HSUS, Easter, Rabbits and RHD
Sent out by the Coalition, March 23, 2002
The RHD Coalition has just gone through a major revamp. Primarily we created start pages regarding each of the three outbreaks. This created an opportunity to display the massive amount of information we have accumulated over the past two and a half years and give a history of RHD in the US and the Coalition's work. You can view the link to it all on our Home Page or go directly to the OutbreaksThis was done in anticipation of additional exposure created through press releases sent out. The Coalition did not send a press release per se. It was felt that more attention may be created if the release was sent out by a less political org. Hence, KindPlanet sent releases out to around 100 publications. The press release can be viewed at Here.
(You will need Adobe’s Acrobat Reader to view the release, you can acquire it Here )
As far as we know the releases were ignored. There have been no follow up calls. By now, most papers publishing "don’t buy for animals for Easter" stories have been published.
The inspiration for today’s update is in truth none of the above information. The above is a prelude to sharing recent correspondence with HSUS. A few months ago we sent out info re dealings with HSUS during the first outbreak. The content of those conversations were very disappointing. After publishing the page discussing this, HSUS Etc, we did some follow up with the org. We spoke with the new director of their Companion Animal department, Stephanie Shain. She informed us that Sheltering Magazine wanted to do a story on RHD. There was a loose timeline given as "maybe April May." We’ll see. She also said they might update their site with current info. Instead, all RHD material was wiped off their site during a redesign. The latter was understandable, given the realities of web publishing.
A check to see what was up with HSUS and RHD led to the discovery of the following press release from the org, HSUS Discourages...
After viewing the above, the following was sent to Ms. Shain
Dear Stephanie,
As you probably know, the redesign of the HSUS website wiped out all information regarding RHD. I found this disappointing, yet understanding the realities of web design, content incorporation, and the amount of work all in HSUS are attempting to accomplish, felt it was something to sigh about. Nothing more.
Given all that you must have on your mind, I can almost say bummer and sigh again when I consider your latest press release. Almost. The press release regarding live animals purchased as gifts for Easter is probably going to be the only words spoken by HSUS this year on behalf of Rabbits. Two additional lines, is all it would have taken to bring this issue to the attention of the masses. For example, you stated, "Rabbits, for example, are not so easy to keep. They require a lot of socialization and time and can't just be left stuck in a cage..." At this point you could have added, "And now that the US has had three outbreaks of RHD, rabbit caretakers have an added responsibility to keep their companions safe from this dangerous virus. We are encouraging people to become educated regarding this new threat by contacting..."
I realize that you were also advocating for Ducks, Chickens and Geese. But quite frankly, these Animals are not currently threatened by a virus that could kill them within twenty four hours of contact. One that traveled across three continents in four years killing 90% of the host species. This press release could have focused on Rabbits and RHD and added a line or two about all Animals normally seen as Easter casualties and served its' purpose.
I suppose I should have contacted you early in March to remind you of this threat. I'm a little busy right now. We are attempting to send educational material to all rabbit breeder clubs because ARBA hasn't. We are attempting to send educational material to all 4H clubs because the USDA hasn't. We are attempting to send educational material to all Shelters in the US, because HSUS hasn't. I simply didn't make the time to reach out to those who, as you put it, "love bunnies just as much as cats and dogs..." It is one thing to love. It is another to act with love.
What I know about Caliciviruses tells me that there will come a day when RHD, or one of its cousins, will effect another species as dramatically as RHD affects Rabbits. Today we know that the Calicivirus group Vesiviruses are probably causing spontaneous abortions and liver disease in a number of species, including humans. Additionally scientists are currently researching the possibility that all Caliciviruses have a component that gives them the ability to cause hemorrhagic disease. A possibility suspected by scientists who have proved each of their hypothesis's regarding this viral family. The lack of attention Animal Welfare Activists, et al, have chosen to give to these threats leaves us wondering which species Animal Welfare Activists, et al, will watch bleed to death when a decision is made to address these concerns.
Sincerely,
diane of The Sanctuary
Co-Founder RHD in the US Coalition.
We had planned on sending our press release a little earlier than we did in reality. We had also planned to send out a notice of our release to various message boards as a gentle reminder that all who were issuing press releases, or being interviewed, include a word or two about RHD. Time got away from us. We are to few doing to little, while attempting to do what needs to be done.
--John F. Kennedy
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