Welfare groups alienated after metro’s bunny ‘slaughter’ plan

Animal welfare groups are outraged after the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) reportedly suggested slaughter would be used to reduce the number of bunnies at the Bunny Park.

A bunny feeds on a carrot.

Ban Animal Trading (Bat) and the Bunny Park Animals 911 Group voiced their concerns on social media after receiving the proposal.

According to the groups, the proposal was sent out by Jaco Burger, a horticultural expert employed by EMM‘s Parks and Cemeteries Division.

The proposal suggested two steps be taken to bring down the population of the park’s eponymous animals.

The first step was to have as many bunnies as possible adopted by the public over a two-month period.

“Over a two- or three-month period, we will catch the remaining rabbits, including the wild population in the veld in Miles Sharp Street and take them to an abattoir to be euthanised,” the proposal read.

The Bat Facebook page asked that the public become involved in sending other suggestions to EMM, with Bat issuing a preliminary counter suggestion, aimed at preventing the slaughter of any animals.

Tania Forrest-Smith, founder of the 911 Group, said the two groups would under no circumstances accept the proposal.

“It’s not euthanasia, let’s not sugarcoat it, this is slaughter,” said Forrest-Smith.

“When we spoke to EMM before, Victor Nesengani said no animals would be slaughtered, now he’s gone back on that.

“Two months is not nearly enough time to have all the rabbits adopted.

“Talks with EMM have ended.”

At the time of publication, EMM had not confirmed or denied the legitimacy of the proposal.

“The Ekurhuleni Parks and Cemeteries Division, in consultation with concerned community members, invited the state veterinarian to assess the state of the animals located at the park,” said Themba Gadebe, EMM spokesperson.

“The recommendations and various options proposed by the veterinarian and other specialists have been submitted to relevant structures for consideration.”

When asked what plan was in place for the future of the park, Gadebe said the Parks and Cemeteries Division would look at suggestions from various groups.

“We will, however, facilitate a public participation process where an inclusive decision regarding the future of the park, that takes into account the view of the majority of residents, will be taken,” he added.