Target: Silvio Erkens, State Secretary for Agriculture, Government of the Netherlands
Goal: Ensure thorough investigations and strong enforcement against anyone proven responsible for illegally handling, injuring, or killing rabbits at commercial farms.
Disturbing undercover footage recorded at 16 commercial rabbit farms in the Netherlands seemingly depicts troubling treatment during the loading of animals destined for slaughter in Belgium. Animal Rights says the footage shows rabbits apparently being lifted by their ears, fur, legs, and heads before being thrown into transport crates and other containers.
Animal Rights further alleges that sick or injured rabbits were deliberately killed by being struck against the ground. The footage reportedly also shows rabbits being dropped, thrown from considerable distances, and packed into containers in ways that could cause fear, pain, and injury. Dutch authorities have acknowledged the footage, while the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority is examining potential violations.
Investigators must determine who committed or permitted any unlawful acts. Where evidence establishes animal welfare violations or criminal cruelty, authorities should use the full range of available enforcement measures and pursue appropriate prosecution.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear State Secretary Erkens,
Undercover footage from 16 Dutch rabbit farms apparently shows animals being grabbed by their ears, fur, legs, or heads and thrown into transport crates. Animal Rights also alleges that sick or injured rabbits were killed by being struck against the ground rather than handled through appropriate veterinary procedures. The scale of the footage raises serious questions about animal welfare practices during the catching and loading of rabbits for transport.
Please ensure that the NVWA thoroughly investigates the conduct shown in the footage and identifies anyone responsible for proven violations. Where evidence establishes illegal handling, deliberate cruelty, or unlawful killing, pursue strong administrative measures and refer appropriate cases for prosecution. Commercial efficiency can never justify avoidable fear, injury, or suffering.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: SulphurS16
