MH Vatavaran, the Environment Society of Miranda House in collaboration with AAVYA , presented a documentary “Dominion”, an Aussie Farms production under the Farms Transparency Project showcasing the horrors and barbaric, inhumane behavior meted out to the animals of dairy industry. Here's a brief report on one of the animals the documentary discusses about.
From being a symbol of Easter to be a part of children stories, all we know about rabbits is cuteness, positivity and joy. But do you know how these innocent creatures are victims of animal abuse and exploitation?
Why and How?
For meat: Thousands of rabbits are enclosed in small wire cages making them vulnerable to various diseases and disorders due to unhygienic conditions and lack of mobility in small space.
Females are inseminated artificially at a steady pace. They are separated from their young ones and then forced to have another litter a few days later. Upon reaching the age of 10-12 weeks, the rabbits are taken to slaughterhouses where they are slaughtered, shaved, their neck is slit, and are then hooked upside down for blood to drain from their lifeless bodies.
For Fur: The fashion industry is said to be incomplete without furs. Since rabbits are not expensive, millions of rabbits are bred, raised and then killed for their soft fur every year. The angora rabbit is only raised for its hair, they are kept in separate cages and are shaved at regular intervals. Their furs are torn off by hand full (as plucking results in better hair growth). Naked rabbits are then again put into cages to suffer in cold and fear. When they get old and fail to produce enough fur they are discarded and killed.
For experiments: Every year, millions of rabbits die in laboratories, after being subjected to merciless torture in name of science. Since rabbits don't secrete tears and can’t expel any irritant, they are frequently used for the painful Draize test to test the toxicity of chemicals. Their eyes are kept open by metal clips and chemicals are introduced into their eyes, to observe the irritation of the cornea and other physiological damage. Several chemicals and drugs are introduced into their bodies for various tests leaving them to suffer in fever and go through various physiological and psychological complications and eventually die.
For entertainment: Rabbits need companionship as much as they need food but keeping them as pets separate them from their groups as well as from their natural environment and activity (digging burrows). Moreover, their owners often fail to maintain them properly due to a lack of knowledge. They are often used as props for photoshoots and magic shows.
What's the solution?
Stricter laws: Stricter laws should be enacted to prevent the exploitation of rabbits in slaughterhouses and laboratories.
Alternatives for animal testing: Replacing animal testing doesn’t mean compromising the medical progress and health of humans. With the advancement in medical science, there are many alternatives for animal testing. Many types of human and animal cells can be cultured in vitro scientists have been successful in creating some miniature human organs. There are computer models for various biological studies. Moreover, testing on animals doesn’t ensure safety for humans, there have been many incidents of drugs failing in humans despite passing the animal tests, in that case, there is a waste of money and resources. Therefore switching to alternatives will lead to better progress in medical science without being inhumane.
Buy cruelty-free products: Make sure when you buy cosmetics, dishwashing cleaners, and other household and beauty products, their brands don't torture rabbits by dripping chemicals into their eyes. Don't buy any clothing and products like bags, carpets, etc. which uses animal fur.
Don't fund cruelty: When you donate to a charity working on the cure of a disease, make sure they don't conduct experiments on animals.
Switch to a vegetarian diet: Stop consuming products that involve animal exploitation. There are so many plant alternatives which can meet your nutrients need.
Volunteer and give your body to science: You can donate your body for medical research after death and can volunteer for drug tests.
Spread awareness and raise your voice: Aware people around you to make a change. Raise your voice against the torture of rabbits in name of entertainment and keeping them as a pet.
“Don’t say it’s just a rabbit and ignore their scream. Understand them, protect them, all they need is humanity and love.”
- By Shreya Pandey
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