In response about the 3 abandoned young rabbits

In response to the incident of 3 young rabbits being abandoned yesterday (for the detail : http://www.hkrabbit.org/?p=6075 ) near the entrance of the building where HKRS is located, we have heard numerous comments and misunderstanding from our members, rabbit friends and other people. Here is the HKRS statement regarding the incident.

A. Reporting to the Police

We report to the Police all rabbits abandoned without official application procedures. Though many comment that it is not useful, we insist to do so because:

1.     Animal abandonment is illegal. As a regular citizen or organization, we have the obligation to report to the police.

2.     By reporting the case to the police, the relevant government department would be able to have the actual statistics on animal abandonment, so as to support the negotiation for the welfare of animals.

3.     Mongkok Police Station has set up a designated team handling animal cases. Our committee member, Ms Shirley Tong, was invited by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to speak to Mongkok Police Station in meetings. It is clear that the AFCD and the Police is paying more attention on animal abandonment and abuse cases. As an animal welfare organization, the HKRS would fully support such actions. Police officials contacted Shirley this morning in response to this particular case, and they encouraged us to report any similar cases to them in future. The HKRS believe that changes would not take place over night, but with numberless efforts.

Remarks

It was drizzling when we called the police yesterday, and the 3 rabbits were under the shade of the building and protected from the rain. Our HKRS staff was accompanying the rabbits and taking care of them while waiting for the police and during their official reporting procedures. Then we relocated the rabbit cages to the carpark area while waiting for SPCA staff and handed over the rabbits to them.

B. SPCA/AFCD

When we reported to the police, as the rabbits were abandoned in a public area and not within HKRS boundaries, we were informed that the standard procedures of the police would be handing over the case to SPCA. As our staff primarily assessed the 3 rabbits, finding them in good physical condition, with young age and adorable outlook, and would probably be adopted in short future, we did not request to take them in.

The HKRS and other animal organizations, SPCA and AFCD included, have mutual referral agreements. Should there be no vacancy for the 3 rabbits at the SPCA yesterday; the SPCA would definitely contact us for assistance.

In our adoption area (on hold, and cancelled cases included), it is common to see rabbits referred from SPCA, AFCD and other animal organizations. Some of them were adopted, and some of them live in HKRS for their whole life. This shows that we do care about the benefit of the rabbits, and assessed that it would be appropriate to let SPCA take them in.

Besides, HKRS would immediately take in rabbits from illegal abandonment outside our centre, referral from vet clinics or other animal organization, or cases with life threats. Recent take in case is 2 dwarf rabbits (now named “Lee” & “Lori”) last week; and earlier, “Ada” which was taken in in January. Members and rabbit friends may have a better knowledge of the rabbits for adoption on our website or in our centre.

C. Current condition of the 3 rabbits

Shirley has contacted SPCA to know the current condition of the 3 rabbits. We will announce publicly should there be any updates.

HKRS would like to explain that the procedures and condition that SPCA or AFCD taking care of rabbits has been much improved. All rabbits sent to AFCD would stay in the vet’s room with air-condition and hay, and isolated from other animals so that they are not scared. In recent cases referred from AFCD and other animal organizations, the physical conditions of the rabbits are generally much better than cases in the past. In every case taken in by AFCD, HKRS would follow on the case once the case number is reported from members.

D. Abandonment Procedure

Administration procedure is mandatory for any organized organization. We wish to explain why there is an abandonment procedure at HKRS today.

In Oct 2006, the first HKRS Welfare and Resources Centre was set up in a place of 1000 sq. feet. It was totally fully occupied by spring 2007, and the full occupancy continued. By then, there was no “Abandonment Procedures” and we took in any rabbits from any owner at all times. We had taken 200 rabbits in 2007, which increased to nearly 300 in 2008, which translates into nearly one new rabbit intake per day! It explains why HKRS was always covered with hair and dust. A rabbit refugee camp in reality! In addition to the overwhelmed HKRS centre, the core volunteers’ homes were overwhelmed with rabbits as well. At that time, our chairman’s home was sheltering more than 30 rabbits, with cages in the living room, in the study and even on the corridor. Each rabbit could not have time take turns to be freed and run around every 7 days.

Under the stress of saturated spaces, insufficient manpower and limited funds, in order to keep HKRS operating, the HKRS committee could only turn to amending abandonment procedures by setting take in schedules and acceptance quota so that all rabbits taken in can be accommodated in an appropriate environment.

HKRS wishes to help each and every rabbit. But in the face of reality, we can only do our best.

E. Adoption

The adopter selection policy is strict at HKRS, which we consider essential for the benefit of rabbits. Despite our careful and strict selection of adopters, there are still several cases of abandonment of adopted rabbits each year. For those failing to adopt rabbits, they may be unable to fulfill the requirements set by HKRS, or there are other applicants who are more suitable for the specific rabbit. Every rabbit has its own story and character. Personal background and conditions are not the only criteria for us to select the right adopter, as the most important thing is the match the right adopter with the right rabbit.

There are regular updates on the adoption cases on HKRS website. People may look closely to see how much we wish rabbits to be adopted.

For those resident rabbits at HKRS, they may be aged or have long term illness that caused them to stay at HKRS or in foster families. All are welcome to visit them. You may also consider to be their adopter or foster family!

Joanna Chow, myself, has been managing adoption applications since 2007. There have been many adoptions processed, though some cases may not be successful, my team members and myself will continue to adhere to our principles in the approval procedures. Thank you for the understanding of our members and rabbit friends.

F. Financial Status

There had been some Facebook comments from several members/rabbit friends questioning the integrity of core HKRS committee, accusing them of cheating donation with abandoned rabbits. The HKRS is now making solemn statement that HKRS reserves all our rights to take legal actions. Appropriate actions will be taken after seeking legal advice from our volunteer legal agent.

The HKRS is a bona-fide non-profit-making organization under the Inland Revenue Ordinance. Therefore an annual report of income and expenditure is required to be submitted; and directors (i.e. committee members as in HKRS) cannot receive any salary from the organization.

Up to April 2013, the monthly fixed donation (donation by auto debit authorization) to HKRS is HK$17,990. The expenditures in the first 3 months are as followed:

Medical Expenditure: HK$66,351

Rent and salary of staff：HK$160,593

Rabbit necessities, operation and miscellaneous：HK$58,861

The HKRS cannot survive on donation alone and must look for new resources, so that all rabbits at HKRS are receiving proper care. The Annual Report of HKRS had been uploaded onto our website, available to all members and the public. Should you have any queries, please email to us and we will provide all the details we can.

If there is any person in doubt of suspicious donation abuse, HKRS would strongly recommend them to report the case to the Police. It will prove that the HKRS and the committee members are innocent.

Last but not least, we would love to thank all members for the continual support and constructive advice. We believe that the HKRS still have rooms to improve and we will strive for the best!