Florian Mehnert an “artist” in Germany will set up a webcam to broadcast a rat living in its enclosure for 11 days. On March 24 the rodent will be left to the mercy of anonymous internet users and a loaded gun, giving web users the power to shoot a rat with a click of their keyboard or smartphone.
As an 'artist' he wants to to arise people's awareness for the killings of human beings by drone strikes, stating “"A rat dies for the service of art. I would also prefer it would not be necessary. But people nowadays are so so jaded because art has to commit a transgression, "
Germany’s current animal welfare laws prohibit the infliction of pain, suffering or injury on an animal without reasonable cause, but as Mehnert will not be the person pulling the trigger, it is unclear if he can be held responsible if the rat is shot.
We are asking for signatures to stop this barbaric experiment before it is too late. Rats are very often the victims of bad press.. To tell the truth, I'm an owner of two rats ad it apalled me to read such a terrible news.
Killing is now the new 'art'? Art shouldn't use animals in such a distressing manner!
Rats are intelligent, highly social animals that are incredibly rewarding animals to look after and can form close human-animal bonds with their carers.
Please sign this petition and share with your friends and across social media to help stop this cruel and barbaric installation.
Dear,
please stop this art project in the name of animal rights!
Don't let art become something disgusting and abominable!
Free the rodent in the project at once!
Kind regards,
