🚨 URGENT: Stop the Cruel Rabbit Meat Proposal – South Africa ! 🚨
Introduction
South Africa is close to approving new Meat Safety Act regulations that could legalise the commercial killing of rabbits for meat. This proposal would normalise cruelty and redefine rabbits—sentient, intelligent animals—as livestock.
Rabbits are the third most popular companion animal in many homes. Families view them as loved pets, not food. Allowing their slaughter would represent a serious ethical failure and a step backwards for animal welfare.
Therefore, it is vital to oppose the Rabbit Meat Consumption Proposal in South Africa before it becomes law.
Why These Regulations Are Dangerous
Animal protection groups across South Africa have uncovered widespread cruelty in the current, unregulated rabbit trade. Investigations show:
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Inhumane killing and poor transport conditions.
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The slaughter of stolen or abandoned pet rabbits.
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Unsanitary conditions that pose serious public health risks.
In addition, this proposal would give such cruelty legal cover. Instead of reducing suffering, it could expand it under the illusion of regulation. As a result, the regulations would normalise animal abuse rather than prevent it.
Ethical and Public Health Concerns
Legalising rabbit slaughter under the Meat Safety Act would:
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Undermine South Africa’s commitment to humane and sustainable farming.
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Risk spreading diseases through unhygienic slaughter and weak oversight.
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Send the dangerous message that companion animals can be commodities.
Furthermore, rabbits are sentient beings. They feel fear, form social bonds, and rely on humans for protection. Treating them as livestock would cause unnecessary suffering and contradict international welfare standards.
A Call for Compassion and Legislative Integrity
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) must act with compassion and integrity. Regulating cruelty is not progress — banning it is.
We call for:
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A complete ban on the rabbit meat trade in South Africa.
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Recognition of rabbits as companion animals, not consumable products.
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Stronger enforcement against illegal breeding and sales.
These actions would align South Africa with global animal welfare standards and reflect the compassionate values shared by its citizens.
How You Can Help
The public consultation closes 25 May 2025 but you can still email your objections. Every voice matters.
📧 Email your objection to:
Use the subject line:
Urgent Opposition to Proposed Rabbit Meat Regulations – Protect Companion Rabbits
And send the following message:
I strongly oppose the Rabbit Meat Consumption Proposal in South Africa. Rabbits are companion animals, not livestock. Legalising their slaughter will expand cruelty, endanger public health, and betray public trust. I urge DALRRD to reject these regulations and enact a ban on the rabbit meat trade.
✍️ Sign and share our global petition: No to Rabbit Abattoirs – Protect All Rabbits from the Meat Trade (Global Signatures)
Learn more about our advocacy: Hop to Save Rabbits – Global Animal Welfare Campaigns
Template for Formal Submissions
Use our template or craft your own
Subject: Urgent and Strong Opposition to Proposed Rabbit Meat Regulations – Protect Our Family Pets
To: Vet.Policy@dalrrd.gov.za, ministry@dalrrd.gov.za
Dear Minister Thoko Didiza,
I write to express my urgent opposition to the proposed regulations under the Meat Safety Act concerning rabbit meat. Based on conditions observed in the UK, US, and South Africa, these regulations could normalise and expand a cruel, unethical trade.
Rabbits are the third most popular companion animal, loved by families across South Africa. Legalising their slaughter for meat would legitimise the mass killing of animals many people consider part of their households.
Reports from animal welfare organisations show the current rabbit trade is rife with abuse — including inhumane killing, poor hygiene, and even the slaughter of stolen pets. These proposals would not protect rabbits but legitimise cruelty under the guise of control.
This is not only an ethical issue — it is one of public health, moral leadership, and compassion. Introducing formal rabbit meat regulation sends the message that it is acceptable to commercialise and kill our companion animals.
I urge you to reject these proposals and instead ban the rabbit meat trade in South Africa. Doing so would align your department with the compassionate majority and strengthen protection for sentient animals.
Please act decisively. South Africa has the opportunity to lead the world in recognising rabbits as the companion animals they truly are — not commodities.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[City, Country]
Conclusion
The Rabbit Meat Consumption Proposal is both a moral and policy failure. South Africa can and must do better.
By rejecting the legalisation of rabbit slaughter, the country can lead the world in compassionate governance, public health protection, and animal welfare reform.
Together, we can stop this proposal, protect rabbits, and ensure our values reflect kindness and integrity.
🐇 Compassion must be consistent. Protection must be universal.
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