Cruel Rabbit Roundup?

Warning, there’s some throwing of bunnies and and it looks like a rabbit gets stepped on.

The video of the Cottage Grove “Animal Scramble” is accompanied by this statement by Red Barn Rabbit Rescue.

Last year it was brought to our attention that the Cottage Grove Rodeo had an event called the Animal Scramble. This event uses specifically bred baby rabbits and roosters as bait for children to chase, catch and keep. At the time we were still struggling financially and had not quite gotten to the point where we felt we had the experience to weigh in on the subject and take a stand. Then a couple months ago the Humane Society of Cottage Grove asked us to help them provide education and get safer, more rabbit friendly conditions brought to the event. After doing research and watching a video we have decided that there cannot be any possible way to make this event rabbit friendly. In addition, it is clear to us that breeding over 50 rabbits for the event is grossly irresponsible and does nothing to help the disheartening rabbit overpopulation. Therefore we wrote to the Cottage Grove Riding club asking them to discontinue this event. We conceded that it may be difficult to stop this year’s Scramble but that they should stop all future Scrambles as they are not the responsible thing to do concerning the rabbit.
We feel we should just be able to stop at the breeding but feel inclined to also point out that the event puts these animals in what is arguably the most terrifying situation a rabbit could be in. We have also heard stories about rabbits running under the trucks and trailers tires. Finally, more than likely the majority of the kids getting these rabbits have absolutely no idea how to take care of one properly.
We know where we stand and have expressed ourselves to the CG Riding Club. They declined to reply either verbally or in writing. Therefore we are asking that you watch a video or attend the Animal Scramble on Saturday night and let the CG Riding Club know what your feelings are toward the event. We have attached the letters that were sent to the Club by our rescue. With any luck we can convince the Club to do the right thing and remove this event from future Rodeos.

Looks like the Cottage Grove Rodeo, put on by the Cottage Grove Riding Club, took place this past weekend.

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