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Originally Posted by Lilah Charm  I am very concerned about the effect that broadly stated legislation would have on small hard working farmers like Judy's aunt. As was clear earlier on in this thread the definition 'plucked' as it is generally referred to in regard to fiber animals was applied to a very different behavior (violent scream inducing fur tearing) than you would hear a group of ladies gently chatting about at a flock and fiber festival. Using language that would generally refer to an appropriate, necessary managment piece of an animals care and applying that term to a brutal animal abuse situation then using that same language to create stipulations could very direly effect people who work hard to uphold ethical standards producing angora fiber. Which is where I have grave concern when such actions are being led by a group that comes from a perspective of Zero tolerance when it comes to the use of any animal product such as angora fiber, Sheeps wool or meat. I worry about the protection of small hard working farmers. Again I must state that I strongly advocate for the safe and humane treatment of animals. In this case I cannot comfortably trust the source of this petition (no not you miss Nancy  ) especially when language like 'plucked' is being used very broadly.
I know 'breeder' is often considered a bad word by many who are not educated on the rigorous standards and tireless efforts that a truly ethical breeder must adhere to. I think we have the blessing to get I know what that really means here and I think it is imperative that we strive to continue to educate ourselves, to know the difference from a back yard breeder and a tireless advocate striving to protect and improve our breed as well as to educate ourselves on terms like 'plucking' and on what humane practices in animal management - particularity when it comes to animals we are going to consume!- are so that we can make educated decisions and put out support where it is well deserved. |
I understand perfectly, I just couldn't get the picture of the rabbit out of my mind and felt like I had to do something. I think the petition is just trying to say that, ". . . you will not only NEVER buy clothes and accessories made of Angora fur that is produced in a way that animals are being hurt, but also think that governments all over the world should take action and illegalize import of fur produced this way!" I think after they have so many signatures they send them off to different countries and let them know that a lot of people feel the same way. This is more about creating awareness of a problem than solving it at this point.
Maybe if the ethical or humane breeders of rabbits got involved they would be able to draft up some ideas. I agree with you in that I don't think the uneducated or people not involved at all should be the one making the rules, too much that they don't understand. I'm just not sure how we can get people involved in it.