Each August, the Tippah County Fair in Mississippi holds a “Farm Animal Scramble,” during which rabbits, chickens, pigs, goats and calves are released into an arena and small children are encouraged to chase them down and catch them. The rabbits are pursued by young children aged four and under – an age where most children have little understanding or ability to handle such delicate and vulnerable animals – and the results are sickeningly predictable.

Pictures and video of the event reveal the true horror of the fair’s frenzy, during which animals are caught by any means necessary with no concern for their welfare. Disturbing images show rabbits being savagely dangled by their ears, choked around the neck and even dropped to the floor while children race around the arena.

Not only is this event terrifying and painful for the rabbits, but it can cause lasting damage including broken ear cartilage,  fractured spines,  and can even cause the skin to separate from the rabbits’ backs.

The event clearly breaches Mississippi State Statute 97-41-5, which forbids the inhumane carrying of animals by vehicle or hand.

Swathes of impressionable young children are being encouraged to treat animals as unfeeling, disposable objects who can be abused for fun. Tragically, the rabbits are awarded as prizes to the same children who grabbed and manhandled them in the arena. The only qualification for bringing home an animal is the child’s ability to chase and grab him or her.

This animal horror show event must be stopped.

Click here to take action.