The bunnies don’t have a voice, but you do

I am just a fellow citizen who is gravely concerned about the injustices to animals that are suffering extreme neglect at the Bunny Park, Rynfield.

Growing up, even in the north, everyone had heard of the Bunny Park as it had become renowned as a popular place to take the kids.

In the past two years I have moved my family to Benoni and, lately, I’ve been appalled and saddened by the news of the bunnies (and other animals) that have been left to basically fend for themselves, under conditions in which no animal should be forced to live!

As someone who concerns herself with the community in which I live, as a parent and a resident of this town, I feel it is my duty and my right to let fellow citizens know about what is currently happening at the Bunny Park — or rather, what isn’t happening there.

Firstly, your article in July, last year, stated the great news that the Bunny Park was receiving an amount of R1-million for much-needed renovations.

It was reported that the animals were being neglected.

Water troughs and a borehole needed to be repaired, while grazing areas and shelter areas for the animals needed attention.

The money would also be used for the upgrading of various entertainment areas for those visiting the Bunny Park.

A year later, via social media and numerous articles written by the concerned public, we have been alerted to the absolutely shocking state of the animals in the park.

Online, I have seen pictures of animals, mainly the bunnies, suffering from disease and injury due to other bunnies that turn on each other (as they fight for food), sheep that die from eating the trash that has been left for the animals to forage through, “death pits” where dead bunnies are thrown into, no water (as the water trough is cracked and hasn’t been repaired); boreholes that were budgeted for repair – still not fixed, no food, no medical attention… the list goes on and on.

As I write, one of the volunteers who goes into the Bunny Park with donations of fresh food has reported a bunny that just fell over.

The bunny is dead. Yes – another one.

The kind public has tried to step in and help.

There is a Bunny Volunteer Group who take the time to clean up, repair broken water troughs, feed and care for the neglected animals — animals that come to them begging for food.

Some of these volunteers have small children who tag along to help.

The group lobbies vets and handymen to assist further, as well as requesting donations of food and money for the veterinary care of these animals.

Meanwhile, I was shocked, in my ignorance I suppose, to hear that the caretaker (Gideon Strydom) and his staff – with all this additional assistance from the public, continue to deny the “allegations”.

They have been told that there are no problems with the bunnies.

Yet, clearly, a person cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering and neglect there.

DA councillor Gerrie Kriek, whose ward includes the Bunny Park, has not stepped in to help?

Everyone would like to know where the money budgeted for the Bunny Park has gone to.

Who is going to be held responsible for this?

Many meetings have taken place, yet weeks and months go by with animals paying the end price.

Typical red tape hide-and-go-seek game.

As a member of the community, a taxpayer and a voter – politically I would like to know where my money is going?

I have no problem with money being used for the community, for the growth and development of our future as a whole.

This actually includes the protection and conservation of the environment, one of the principles that the DA claims to follow.

We are parents, we are children, we care for those who need it.

The sad reality is, this crime is on our doorstep and we have to stand for this.

The crime is that we are allowing people in charge to continue to abuse the system and allow others to suffer.

This is unacceptable.

I challenge the media to step in and take charge.

The animals have no voices.

Our community does, but we are limited by the politics and bureaucracy that govern, or rather hinder, our principles.

How many more letters should go without any action?

It’s time for the public to speak and rid our community of evil – including “caretakers” and councillors who do nothing to benefit the community.

If this is a business, then should someone not be fired?

If this is political, should someone not be suspended (again)?

Editor’s Note: DA Clr Gerrie Kriek responds:
“Everything is under control, there are no problems – everything is going well.”
Kriek said there is a budget to spend R1-million at the Bunny Park in the next 14 years and that there is enough food for the animals. He added that public support including all the volunteers and donations do assist the Bunny Park.
The councillor urged the public to stay positive.

Send your letters to bctletters@caxton.co.za.

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