The SPCA investigated these two exhibitions on Thursday (20 January 2011) and found the conditions to be unacceptable. At Suntec, some of the rabbits were kept in very small cages while the flooring of all their enclosures was not suitable (wire flooring). At Harbourfront, while our Inspector was there, the rabbits were clearly very stressed as they were continually touched by members of the public. Although there are signs advising the public not to touch the animals, this was not enforced.

We have voiced our strong objection regarding the set up of the exhibitions to the AVA (the government authority which issues licenses for the exhibition of animals). We will be following up closely to ensure conditions are improved.

The SPCA has received several complaints with regards to this issue and would like to thank concerned members of the public for their feedback. If you observe any further welfare issues at these exhibitions, please take pictures or videos (without flash) if possible and send them to depinspector@spca.org.sg If the situation warrants immediate attention call 6287 5355 ext 9.

The SPCA had written in to AVA earlier this week to put a stop to the planned rabbit races and dress up contests organised by Pets Village in Suntec City Tropics Atrium on the grounds that rabbits are timid animals and can easily suffer from shock or stress. We requested that the promotion be stopped before any animals suffer unnecessarily or die in the process.

Click here for the article in Stomp about dressing up rabbits.

Join us in voicing your concern so that this Year of the Rabbit is a happy year for the rabbits, not a stressful one.

To read of our press release on the Year of the Rabbit, please click here.

To read PETA's "Rabbits in China aren't celebrating the new year" about rabbit farming for fur, please visit here.