Metro: Stop Selling Rabbit Meat

I am writing this letter/petition on behalf of many consumers/customers of Metro Inc, animal advocates, pet owners, and most importantly; the animals themselves. 

 Metro is a popular grocery store chain where I myself am from - Ontario, Canada. 

 Metro has a great selection of products to offer, a nice atmosphere/display and affordable prices. 

 However, there are many concerned about Metro's willingness to sell rabbit meat at their retail locations.

  Studies have shown that rabbits are the third most common domesticated pet in North America, following cats and dogs. 

The rabbits sold for human consumption are of the same breeds and are no different than the rabbits people may have as a companion animal.

Larger breeds of rabbits are generally used in the rabbit meat industry, although these animals are no different than your average pet rabbit.

   Most rabbits raised for human consumption purposes that are raised on farms spend their lives housed in filthy conditions. 

The animals lack proper veterinary care and female rabbits (does) are forced to breed their entire lives until they are rendered useless, in cages no larger than a large sheet of paper, also known as battery cages of some sorts. These animals have no space to exercise and barely enough space to turn around or stretch properly. Female rabbits are able to take care of their young for a short period of time and then the babies are separated from their mothers at a very young age and are also raised for consumption. 
 ‎Dirty, unventilated cages make up a majority of the environment, housed with 100's-1000's of rabbits per farm and sometimes more.

 Rabbits are usually killed at a very young age, generally slaughtered anywhere from 3-6 months and their potential lifespan can vary from 5-12 years in captivity with proper care and the right conditions. 
This is a drastic amount of time that is shortened from these gentle creatures lives.

The methods of slaughtering these animals can vary, from electrocution, "gassing" or suffocating the animals, breaking their necks, slitting their throats, bludgeoning them to death, etc all while they are fully conscious or until death occurs although an instant death can not always be guaranteed and I am aware that many animals do suffer and cruelty does take place behind closed doors. 

Known primarily as a backyard industry, rabbit meat production is largely unregulated by federal authorities. Meat Rabbits are not protected by the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act. The inspection of rabbits is not mandated by The Federal Meat Inspection Act or Poultry Products Inspection Act. 

Yes, rabbits have very little protection or regulations on how they are raised and killed.

How cruel would it be to be raised with a bunch of your family and then be selected by the hand that feeds you, to be suddenly killed in front of your family? If I were a rabbit I may not feel too comfortable in the environment after witnessing my brother or sister having their throat slit or their neck broken.‎ Animals are smarter than we may think and do have emotions and can sense when danger is present. 

 Many children and adults alike view rabbits as pets. A very intelligent, curious and affectionate companion animal, which does provide an accurate description. 

 However it is also true that some individuals view rabbits as a small wild game animal, a prey animal low on the food chain that has been hunted for 1000's of years. 

 Easter is around the corner and Metro Inc. even has their own commercial regarding "Easter Bunnies" yet they are one of the select few major grocery stores that sell rabbit meat.

 Rabbit meat is typically less common as it's controversial and sales aren't as high as other meat/animal based products.

 Rabbit meat is typically sold at local butchers, raised as livestock on small scale practices at family farms and the animals are also hunted similar to other wild game animals.

 The fact that such a popular, well known major grocer chain such as Metro Inc. sells rabbit meat; is disturbing to say the least considering the controversy as these animals are frequently kept as pets and only a small percentage of the population includes rabbits meat in their diet.

 If Metro were to make the positive change and end their sales of rabbit meat, this would go a long way and save many lives.

 However, times are changing and with the new year now being 2016; many individuals are starting to recognize the reality of the meat industry, what may be considered right and what may be considered wrong; and that some animals are not as common as food as they used to be in the past. 

 Animal welfare standards are becoming a more important aspect of today's society in most areas of the world; there are many organizations that recognize what should and what shouldn't be sold for human consumption in reference to certain geographical locations. 

 With vegetarian/vegan diets becoming more common on a daily basis, many people are starting to eat less meat and are realizing the benefits of doing so.  

 Eating rabbit meat is a controversial topic and is not as common as it used to be. I believe that all animals are equal, and to say one animal can be raised and killed for food, but another shouldn't be, seems quite selective and cruel of a decision. 

 Unfortunately, as of today, some animals are NOT considered to be used for human consumption while some ARE considered acceptable for human consumption, and that is the reality that we live in.

  This message is in no way a form of despising those that eat meat or implying that eating meat is wrong.  

 Myself, and many others that I have spoken with have not noticed rabbit meat for sale in any other major grocer chains in the area, with Metro being the exception.  Selling rabbit meat may increase Metros' earnings/profit by a small fraction but will also cause many customers to become disturbed and offended from seeing such a common companion animal for sale intended for human consumption; many of these customers having had rabbits as pets at some point in their lives or as a child. 

I do believe Metro Inc. and the FDA whom is responsible for regulating meat rabbits and inspection policies has priorities to consider as I am not referring to or comparing to third world countries where cats and dogs are eaten as they are also considered pets in these countries, as well as a food source. There is no differential aspect in reference to third world countries using pets as food, in comparison to Canada and grocer chains such as Metro selling Rabbit meat as food, just because it is a less common pet and raised on a farm behind closed doors where the public is unaware of the process. 

 As a comparison, the majority of the everyday, professional, educated, working class population and those whom are up to date on animal welfare/food standards may despise against Metro's decision of selling rabbit meat rather than the select few stereotypes and elderly individuals whom grew up hunting/raising rabbits for food that may purchase the product.  

 This is 2016 and I am surprised to realize that such a popular grocer chain would carry such a controversial animal meat in their stores. 

 Metro, please consider a positive change, which will only benefit the Grocer's reputation by discontinuing selling all rabbit meat products in your stores.