Rabbit dies after alleged rough handling by pet groomer; owner lodges NParks report

It was supposed to be just another routine grooming session at home.

Yet, Lucky the rabbit did not survive after being allegedly roughly handled by a senior groomer last Tuesday (March 31).

In an Instagram post, pet owner Michiko shared CCTV footage where Lucky was allegedly placed on its back by a senior groomer for over 20 minutes.

The footage shows a man holding the rabbit against a black towel on his lap. Lucky is seen squealing repeatedly while being pinned down before going limp. 

The video then cuts to a clip of Michiko giving the bunny chest compressions while on the way to a veterinary clinic. 

Michiko, who adopted Lucky eight months ago, was told at the clinic that Lucky had no heartbeat.

@asiaone Michiko told AsiaOne that the groomer from Rabbit Headquarters (RHQ) had downplayed the severity of the situation to her. "I could not see my bunny clearly as he was being blocked, and I was told he was very stressed and could not be put down safely," she said. "I relied on the groomer’s judgement as he was the one handling my bunny and was not made aware that my rabbit had become unresponsive or that the situation had become critical at that point." Michiko has since filed a report with the National Parks Board (NParks) and RHQ has suspended the groomer and covered cremation costs as a gesture of goodwill, while offering to help ensure that Michiko's remaining rabbit would not be left without a companion. #sgnews #singapore #pet #rabbit #petgrooming ♬ original sound - AsiaOne

The senior groomer from Rabbit Headquarters (RHQ) has since been suspended according to Michiko.

The Instagram post has since garnered over 141,00 views and more than 400 shares.

Michiko revealed to AsiaOne that it was her first time using RHQ's mobile service.

"I would have preferred to groom my bunnies myself, but they do not like to be handled. I did not want to risk injuring them, so I engaged a senior groomer, trusting he would handle them safely. 

"I had also informed him beforehand that my bunnies do not like to be handled," she shared.

Michiko added that the situation was downplayed to her. 

"I could not see my bunny clearly as he was being blocked, and I was told he was very stressed and could not be put down safely. 

"I relied on the groomer’s judgement as he was the one handling my bunny and was not made aware that my rabbit had become unresponsive or that the situation had become critical at that point," she added.

Michiko told AsiaOne that she filed a report with NParks last Wednesday, a day after the incident.

In an email reply to AsiaOne, RHQ said the incident had "shaken us to our core". 

The company covered cremation costs as a gesture of goodwill and offered to help ensure that Michiko's remaining rabbit would not be left without a companion. 

RHQ said it has started "a full and thorough review and investigation into this incident", and "are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities".

It also promised to provide answers "as soon as we get the full picture of the incident". 

On Michiko's Instagram, several netizens expressed outrage. 

Said one commenter: "This is so painful to watch moreover listen to his screams. I’m so sorry this happened. Please report them!"

"Never leave your rabbit alone during a grooming session. I would never leave my rabbit alone with anyone," said another social media user.

As for Michiko, Lucky's squeals are still ringing in her ears. 

"Pet owners should not assume that 'standard practice' is always safe. If the bunny comes back physically fine, it does not mean the handling was safe or appropriate. Ask questions. Do more research," said Michiko.

NParks, when contacted by AsiaOne, said that they are aware of the incident.

"We have reached out to the affected parties for information, and investigations are ongoing," said Jessica Kwok, Group Director for Enforcement and Investigation at NParks.

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helmy.saat@asiaone.com

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