Letter to the Editor:
Most Connecticut residents probably have no idea that a few people are trying to push through a bill, HB 6726 Sec. 27, that would allow a farmer to breed and slaughter up to 1,000 rabbits. And I’m sure you also don’t know that federal regulations DO NOT require that rabbits be rendered insensible to pain before slaughter. And as an FYI, the same applies to poultry. I hope you reread that and understand what it means.
During hearings, four major organizations and 51 individuals spoke out in opposition to opening up a rabbit meat market in Connecticut. Only three were in support, including the Dept of Agriculture Commissioner, Bryan Hurlburt. One has to ask why he is trying to create a new meat market in CT when by their own admission, the DoAG doesn’t even know if a market exists. I think we all know the answer to that…it doesn’t.
In fact, Whole Foods attempted to sell rabbit meat but stopped due to consumer complaints. Rabbits are the third most common companion animal behind cats and dogs. Industry leaders like Petco and PetSmart no longer sell rabbits and instead, include them in adoption programs. Why would people in Connecticut now want to have them slaughtered for dinner?
In addition, there are serious viral threats that jump the species barrier including to humans, that the overcrowded and stressful conditions of Sec. 27 would allow. Not to mention, there is the highly transmissible and fatal rabbit hemorrhagic disease spreading across the country.
Please contact your State Rep., State Senator, and Governor Lamont and ask all to strongly oppose this new form of cruel factory farming and support the amendment to strike Sec 27 of HB 6726 in its entirety. Say an emphatic NO to the cruel slaughter of rabbits in this state. As this legislative session ends in early June, time is of the essence. Thank you.
Sherry Wernicke