In recent years, we've observed a troubling trend of overwhelming amounts of bunnies in animal shelters and rescues due to irresponsible backyard breeding of rabbits. In backyard breeding cases,  these gentle creatures are often kept in unsatisfactory conditions, bred without proper oversight or care, and killed if there is no use for them. As someone who has seen firsthand the consequences of these actions, this situation is not only heartbreaking but also unsustainable.

Rabbits are not just livestock or mere objects of agricultural projects; they are cherished pets, companions that form bonds and require specific care. 4-H projects, which often encourage breeding for educational purposes, inadvertently contribute to the overpopulation problem when rabbits are viewed as expendable or merely as educational tools. 4-H Rabbits are shown at local fairs which puts them at risk for illness, extreme temperatures, small cages, loud noises, and through extreme stress for an entire week. 

While it's vital to teach children about responsibility and agriculture, there are more suitable and humane ways to do so. Encouraging young minds to grow vegetables, fruits, or flowers not only fosters a deep connection to nature but also promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly practices without compromising the well-being of innocent animals.

Data from various New York shelters showcase a disproportionate increase in rabbit intake compared to other small animals, largely due to unchecked breeding practices. For fair purposes,  each child can bring up to 10 rabbits to show. For a family of 3 kids,  that's up to 30 rabbits that are allowed for show, and these rabbits are usually crammed into cages stacked on top of one another in unsanitary living conditions. Rabbits, after these projects conclude, often face uncertain futures. These usually include dumping, auctioning off, or sent for slaughter. Most shelters and rescues (even rabbit specific) are ill-equipped to handle the amount of rabbit intake from irresponsible breeding, leading to further strain on resources.

To address these issues, it is essential to rethink and reform these educational projects. By eliminating rabbit breeding projects from the 4-H curriculum and replacing them with plant-growing initiatives or other non-animal related projects, we can create a more compassionate and sustainable future. Rabbits deserve to be nurtured respectfully as pets, not treated as disposable objects.

Please sign this petition to urge educational and agricultural authorities in New York to ban rabbit breeding projects in 4-H programs and to promote more humane and sustainable alternatives. Together, we can protect these vulnerable animals and ensure they have homes filled with love and care rather than uncertainty and neglect. Please sign the petition to make a difference today.