Every year in both Paradise and Mendon, Utah, an event called a "bunny chase/race" is held to celebrate holidays like Easter and Pioneer Day. Rabbits are intentionally brought to and let loose for this event, so that children (and adults) can race each other to catch one as a prize. Catching the rabbit often involves jumping onto, tackling, and sliding into the rabbit.

These rabbits are then kept as a pet, often "against their (the parents) will". Residents were overheard during the event this year saying things like:

- "What are you going to do with that one? You already don't care of the one you won last year"

- "We'll dump it in the field later"

- "Think mom will let us keep it?" "No way"

When the rabbits get home - if they do, anyway - the housing/care is subpar (i.e. small cage, living outdoors, no medical care, little to no attention, etc).

This has been a town tradition for 60+ years. Residents will call it wholesome fun, but it is absolutely animal cruelty.

Utah is lacking when it comes to animal protection laws, so this has slipped under the radar. It's been long enough though; let's let Paradise, Utah know how we feel about this event by signing to take action!