Hello Any and All Readers-
It has been some time since I last posted; this is mostly the result of my getting a third shift job in order to support my angora/ art projects.
In any case, the rabbits are happy and healthy- hanging out in air- conditioning splendor.
Work has given me the opportunity to buy supplies for both my rabbits and for my fiber projects- which is a great thing. While, as a result of spending a good amount of time a work means that I do not have the same amount of free time I once had (for blogging, etc.), I am able to better move on with my (new) plans for both my rabbits and art projects.
Working has also provided me with the opportunity to think a bit.
My last entry was the direct result of a nasty run- in I had with another local angora breeder. At the time, I was so angry, shocked, frustrated and hurt- for many reasons.
In all fairness, I am to blame for the issue and take full responsibility for my actions. However, I was acting out of sheer concern.
Could I have been kinder? Yes. Could I have given the breeder in question the benefit of the doubt? Absolutely. Do I regret some aspects of what I did? Yes.
You see, my area is supersaturated with French angora rabbits. I know this because many of the unwanted individuals have ended up in my rabbitry. All of these rabbits were previously owned by people who- for whatever reason- could not care for them. Some were not told the truth about the time and money commitment involved in angora ownership. Others wanted a low- maintenance pet but, instead, ended up with a rabbit that needs to be sheared, fed, caged, etc. On top of the maintenance aspect of angora ownership, there is the fact that angoras are rabbits and thus do not always make the best pets for everyone.
As I have previously stated, I am of the opinion that owners are not innocent when it comes to angora neglect and overpopulation; however, it is the breeders that do business in an irresponsible way that are the true culprits.
It is the rabbits that suffer, though, while both breeder and owner come out of the situation unscathed.
I have seen rabbits suffer from neglect. These experiences have moved me to feel the way I do about irresponsible breeding and so, when I believe that I see another irresponsible breeder appear in my area, I react.
In response to my reaction, I opened myself up to many reactions in turn. I can only imagine that, in addition to feeling angry about my email, the breeder in question also felt bothered by my last post.
The chain of angry, abusive emails that followed my email and last post seemed- at one point- never- ending. Even my husband who- in all fairness- did call the breeder out of genuine interest (the bloodlines her rabbits possess is actually quite good)- received nasty, threatening texts while at work.
The irony is, though, that the threats were more amusing and annoying than anything else.
You see- dear readers- to threaten someone with extensive legal knowledge with a lawsuit is amusing- however, to threaten someone while at work is annoying and could result in punishment or dismissal.
As a result, I felt the need to take a step back and ask myself whether or not it had all been worth it- and the answer was “no.”
The experience I had was not unusual. A good many older breeders have had similar experiences and, while there are some wonderful, younger/ newer breeders out there who are into angora breeding, there are many others who are not- so- wonderful.
When honesty and civility are impossible and, when one is unwilling to listen to another, nothing can be done.
I have thought- numerous times- about sending an apology and making nice because it’s just the type of person I am. I don’t like bad feelings and, if and when I behave badly, I like to admit it, apologize, and move on. I find that doing so often prompts the person with whom I had the negative interaction to respond in like manner. As a result, a platform of mutual respect is reached and we can look each other in the eye as equals and move on. This is how it should be and how I wish it could be.
However, after the threats and insults, it became clear that there was most likely no solution to the mess and that I would have to change the way I do things in order to still do what I love.
As I see it, the French issue is- or soon will- spread to the Germans. This is clear by the quick devaluing of decent stock by the breeder is question because this is how it all began with the French.
In all fairness, I recently saw some English for sale on Craigslist for a measly $40.00 so, even the English are not safe from overpopulation and thus neglect.
The punchline: I am no longer breeding except for personal use. I cannot- in good conscience- breed when a possible overpopulation is looming in the distance. Also, I cannot purchase excellent stock from decent breeders and still break even when other local breeders choose to sell their stock for so little. In order to break even, I would have to breed the heck out of my does (which I am unwilling to do), undercut other breeder(s) (which I am also unwilling to do), buy cheap stock, do things on the cheap (low overhead, more profit), and then attempt to remain competitive in a saturated market. I can’t do things in such an unethical way and so, I am more than willing to pass the torch on to others who can.
Personally, I am too old for the nonsense that seems to come along with rabbit breeding in my area and, also, do not have the stomach to put up with insults and threats. Like so many other breeders before me, I would be content to remove myself from the present local market and instead keep company with others who share my beliefs, values, and ethics.
My husband could have lost his job over this and so, for me, this was a big deal. My kids need fed and clothed. Period. Thus, the risks posed by both breeding and speaking out against perceived irresponsible breeding is not justified.
I will entertain the idea of selling to serious fiber artists and like- minded breeders- however, other than that, my rabbits are no longer for sale.
Last, since my dear fellow breeder- with whom I created this issue- most likely will read this, I would like to publically apologize. My behavior was not as kind and respectful as it ought to have been; I am sorry.
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