we have discussed the whole issue in great detail. I have never actually been to her home, but know her very well from shows, and have asked many specific questions of her myself this morning in order to find out exactly what happened in this raid and what her rabbits’ living conditions were really like. I therefore, feel able to answer many of your questions on her behalf (I hope she doesn't mind me doing this).

So....the answers
1) The family chose to exercise their rabbits on a regular, rotational basis inside their own house. This would be similar to the type of exercise a house rabbit gets. Due to the number of rabbits they owned and the fact that rabbits playing indoors must be supervised at all times to ensure no electrical wires are chewed or they are exposed to any other dangers, the rabbits may not have been exercised on a daily basis it’s true. Many of their rabbits were youngsters still living with their mother so several rabbits within a single litter however would have been able to be exercised at one time. This is the method I choose to exercise my own rabbits during the winter when playing outside is not possible due to rain and I find it to be acceptable to them so long as the house is given a good vacuum afterwards to remove any hairs and stray poos left behind on the carpet.

2) As partially explained above, the exercise was not daily, but it was still regular. This is something we discussed together and something they are willing to change their attitude to. I have suggested indoor, all-weather runs complete with stimulating toys be constructed within their rabbitry to increase the amount of safe playtime their rabbits have.

3) Not all 126 were permanent residents with the family as many of them were babies still being raised by their mothers until they were old enough to leave the Bundy home to go to their new homes. When their rabbits become too old to breed or show the family find suitable homes for them with other owners. Obviously there will be occasions when someone in the family becomes extremely fond of a particular rabbit and does not wish to re-home it elsewhere as a pet, but chooses to keep it as a pet themselves.

4) The young rabbits they bred that were not up to show standard would have been found new homes as pets as soon as they were old enough to leave their mothers. The BRC rule on kits being sold/given to new homes is a minimum of 8 weeks of age, although most breeders prefer to hold on to them until they are a little older than this to ensure they are fully able to cope without the presence of the mother rabbit. I re-home most of the babies I do not intend to keep for myself at about 12 weeks of age, sometimes older if the kit was a runt of a litter. To pre-empt any responses about breeders adding to the number of rabbits in rescue centres etc. I do vet all homes that my rabbits go to and am not afraid to turn people away and tell them they may not buy an animal from me. When my rabbits are re-homed as pets they are re-homed for life. Among other things, I also supply a full care sheet with all rabbits that leave here with clear instructions that any new owner who finds they are no longer able to care for their new pet should return it to me (at any time) in order that I may find it a new suitable home. Dawn confirmed with me this morning that she follows very similar practices to myself.

5) No checks or exams have to be passed before a person can become a Member of the BRC, a simple annual fee is paid. Some Members (myself included) have been suggesting a system be brought in whereby the BRC District Advisors perform annual ‘spot-checks’ on the welfare of the rabbits owned by its members including an ‘accreditation scheme’. This is still very much in the discussion among members stages, but it is quite possible something will be brought in in light of the Animal Welfare Act to work alongside it. The BRC is always looking for new ways to improve the care and welfare of the animals within the organisation. It currently relies on reports of neglect being made my its judges and by other members. An accreditation scheme would be much more robust and not only help to ensure the welfare of the animals, but would also offer support, advice and suggestions to its members on how to improve the quality of life of their stock. I would imagine this type of system would run along the same lines as the RSPCA do regarding general welfare checks and a member failing a check would be issued a warning, and if they failed to improve would be banned from showing and reported to the RSPCA.

6) I have answered this in a previous post (please read somewhere above) and confirmed this with Dawn this morning. This was a slip of the tongue under pressure and not what they meant at all. They do not believe in stunting the growth of their animals, neither do other BRC Members. Obviously rabbits of the very small breeds (such as Netherland Dwarf, which this family do have some of) should not be kept in hutches that are too large for them without offering them adequate places to hide and feel secure in. Imagine a Netherland Dwarf being placed into a 6 foot hutch with no box to hide in – it would feel very lost and vulnerable. Rabbits naturally like to hide in smallish spaces as they are prey animals. placing them in overly large hutches without hiding places is not allowing them to exhibit natural behaviour. They do agree their hutches were on the small side, but due to the fact the RSPCA had never requested them to introduce larger hutches for their rabbits had believed them to be just within the acceptable limits. They will now be getting much larger accommodation for their remaining rabbits and wished they had been made aware at their first visit that the RSPCA had such a problem with their hutch sizes so they had an opportunity to rectify it themselves (as they are doing now).

7) Of course not! Anyone who believes that certainly deserves to have their rabbits taken from them. There may be one or two BRC Members out there who take this view, but they would be the absolute minority and sooner or later they will be caught and dealt with. Hopefully if the BRC do introduce an accreditation scheme these people will be found sooner and have their hobby taken from them as well as their rabbits. In the mean time the BRC are already trying to work with the RSPCA to find anyone with this view. It would however be very difficult to win the top prizes at shows with a rabbit that was not being properly cared for anyway. As with any species of show animal poorly cared for and/or ill exhibits are immediately disqualified. You will actually find it stated in most BRC Standards of Perfection (these can be viewed on the BRC website) that a rabbit with hutch stain (dirty feet) often referred to as lack of ‘condition’ or ‘preparation’ must be severely penalised. As I have said before the vast majority of BRC Members love their rabbits dearly and spend as much time and money on them as they can. Breeding rabbits to show is definitely not a money making hobby, I cannot even begin to consider how much money I spend on my rabbits every month….. Ask my loan company!!!! (and I only have 13 rabbits!)

8) This is a question that is very hard to answer as the rabbits cannot actually tell us themselves. We can only judge how a rabbit feels by the behaviour it exhibits. If a rabbit is upset at being shown they will generally cower in the pen and when brought out on to the table will either try to hide up the steward’s sleeve or will lay flat on the table. Rabbits doing this are termed to be not ‘presenting’ themselves and will be marked down and returned to their pen without an award. This is the judges’ way of discouraging the showing of unhappy rabbits, as there is very little point in taking an animal to a show that will never win an award for this reason. Most rabbits seem to love all the attention they get at shows and seem to enjoy being out the same way rabbits love the attention we give them at home and enjoying sitting on people’s laps for a cuddle. They come to the fronts of the pens when anyone walks near to them to say ‘hello’ and enjoy being handled and stroked while on the table. Obviously this is only an interpretation of their behaviour, but until someone invents a machine that can translate rabbit language into human language we will never quite know what they are thinking for sure.

9) This is something Dawn and I discussed in great detail this morning, as I mentioned earlier. The RSPCA have given them a list of requirements and recommendations for them to act upon, which they will be doing ASAP. Together Dawn and I have also come up with numerous additional points and suggestions (too many to list here) in order to improve the lives of the rabbits still in their care. Whilst they do not believe they have been cruel to their rabbits and admit guilt to nothing, they are sensible enough to know the conditions were not perfect. No animal keeper in the world provides perfect care for the animals in their charge - every single person can make improvements no matter how small. Dawn and her family are very willing to make things better for their animals and I honestly believe everything we have discussed will also be put into practice as well as everything mentioned by the RSPCA. I am in the process of writing everything we discussed down for them so they even have a list to follow so nothing gets forgotten. They now intend to go over and above the requirements set by the RSPCA and provide the few rabbits they have left a life of luxury and will enjoy doing so. This family can only be commended for taking this attitude to this situation!!!!

It is time everybody accepts they love their rabbits and from now on they seriously intend to be model rabbit owners. Please congratulate them on their grown-up attitude and willingness to make improvements.


I also agree that the personal comments have become silly and are now getting out of hand. Let's revert this back to being a serious matter please.....no more comments about the people living on the estate (this is libellous) or about how articulate BRC Members are etc. (I am a member myself and can clearly string a sentence together fairly well)

I lost all faith in the RSPCA when I found out that they say you only need to check on dogs once in a 48 HOUR period, apparently so that farmers don't end up in trouble as this is often how infrequently they check their farm dogs!

Re: Tri-dutch comments, so the conditions the rabbits were kept in were cause for concern, not exercising them on a daily basis would be cruel. My main questions are - and forgive me if they have already been answered, were the rabbits vacinated? What happens if they are ill, how can you afford vets fees for this amount of animals. What food were they given, fresh? If not exercised outside did they have grass and hay, again with this amount of animals I can't imagine the weekly cost of upkeep. What happens to all the mess from the cages? I would like to know, after all you are defending them for keeping the animals in such bad conditions.

I am appalled by this story, it is quite obvious that these animals were not cared for correctly and were kept in anadequate housing. There is no excuse for this, all rabbits should have a decent sized hutch at a minimum of 5 foot x 2 foot ideally bigger. Rabbits genetics descide their size, not their hutch size. The owners are obviously either ignorant, uncaring or very misinformed about caring for rabbits.

Rabbits should be vaccinated from myxie and VHD each year, I doubt if these rabbits were vaccinated and protected from thees dreadful diseases.

On the issue of the leaving rabbits in their transport cages which they were in after being taken to a show the previous day, this is unacceptake as exercise is important for rabbits to maintain muscle tone, joint movement in the back and hips, something which will not be maintained by keeping in a small hutch or transport cage. Anyone having this amount of rabbits would not have the space or time to ensure that these poor animals woud get access to a run each day.

Whilst I am not a RSPCA supporter on this occasion I would say well done for removing them ... however what about the poor remaining animals.

At least hopefully they'd be able to expand and improve the accommodation for the rabbits that they have left since they have less rabbits?

Animal carer wrote:
Re: Tri-dutch comments, so the conditions the rabbits were kept in were cause for concern, not exercising them on a daily basis would be cruel. My main questions are - and forgive me if they have already been answered, were the rabbits vacinated? What happens if they are ill, how can you afford vets fees for this amount of animals. What food were they given, fresh? If not exercised outside did they have grass and hay, again with this amount of animals I can\'t imagine the weekly cost of upkeep. What happens to all the mess from the cages? I would like to know, after all you are defending them for keeping the animals in such bad conditions.

I'm afraid I won't be able to answer most of these questions as the discussion Dawn and I had this morning related more specifically to the events in this report and the living conditions of the rabbits in relation to the RSPCA's issue of hutch sizes and cleanliness shown in the film. The other points you are raising, although good, are not actually points that are being scrutinised or criticised here, and as I am not part of the investigation, nor a family member, just a family friend I don’t claim to know everything about them or their rabbits. I would be able to answer those questions in relation to my own rabbits, and would be happy to tell you, but that is not what you are asking.

The amount of exercise a rabbit requires is to a large degree a matter of opinion. I would agree with you to some extent in that daily exercise is obviously the ideal, but I do not feel that not providing daily exercise is cruel so long as the animals are receiving regular exercise. Rabbits are not the same as dogs in that they do not require daily exercise in order to do their business, and providing exercise to rabbits during periods of wet weather is not always possible. Even wild rabbits do not choose to come out to play if the weather is too nasty, they would venture out for the purpose of feeding only in these conditions.

I have not specifically defended them for the conditions their rabbits were kept in, I have stated previously I too would have liked to have seen them in larger, cleaner, tidier accommodation, what I am saying is that the conditions were not totally awful and all the rabbits shown were clearly healthy. I am also strongly suggesting the RSPCA have gone in too harsh, too fast and have not given the family a chance to make improvements which seems to indicate they have not followed proper, legal procedures in this case. I have personally spoken to Dawn and the family is very willing to make improvements, which I am commending them highly for.

I can, however answer your question regarding were the rabbits provided with hay, as this was a question I asked of Dawn this morning and she said yes. I have also seen the family provide their rabbits with hay at shows, so can reasonably assume they have regular access to hay.

I’m sure the weekly cost of upkeep is very high for a large number of animals. Forgive me, I’m not being rude to you, but I can’t see how the way the family chooses to spend their money is relevant. I also can’t see how your question regarding the disposal of rabbit waste is relevant either. They probably do what most breeders do and take it to their local allotments for composting. Rabbit manure is extremely useful as compost and quite a treasure to allotment holders. I offer my own on the Freecycle network and at times it is practically fought over!

Your question regarding the food the rabbits was given is an interesting one, but for a slightly different reason. This is something I did query with Dawn as anyone who knows an iota about rabbits will know that diet is very important, and it is also very important to minimise changes in diet. If a rabbit’s food has to be changed at any time is must be done gradually with respect to the bacteria in their guts. Rabbits under the age of 8 weeks old have immature bacteria in their guts and even small changes in their diet can cause an imbalance, which can cause tummy upset and even death! I was very concerned to learn that the RSPCA Officers took rabbits as young as 4 weeks old, but were not interested in taking any of the food they were currently being fed on from the family. This means that all the rabbits that were taken will have a sudden change in their diet, and could well lead to the death of some of those very young rabbits. This could so easily have been avoided completely if it weren’t for the ignorance (I am not using that word at this time to be rude, it’s just a fact) of the RSPCA Officers regarding rabbits’ diets.

The RSPCA have acted correctly here - just hope they can rescue the remaining rabbits. Perhaps Social Services should also become involved - can't be healthy for the child living in these conditions.

I am a very hungry young man.

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(O.o)
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Like I said earlier; personal comments are not necessary nor are related to case.

Tri-Dutch wrote:

Animal carer wrote: Re: Tri-dutch comments, so the conditions the rabbits were kept in were cause for concern, not exercising them on a daily basis would be cruel. My main questions are - and forgive me if they have already been answered, were the rabbits vacinated? What happens if they are ill, how can you afford vets fees for this amount of animals. What food were they given, fresh? If not exercised outside did they have grass and hay, again with this amount of animals I can\\\'t imagine the weekly cost of upkeep. What happens to all the mess from the cages? I would like to know, after all you are defending them for keeping the animals in such bad conditions.

I\'m afraid I won\'t be able to answer most of these questions as the discussion Dawn and I had this morning related more specifically to the events in this report and the living conditions of the rabbits in relation to the RSPCA\'s issue of hutch sizes and cleanliness shown in the film. The other points you are raising, although good, are not actually points that are being scrutinised or criticised here, and as I am not part of the investigation, nor a family member, just a family friend I don’t claim to know everything about them or their rabbits. I would be able to answer those questions in relation to my own rabbits, and would be happy to tell you, but that is not what you are asking. The amount of exercise a rabbit requires is to a large degree a matter of opinion. I would agree with you to some extent in that daily exercise is obviously the ideal, but I do not feel that not providing daily exercise is cruel so long as the animals are receiving regular exercise. Rabbits are not the same as dogs in that they do not require daily exercise in order to do their business, and providing exercise to rabbits during periods of wet weather is not always possible. Even wild rabbits do not choose to come out to play if the weather is too nasty, they would venture out for the purpose of feeding only in these conditions. I have not specifically defended them for the conditions their rabbits were kept in, I have stated previously I too would have liked to have seen them in larger, cleaner, tidier accommodation, what I am saying is that the conditions were not totally awful and all the rabbits shown were clearly healthy. I am also strongly suggesting the RSPCA have gone in too harsh, too fast and have not given the family a chance to make improvements which seems to indicate they have not followed proper, legal procedures in this case. I have personally spoken to Dawn and the family is very willing to make improvements, which I am commending them highly for. I can, however answer your question regarding were the rabbits provided with hay, as this was a question I asked of Dawn this morning and she said yes. I have also seen the family provide their rabbits with hay at shows, so can reasonably assume they have regular access to hay. I’m sure the weekly cost of upkeep is very high for a large number of animals. Forgive me, I’m not being rude to you, but I can’t see how the way the family chooses to spend their money is relevant. I also can’t see how your question regarding the disposal of rabbit waste is relevant either. They probably do what most breeders do and take it to their local allotments for composting. Rabbit manure is extremely useful as compost and quite a treasure to allotment holders. I offer my own on the Freecycle network and at times it is practically fought over! Your question regarding the food the rabbits was given is an interesting one, but for a slightly different reason. This is something I did query with Dawn as anyone who knows an iota about rabbits will know that diet is very important, and it is also very important to minimise changes in diet. If a rabbit’s food has to be changed at any time is must be done gradually with respect to the bacteria in their guts. Rabbits under the age of 8 weeks old have immature bacteria in their guts and even small changes in their diet can cause an imbalance, which can cause tummy upset and even death! I was very concerned to learn that the RSPCA Officers took rabbits as young as 4 weeks old, but were not interested in taking any of the food they were currently being fed on from the family. This means that all the rabbits that were taken will have a sudden change in their diet, and could well lead to the death of some of those very young rabbits. This could so easily have been avoided completely if it weren’t for the ignorance (I am not using that word at this time to be rude, it’s just a fact) of the RSPCA Officers regarding rabbits’ diets.

I was trying to make the point that if you cannot pay for all the requirements that the rabbits need, access to fresh food, hay, and vets then you should not be taking on such a large amountm as you are being negligent and putting them in danger. Also I am interested in the disposal of the waste as I am interested in the environment the rabbits lived in. If it is not disposed of then as you know it will attract flies etc, and I assume the Local Council would not take it without charging.

janice wrote:
I am appalled by this story, it is quite obvious that these animals were not cared for correctly and were kept in anadequate housing. There is no excuse for this, all rabbits should have a decent sized hutch at a minimum of 5 foot x 2 foot ideally bigger. Rabbits genetics descide their size, not their hutch size. The owners are obviously either ignorant, uncaring or very misinformed about caring for rabbits. Rabbits should be vaccinated from myxie and VHD each year, I doubt if these rabbits were vaccinated and protected from thees dreadful diseases. On the issue of the leaving rabbits in their transport cages which they were in after being taken to a show the previous day, this is unacceptake as exercise is important for rabbits to maintain muscle tone, joint movement in the back and hips, something which will not be maintained by keeping in a small hutch or transport cage. Anyone having this amount of rabbits would not have the space or time to ensure that these poor animals woud get access to a run each day. Whilst I am not a RSPCA supporter on this occasion I would say well done for removing them ... however what about the poor remaining animals.

you should know that the vaccinations do not protect them from getting the diseases they ONLY INCREASE THE CHANCES BY A SMALL AMOUNT, OF THEM PULLING THROUGH THE TREATMENT WHEN THEY HAVE GOT IT.
I REPEAT THEY DO NOT PROTECT RABBITS FROM VHD OR MYXI..........

I love rabbit stew.

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i to have had problems with the RSPCA so know what this couple are going through. The RSPCA sadly target show quality and pedidree animals as they bring in money whereas cross breeds are harder to rehome therefore dont bring in money... that is a fact!

i dont feel anyone here has the right to judge this couple on what they've read and seen you dont know the full facts on the situation only some.

i will admit the housing to me personally was small but i admire the fact that the couple are now looking to improve on this...

Thanks, Tri-Dutch. I accept a bit of what you're saying but since you admit you've never met the Bundys it's hard to take your answers as theirs. To be honest, it feels like you were just answering on your own behalf. I want to hear the answer from them.

I must admit, I am pleased to hear that you have spoken to them and they will change some of their practices.

How can a statement about stunting growth really be a slip of the tongue??

As you said, I asked some decent questions and I would like Dawn or her husband to answer them please. Without copying and pasting your nice use of the English language if possible.

I concede the point made earlier about dyslexia and I apologise if this is the case. I get very upset about animals not being housed properly and may have been over-zealous.

I also agree personal attacks on Millbrook and or/other council estate residents are unnecessary. Keep the debate about animal welfare please.

you are all talk **** bec you was there and you talk about the failmy is if they was **** but they are loveiy so why dont you let it go you have had the time to take the **** let the failmy get on with there life dawn we are all here for you hun you no that when you get time come and do all my rabbeis p.s keep it going kirsty emma anna kara hayley liz les and more of us x

Hungry young man wrote:
I love rabbit stew. / ) |||| / / ||||/ / __(_/ ||// ||/ || (|| ""

YOU ARE SICK BOY GET A BOY TOY IT CALL A CB

Hope the Bundys dont end up in the electric chair like ol' cousin Ted....

King Mush wrote:
Hope the Bundys dont end up in the electric chair like ol\\\\\\\' cousin Ted....

KING MUSH GET A ILFE YOU PIG HOPEYOU DONT END UP IN ONE

I have been following this case for a while...and here are my rants at the moment!!

Firstly I would like to say thankyou to all the lovely people that have supported the family. God only knows there needs to be more people like you in the world, So please keep up the support it is much appreichated. (it was 1am when I wrote this so aplogies for the spelling)

Secondly....this rant goes to the following:
Bunny Wabbit ...
you love rabbits...yet you can't spell Rabbit!oh, and you say you hate the thought of 'wabbits' being paraded around on tables, but I bet you like or watch Crufts? Do you not!!!!(no offense intened to any dog breeders that particpate in this event, i like it too, i also like to show Rabbits. As its a different hobbie, from everyone else!
Randy from Randyville (this name soooo original!), you cannot restrict Bonsai trees growth, as once they have outgrown the pot they are in, they need to go to a bigger pot..do they not!
Jocelyn from brighton wher do I begin?...you are a arse!!, im guessing that your rescue is a dwarf Lop, that is now the size of a british giant, cause you've got it in a 6 ft hutch. oh, and with regards to vaccinations, they are not a neccasartie, or a requirement, and 9 times out of 10 if a breeder gets VHD or myxi(this though mainly affects wild rabbits) they will seek to have most of their stock destroyed, to prevent contaimation of other breeders stock and breeding it into lines. This is because Vets do not know enough about these two dieseases, and because of this the vaccinations do not work! However...they will tell you they to do it to get the 50 odd quid that you are willing to pay for it!!! ask any breeder that has had or recived a vaccinated rabbit from someone, then 3-6 mounths later has had to destroy all there stock becuse they have got the diesease!!(brc girlie will back me up on this one!)
Mrs B ,Sheffield you appear to be one of the general public that are un-educatble on such subjects!
Janice from London Are you a house rabbit owner? you sound it.
(no offense to any good house rabbit owners)but i personally think it's not right to introduce a rabbit to a domestic house environment, where it's natral 'systems' are doing over-time.Dont anyone bring up cats and dogs..caveman domesicated these.! (house rabbits popped up 10 or so years ago.)
I think thats most of the rants for the time being.
But i will be keeping a eye on things...
oh, and one last thing for all you people that want to know where they put all the crap..like farm animal crap it's a darn good fretilizer..so if you want the best roses at this years summer fete, get rabbit crap, works a treat and is good for the environment and is cheap!

I am a Brc member and to be honest i don't know what to think about this saga. I think there is a lot more information that needs to come out before final judgement is made.
Rule of thumb for hutch size is the bun should be able to stand on their hind legs and stretch out without banging their head. They should also be able to perform three consecutive bunny hops. Size of hutch depends on size of the breed and also in my opinion depends on how often the bun is in their hutch. Daily excercise is must.

northernwife222 wrote:
I have been following this case for a while...and here are my rants at the moment!! Firstly I would like to say thankyou to all the lovely people that have supported the family. God only knows there needs to be more people like you in the world, So please keep up the support it is much appreichated. (it was 1am when I wrote this so aplogies for the spelling) Secondly....this rant goes to the following: Bunny Wabbit ... you love rabbits...yet you can\'t spell Rabbit!oh, and you say you hate the thought of \'wabbits\' being paraded around on tables, but I bet you like or watch Crufts? Do you not!!!!(no offense intened to any dog breeders that particpate in this event, i like it too, i also like to show Rabbits. As its a different hobbie, from everyone else! Randy from Randyville (this name soooo original!), you cannot restrict Bonsai trees growth, as once they have outgrown the pot they are in, they need to go to a bigger pot..do they not! Jocelyn from brighton wher do I begin?...you are a arse!!, im guessing that your rescue is a dwarf Lop, that is now the size of a british giant, cause you\'ve got it in a 6 ft hutch. oh, and with regards to vaccinations, they are not a neccasartie, or a requirement, and 9 times out of 10 if a breeder gets VHD or myxi(this though mainly affects wild rabbits) they will seek to have most of their stock destroyed, to prevent contaimation of other breeders stock and breeding it into lines. This is because Vets do not know enough about these two dieseases, and because of this the vaccinations do not work! However...they will tell you they to do it to get the 50 odd quid that you are willing to pay for it!!! ask any breeder that has had or recived a vaccinated rabbit from someone, then 3-6 mounths later has had to destroy all there stock becuse they have got the diesease!!(brc girlie will back me up on this one!) Mrs B ,Sheffield you appear to be one of the general public that are un-educatble on such subjects! Janice from London Are you a house rabbit owner? you sound it. (no offense to any good house rabbit owners)but i personally think it\'s not right to introduce a rabbit to a domestic house environment, where it\'s natral \'systems\' are doing over-time.Dont anyone bring up cats and dogs..caveman domesicated these.! (house rabbits popped up 10 or so years ago.) I think thats most of the rants for the time being. But i will be keeping a eye on things... oh, and one last thing for all you people that want to know where they put all the crap..like farm animal crap it\'s a darn good fretilizer..so if you want the best roses at this years summer fete, get rabbit crap, works a treat and is good for the environment and is cheap!

You mean you don't spell Wabbit with a W!!! I don't watch crufts actually, not a dog fan, I also think it's cruel to puposely breed dogs who have breathing problems or eye problems as many "pedigree" dogs do. Oh and do you actually know what a bonsai tree is, your comments would suggest not, they are full size species of trees, you know the big leafy things you see in parks and such like. Their roots are tied so their growth is stunted, hence they fit in a pot. I assure you this technique doesn't work for rabbits.

So you don't think it's right to keep a rabbit in the house but fine to keep it in a small box full of it's own ****. I would suggest it's you who needs educating on rabbit welfare!

This article has generated a lot of interest and emotive debate, unfortunately what has been lacking is accurate information. As someone who was present thought the raid orchestrated by the RSPCA I am in a position to offer some clarity. Below are two paragraphs from my ten page report submitted to the BRC and FOCAS, please note the highlighted text.

There is also quite a bit of misunderstanding concerning the Animal Welfare Act which came into force in April of this year. The Act is underpinned by what are called Codes of Practice, such codes are your defence in law, i.e. if you are complying with the recognised code then you are keeping your animals lawfully. NO NEW CODES have yet been produced for rabbits, the RSPCA have been trying (illegally) to force there views on a draconian code which would effectively end showing of rabbits. The RSPCA drafted a code for rabbits which was universally condemned as unworkable and ridicules, and rejected.

Hopefully the full details relating to this raid and the background will be made public, then and only then will people be in a position to offer constructive criticism.



Text from report

If I have any criticisms it is the fact that the place looked untidy and aesthetically unappealing. However, as this is not relevant to the welfare of the animals it is of little importance. My only slight concern was the sizes of hutches which were smaller than I would like to see. I am not, however, an expert on show rabbits so I am not qualified to comment other than to say they complied with current government guidelines on stock rabbits and are therefore compliant with the Animal Welfare Act. This may, however, change if the new draconian Code of Practice is being proposed by the RSPCA is implemented.

From the outset it was very clear to me there was a hidden agenda to this visit by the Local Authority/RSPCA and I suspect it is related to the current Code of Practice Working Group on Rabbits. After the embarrassment of the first draft of this code being almost unanimously dismissed by all sides it was obvious the RSPCA would need something drastic to happen to justify there position, what better than a raid on a well know rabbit shower.

What's for lunch? I'm a growing boy and I'm absolutely starving!!!

northernwife222 wrote:
I have been following this case for a while...and here are my rants at the moment!! Firstly I would like to say thankyou to all the lovely people that have supported the family. God only knows there needs to be more people like you in the world, So please keep up the support it is much appreichated. (it was 1am when I wrote this so aplogies for the spelling) Secondly....this rant goes to the following: Bunny Wabbit ... you love rabbits...yet you can\\\'t spell Rabbit!oh, and you say you hate the thought of \\\'wabbits\\\' being paraded around on tables, but I bet you like or watch Crufts? Do you not!!!!(no offense intened to any dog breeders that particpate in this event, i like it too, i also like to show Rabbits. As its a different hobbie, from everyone else! Randy from Randyville (this name soooo original!), you cannot restrict Bonsai trees growth, as once they have outgrown the pot they are in, they need to go to a bigger pot..do they not! Jocelyn from brighton wher do I begin?...you are a arse!!, im guessing that your rescue is a dwarf Lop, that is now the size of a british giant, cause you\\\'ve got it in a 6 ft hutch. oh, and with regards to vaccinations, they are not a neccasartie, or a requirement, and 9 times out of 10 if a breeder gets VHD or myxi(this though mainly affects wild rabbits) they will seek to have most of their stock destroyed, to prevent contaimation of other breeders stock and breeding it into lines. This is because Vets do not know enough about these two dieseases, and because of this the vaccinations do not work! However...they will tell you they to do it to get the 50 odd quid that you are willing to pay for it!!! ask any breeder that has had or recived a vaccinated rabbit from someone, then 3-6 mounths later has had to destroy all there stock becuse they have got the diesease!!(brc girlie will back me up on this one!) Mrs B ,Sheffield you appear to be one of the general public that are un-educatble on such subjects! Janice from London Are you a house rabbit owner? you sound it. (no offense to any good house rabbit owners)but i personally think it\\\'s not right to introduce a rabbit to a domestic house environment, where it\\\'s natral \\\'systems\\\' are doing over-time.Dont anyone bring up cats and dogs..caveman domesicated these.! (house rabbits popped up 10 or so years ago.) I think thats most of the rants for the time being. But i will be keeping a eye on things... oh, and one last thing for all you people that want to know where they put all the crap..like farm animal crap it\\\'s a darn good fretilizer..so if you want the best roses at this years summer fete, get rabbit crap, works a treat and is good for the environment and is cheap!

Oh dear Northern Wife what a ridiculous post :D Randy is my name :) And Bunny Wabbit has covered the Bonsai tree reply so I'll leave it there.

You are extremely ignorant about the vaccinations. A rabbit unvaccinated against myxi WILL die from the disease, a vaccinated one has a good chance of survival. If you loved your pets why would you not give them that chance? I know several people who have had vaccinated rabbits survive the disease. I believe the VHD vaccination is even more effective as it is derived from the actual disease.

Tridutch, I think you should stop defending the Bundys when you have admitted yourself that you have not been to their house and seen the conditions the rabbits are kept in. As I stated before, the RSPCA are very limited in what the law actually allows them to do in terms of removing animals- so if they were able to do so on this occassion there must have been serious problems.

I think the action was taken by an over enthuasiastic jobsworth RSPA Inspector who obviously has no knowledge of rabbits and the way they are kept, obviously no people skills, no desire to help in any way shape or form. She/he should be dragged away like the rabbits and humainly destroyed or rehomed as she is not fit to do the job she/he is employed to do. I know the lady in question and she won many rosettes and displayed her rabbits at the local school fete for may years and her animals have shown no signs of neglect or bad housing. When you take animals to shows or markets they are all inspected by the independent vet on site and he has never found any problem or issues with the rabbits that have been shown so were does this RSPCA officer think she is coming from does she/he have formal vet training etc. or does she/he need a white stick. It is obvious that the order was obtained with false information amid a vendetta against this lady and her rabbits!!!!!!

quote

I have known this lady for a number of years and know of her rabbits. Together with her daughter they have shown rabbits at school fetes and shows with a great deal of success. The family are not monsters - I have seen the cages and they are as good as any sold in a pet shop - the rabbits are happy and healthy. I have seen some of the stupid comments on this site and wonder where on earth these people live and what planet they come from. Apparently Police Officers can be found in multiples for this action but when you want them to come to youngsters riding motor bikes in a children's play area or breaking glass etc. there is only one police officer available in Southampton and he has been called away to an emergency. I think the actions of the RSPCA and Police and Courts in this case was over zealous and ludicrous. As 24/7 on the BBC One in mornings say "The RSPCA is there to help the owners as well as the animals to create a better world for both" where the hell was this theory with this particular incident. I think the RSPCA Officer needs to be retrained in their people skills as well as animal welfare.

quote

As an ex-breeder i am pleased to say this is why i am no longer part of this ongoing ignorance.

The British Rabbit Council are just as much to blame! They happily take people's membership fees etc but when it comes to the animals' welfare they place no emphasis whatsoever on suitable living standards/accomodati
onsizes for the rabbits themselves. They actually turn a blind eye to common procedures in rabbit-keeping such as killing rabbits that do not make the 'grade'. Many of which are one day old and left on top of hutch or put in the freezer alive to die of hypothermia. They are also drowned and a lot of breeders have managed to acquire a captive bolt pistol gun to cull unwanted 'stock'.

To show a rabbit, it must be registered with the BRC and wearing a BRC ring. In order for a rabbit club to host a rabbit show, again, it must be registered with the BRC.

Excuse the pun but the 'buck' stops with the BRC.

Ironically (or not) this Dawn Bundy was (and probably still is!) a club secretary for a huge Southern rabbit show.

All i can say is i believe this becomes a form of mental illness for many rabbit breeders and they actually lose all sense of reality.

If you think this family's place is bad...you should see the rest! (and the homes these people live in!)

I think its the year 2007 and we should ALL BOYCOTT THE BRC!!!!

Ex BRC member wrote:
As an ex-breeder i am pleased to say this is why i am no longer part of this ongoing ignorance. The British Rabbit Council are just as much to blame! They happily take people's membership fees etc but when it comes to the animals' welfare they place no emphasis whatsoever on suitable living standards/accomodati onsizes for the rabbits themselves. They actually turn a blind eye to common procedures in rabbit-keeping such as killing rabbits that do not make the 'grade'. Many of which are one day old and left on top of hutch or put in the freezer alive to die of hypothermia. They are also drowned and a lot of breeders have managed to acquire a captive bolt pistol gun to cull unwanted 'stock'. To show a rabbit, it must be registered with the BRC and wearing a BRC ring. In order for a rabbit club to host a rabbit show, again, it must be registered with the BRC. Excuse the pun but the 'buck' stops with the BRC. Ironically (or not) this Dawn Bundy was (and probably still is!) a club secretary for a huge Southern rabbit show. All i can say is i believe this becomes a form of mental illness for many rabbit breeders and they actually lose all sense of reality. If you think this family's place is bad...you should see the rest! (and the homes these people live in!) I think its the year 2007 and we should ALL BOYCOTT THE BRC!!!!

Do they eat the rabbits?

<licks his lips>

Oh and there's no way anybody with that many rabbits can let them all out to exercise in rotation! Even if they get 10 minutes each..how much quality of life can that seriously offer?

It always amazes me what people will say about how well they 'truly' look after their rabbits when things go public but in reality it does not happen like that!

Been behind the scenes, heard it all seen it all!

There's hundreds of rabbitries like this throughout the uk - i say about time they were cracked down on!

From a constructive point of view the way forward for the British public is this;

DO NOT buy from a pet shop

DO NOT buy from a BRC breeder

Go to a rescue and donate your money to a needy rabbit there and perhaps these eccentric animal hoarders will get the message!

Ex BRC member wrote:
Oh and there\'s no way anybody with that many rabbits can let them all out to exercise in rotation! Even if they get 10 minutes each..how much quality of life can that seriously offer?

It always amazes me what people will say about how well they \'truly\' look after their rabbits when things go public but in reality it does not happen like that!

Been behind the scenes, heard it all seen it all!

There\'s hundreds of rabbitries like this throughout the uk - i say about time they were cracked down on!

From a constructive point of view the way forward for the British public is this;

DO NOT buy from a pet shop

DO NOT buy from a BRC breeder

Go to a rescue and donate your money to a needy rabbit there and perhaps these eccentric animal hoarders will get the message!

Here, here :) No doubt you'll get abuse for speaking out. I hope the BRC aren't like Scientologists and start stalking your every move if you leave :lol: :P

Randy....it is fu***ng obvouis that you dont know sarcasm when you read it. (with regards to my 1st post)
On the vaccination front as you said the VHD vaccination is derivied from the diease, which vets do not know enough about. However you seem to know loads maybe you should become a vet. And i do love my animals but if nature is going to take its course a vaccination isn't likely to stop it!
Jocelyn...
you didnt answear my question about your dwarf lop thats now the size of a british giant, and to answear your qustion these hutches are of the tunnel variety, they have plenty of room because they are long. The small rabbits have enough room to stand on there hind legs, and to strecth out fully. the video has zoomed in on a hutch which may well of been 1 of the next ones to clean out. Not only that it has really bad lighting. Andf just becasue you saw 1 hutch like that, doesnt mean they were all like it...does it?
To the couple of people that have brought up the cobwebs... rabbits if you must know like spiders, they get on fairly well with each other.
Ex-BRC Member...shut the fu++ up!it's people like you that give this 'lifestyle'/hobbi-e a bad name. If you hate the BRC that much go complain to Joe Jalland. (if she is still secretary, I will check with my sources) By the sound of it you have had a bad experience with a breeder, and are now bad-mouthing everyone else because of it.

Finally I would like to say thankyou and keep up the support to;
Anna, kirsty emma hayley kara and liz
Nanny Kath
Carrotcruncher
Chris Newman
Brc girlie
and anyone else ive missed out, it is all really apprecihated.
Thankyou.

Oh, minor foot note Ex-BRC member if people are not to buy from a breeder, or a pet shop, and dont want to go to a rescue center, where do they get a rabbit??do they go into a field and catch a wild one???

Jocelyn...
you didnt answear my question about your dwarf lop thats now the size of a british giant,

Er. When did I say I have a dwarf lop.. or in fact one that has turned into a British Giant ...?

I have 2 rescue bunnies, neither of which are even kept in a hutch as they are house rabbits, but that is totally beside the point.

Ex-BRC Member...shut the fu++ up!it's people like you that give this 'lifestyle'/hobbi-e a bad name. If you hate the BRC that much go complain

I think you'll find it's people like this who give breeders a bad reputation, and justly so.

if people are not to buy from a breeder, or a pet shop, and dont want to go to a rescue center, where do they get a rabbit??do they go into a field and catch a wild one???

The Ex-BRC member said don't go to pet shops or breeders. S/he encouraged people to go to rescues.

Temper temper Northern Wife, have we touched a nerve? :D

On the vaccination front as you said the VHD vaccination is derivied from the diease, which vets do not know enough about. However you seem to know loads maybe you should become a vet. And i do love my animals but if nature is going to take its course a vaccination isn't likely to stop it!

Again showing your ignorance. Neither myxi or VHD are natural diseases- they are man made to control the wild rabbit population- so putting your rabbits at risk by not vaccinating them in not allowing 'nature' to take it's course, it is neglectful. And as stated before- a vaccinated rabbit stands a much better chance of survival...the VHD jab is almost 100% effective against contracting the disease.

And people can go to a rescue centre instead of a breeder or pet shop and offer a home to one of the 33,000 rabbits dumped on rehoming centres every year :)

If you keep your rabbits in similar conditions Northern Wife, I hope you too will receive a visit from the RSPCA very soon :)

jocelyn.. if you read the dwarf lop question right in the first place, you may be able to give a better answear. i know they said go to rescues, but what if you dont want to, because at least with a breeder, if you come across any health problems or have a querie whos going to answear that question better?-someone who knows the line, will know of any underlying health problems i.e. the animal may have low hip/eye scores for instance, or someone who recived this animal a week ago?i am not commdeming rescue centers either. And why do you think Ex-brc memeber should give us a bad name?

Northern Wife - the Bundys didn't have tunnel hutches - where have you got that from?

randy..im standing my ground on this one! and to fill you in i know that both of them are man-made, and i also know what VHD stands for and what the symptoms are for both diesease's. Howerver rabbits are considered a exotic animal at vet school, and not worthy enough to be studied as much as cats and dogs. So based on this flaw before vets begin, do you think they will know what there talking about if a rabbit with VHD gets brought into their surgery? I Doubt it.

animallover2343
them hutches go back further then the video showed.(sorry daily echo, but i feel the video could have been a bit better) and i should know having been there myself on more then 1 occasion.

im guessing that your rescue is a dwarf Lop, that is now the size of a british giant, cause you've got it in a 6 ft hutch.

That was your original 'question'. I've never said I have a 6ft hutch, or a dwarf lop, or any kind of giant breed.

You're giving yourselves a bad name with the small mindedness and ignorance you are displaying.

As for rescues, it's a risk you take with ANY animal - rescue or regardless - that they may have health problems in later life. Being bred by a breeder holds no guarantees that they will be forever healthy. I would much rather give a rabbit with health or behavioural problems a home than buy one from a breeder and I know of many people who would agree.

Perhaps you are partly correct in that good breeding may create healthier animals, but kept in such tiny hutches as in this case will undoubtedly have psychological problems from being confined for most of their lives.

I'm sorry, but I refuse to believe those are 'tunnel hutches' - what, is there a batcave out the back or something?

and to fill you in i know that both of them are man-made, and i also know what VHD stands for and what the symptoms are for both diesease's. Howerver rabbits are considered a exotic animal at vet school, and not worthy enough to be studied as much as cats and dogs. So based on this flaw before vets begin, do you think they will know what there talking about if a rabbit with VHD gets brought into their surgery? I Doubt it.

Actually, a lot of vets now go to small animal/exotics conferences in order to further their education on animals that unfortunately 'vet school' doesn't focus on. I know of at least 2 vets in my area who are experts with buns and other small animals. Although I agree to a certain extent that a lot of vets may not be rabbit savvy, times are changing and there are thankfully a lot more vets appearing who are willing to put in the extra effort to ensure that they do their utmost for animals. Perhaps you should suggest this to your vet.

northernwife, you're talking rubbish.

TriDutch spoke to the Bundys yesterday

I have spoken directly to her this morning on the phone and together we have discussed the whole issue in great detail

and TriDutch disclosed the following:

They do agree their hutches were on the small side, but due to the fact the RSPCA had never requested them to introduce larger hutches for their rabbits had believed them to be just within the acceptable limits. They will now be getting much larger accommodation for their remaining rabbits

Now, if they were tunnel hutches as you keep insisting then surely Dawn would have told TriDutch. Infact, if they were tunnel hutches then there is no reason for them to change the rabbits accommodation, is there? (by the LOL@whoever said Batcave :)

Also, what the hell was with the lucozade bottles? Get proper water bottles for them, they're not that expensive!

northernwife222 wrote:
randy..im standing my ground on this one! and to fill you in i know that both of them are man-made, and i also know what VHD stands for and what the symptoms are for both diesease's. Howerver rabbits are considered a exotic animal at vet school, and not worthy enough to be studied as much as cats and dogs. So based on this flaw before vets begin, do you think they will know what there talking about if a rabbit with VHD gets brought into their surgery? I Doubt it.

Unfortunately VHD kills within 24- 48 hours and is often symptomless, so it is unlikely a rabbit would ever make it to the vet....and even if they did i believe there is virtually no chance of recovery, whilst if your rabbit is vaccinated it is highly unlikely to contract the disease.

Perhaps you should look for another vet if you doubt their skills. Mine is wonderful with rabbits and was recommended by several people.

What a complete load of b******t that couple speaks.

Being a BRC member means nothing if they let idiots like that join.

People like them undo all the good work that those working to improve the conditions of the many pet rabbits kept around the country do.

To say that they know more than the common owner does just because they 'happen' to be BRC members is incredibly insulting.

Oh and Northern Wife, there are plenty of vets that specialise in rabbits, so I suggest you go and find yourself a decent one.

First of all, I would totally agree that there is NO way that those are tunnel hutches.....the entire notion is utterly ridiculous! Unless, of course, the Bundy's live in the Tardis. These hutches are RIDICULOUSLY too small for even ONE bunny.....and so many of the hutches had SEVERAL bunnies in them.....and they WEREN'T mums with tiny babies, either. They claim first that there are no guidelines for hutch sizes, and that they didn't realise they were considered to be too small. Umm.....don't these people have EYES? Can they not SEE the conditions these animals are living in? Tiny, dark, dirty hutches without proper water bottles, overcrowded.....do they REALLY need somebody or some official guidelines to TELL them how wrong this is when it is right in front of their faces every day??? I have several rabbits, and have kept rabbits for 35 years.....and they CERTAINLY don't live like THIS. They have very large, spacious hutches and cages, access to exercise and fresh air in large runs daily, loads of toys to play with and keep them occupied, and also TONS of individual attention and fussing over. They are regularly innoculated and checked by my vet.....who, by the way, is VERY knowledgeable and rabbit savvy about EVERY complaint they could possibly have. I only hope now that the rabbits that have been removed from these terrible conditions will now be put up for adoption and find loving, caring, responsible new families who will give them the lives that they deserve.

I agree the hutches are too small and that common sence should of been enough for them to realise that the hutches were too small. Perhaps now that 73 of the 126 have been removed the bundy's will now rethink their rabbitry. They could quite easily recycle the hutches they have to make bigger hutches.
As for the water bottles i don't think it really matters what the bottle is as long as the rabbit is able to have a drink of clean fresh water.

Can i just add, reading the article and watching the article the only problem i can see the rspca having is hutch size and cleaniness. I feel the only reason the rspca took 73 rabbits away was to give the Bundy's a better chance of putting things right within their rabbity and giving the other rabbits a better chance of being housed more adequatly.
Perhaps the rspca should of sat and discussed with the Bundy's which rabbits they were willing to part with rather than just swoop in and raid their property. Not once did i read anything about unhealthy cruelly treated (starved or beaten) rabbits who were desperatly in need of vetinary care. The only reason for these bun's being taken in my view was inadequate housing and cleanliness and maybe over crowding. These are all things which could of been rectified.

Lisa, apparently there were other issues leading to the rabbits being seized

All this talk about rabbits is making me hungry again.

I hope all there rabbits get taken off them and there never allowed to keep them again, Yes the rabbits are in great condtion and yes they were probally well cared for but wtf putting rabbits in hutches that size, what a life. I hope the bundys lose everyone of thier rabbits and i hope they all go to new homes where they can be rabbit and run and binky all day, Diffrence between the bundys and me is i let my bunnys live thier life, At this momment they are snuggled up in there run together after having a hard day playing. Now thats a rabbit's life. There hutchs all need burning. If they need any help doing it i am sure there are lots of people who will volunteer, (esp RU members

i tell you wat im sick off this stupid f**king thing with rescues fine you rescue lot we wont sell our rabbits as pets any more we ll either eat them or sell them to meat markets corn fed rabbit fetches a high price these days or if any of us has dogs,cats or ferrets f**k it feed it to them!

Once again I will say there is no reason for personal comments as it does not help the situation in hand and is just opinions rather than fact.

Comment 1) Whilst I do agree that the hutches where far from ideal, I'm not sure that I agree that the rabbits should have been taken away from them. Surely they should have been given time to improve accomodation or rehome some themselves as apposed to an undecided fate imposed by the RSPCA?

Comment 2)The comments are ALL BRC breeders are eccentric animal hoarders is unfounded and untrue, do you KNOW every BRC member? I think not.

FACT 1) Any one can join the BRC, you just pay the membership fee and than you're a member. So, that means that backstreet/irrespons
ible breeders can join thus giving ALL BRC members a bad name.

What would they do if they were givin time, I cant really see them paying out for loads of decent hutches, They dont have the room by the looks of it, All the small hutches crampped together.

Although I must admit some of the comments are unintelligent and poorly written thus seeming that some BRC members can not spell, I am a BRC member and I know that I am literate and can put intelligent thoughts into writing.

The only way we can improve rabbit welfare is for BREEDERS and RESCUES to work together and not turn any contact into a slanging match. That does not achieve anything.

I STILL SAY EAT THEM IF IT CAUSES SO MANY PROBS FOR PPL SOME WERE ORIGINALY BRED TO EAT ANYWAY.
IM JUST SICK OF THE COMPLAITS BY THE RESCUE PPL ITS NOT AS IF WE WALK UP TO THEM AND SAY IM SORRY MY CHILDREN LOST INTREST CAN YOU TAKE THE RABBIT IS IT? WE GIVE THEM ALL THE INFO AND CARE INSTRUCTIONS AFTER THAT WE EVEN SAY CONTACT US IF THERES ANY PROBS AFTER ALL THIS IM SORRY TO SAY BUT IT AINT DOWN TO US YOU NEED TO EDUCATE THE PPL NOT JUST BREEDERS!!!!!!!!!!! DURRRRR!!!!

What causes NEGLECT in my opinion is IGNORANCE. You can lead a horse to water but you can not make it drink (ie, give them caresheets and your contact details but if they do not contact you, you are unaware of any situation) but you can not force people into reading them thus causing neglect. By the way I'm far from anti-breeder being a breeder myself but I am not going to give myself away.

As some PM said, Education, Education, Education.