Teacher’s dead rabbit request sparks row
A ROW over animal rights was ignited on a popular community forum after a woman asked if anyone could provide rabbit carcasses for children to skin and gut.
More than 200 comments have been left after a post on the 13,000 member strong Holmfirth Community Group asked: “Can anyone supply half a dozen fresh rabbits - either gutted or not gutted - towards the end of January.
“They are for a group of school children to skin and prepare.
“My husband teaches outdoor education at a school for boys who are excluded from main school education.
“They are working towards a qualification in outdoor studies and this is something they have to do in order to gain their qualification.”
The post sparked outrage among many, although some moved to defend the idea.
It comes just two months after the discovery of rabbit carcasses, stored on the University of Huddersfield’s roof for educational use, sparked concern from an animal rights group.
After seeing the Holmfirth teacher’s bid for rabbit carcasses, one person simply posted: “Despicable”.
Another commented: “This is sick glad I keep our baby inside!! Why on earth would you want to get kids to do that.”
Said another : “Think if I was a child it would traumatize me to have to do this.”
Another against the idea said: “I personally think you shouldn’t force this on children. Rabbits are beautiful pets and some children would find this disturbing.
“I remember at my school we did this and I remember it being hideous.
“There’s really nothing educational about this experience just disturbing from a pupils perspective and to be honest some ADULTS.”
While there were many up in arms at the idea, plenty of Holme Valley folk were thoroughly in favour of the class.
One supporter said: “This is great to see, your husband is doing a great job and teaching a hugely important skill.
“People forget that Holmfirth is in the countryside and that generations have been fed off the local land.
“It’s amazing (and sad) that so many children (and not so young) have no idea where their food comes from. Be a good experience for them but I bet some parents won’t be too happy!”
Another said: “As a 20 year veggie/ mostly vegan, I’m totally down with this.
“People should know what their food is and where it comes from.
“Should be in all schools for kids that want to eat meat.”