The SPCA has stopped a scheme in which live rabbits were allegedly to be sold with loaves of bread.
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The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has stopped a scheme in which live rabbits were allegedly to be sold with loaves of bread to people in townships, the Cape Times newspaper reported on Friday.
The anti-animal cruelty group has also helped pull Rent-a-rabbit adverts off classified advertising website Gumtree, which claimed that it was “a great way to teach children how much responsibility a pet requires”.
“When they lose interest you can return the rabbit to us,” the advert said.
The SPCA tracked down the people behind the plan to sell the live rabbits.
A packaging company tipped off the SPCA after it was asked to quote for a minimum of 10 000 boxes to each hold a live rabbit and a loaf of bread.
The man behind the scheme identified himself only as John, said SPCA chief executive Allan Perrins. He said the scheme had been abandoned in the face of public sentiment.
“(John) said it was never his intention to sell live rabbits. He said his intention was to sell frozen rabbits.”
Contacted by the Cape Times, John Falcke said the advertising people had got it wrong because his scheme was for frozen rabbits.
“If the SPCA wants to do a site inspection I’m prepared to let them visit my farm. It’s in Durbanville. Everything at my farm is above board.” – Sapa