I'm sorry to post this violent and disturbing photo. I know it's not something anyone wants to see, at least not any sane people, but I think it's important that people witness exactly what happened to these two rabbits at the hands of Elizabeth Carlisle, a Petland employee in Akron, Ohio.
After being allowed to "attack" and "eat" one another, Carlisle decided to drown the rabbits rather than seek veterinary attention or even humane euthanasia. The rabbits had sustained many deep wounds, a missing eye, what appeared to Petland employees to be a broken jaw, and possible paralysis from the waist down after fighting each other. These are not injuries that happened in the course of a few minutes.
With proper supervision and care, they could have been prevented altogether.
Carlisle admits to a friend on Facebook that "[T]he manager took the pic for me. [S]he reminded me that there were people outside as [I] was swearing at them to just hurry up and die but then she was so kind as to take this picture."
This is not the first time allegations of cruelty and irresponsibility have been brought against Petland.
In a statement released on August 4, Petland says that Elizabeth Carlisle was "immediately dismissed" from her position at Petland upon their discovery of her heinous acts of cruelty and that "the case is now being handled by local law enforcement." Good. I was wondering when law enforcement was planning to get involved because HELLO! I smell a giant lawsuit and hopefully some jail time coming Ms. Carlisle's way. Jesus,
something better be done about Carlisle's actions, as well as whomever else was involved, other than losing their jobs. The type of person who would drown injured rabbits, yell and swear at them to die faster, and then pose for a disgusting photo with them after they are dead has issues we should all be concerned about. As I've said before, people with a history of abusing others often start with abusing animals.
Please join me in
writing to Petland President Frank Difatta to request that Petland stores no longer sell rabbits. After demonstrating their gross inability to provide even the most minimal care and protection for rabbits, they should not continue to accept responsibility for their wellbeing. I honestly don't think Petland should be allowed to sell animals at all if they are not going to care for them properly and make sure their employees are not psychopaths.
PETA's letter to Petland can be found
here.
