Fuming!!

Basically...my OH's sister has got her daughters a rabbit for Christmas...
The problem being, their other rabbit died earlier this year because her oldest daughter killed it
We are both so angry that she has actually thought this is a good idea, but didn't know she was doing it so couldn't talk her out of it. There's no point saying anything to her because she'll just get defensive and be immature about it and we can't do anything to help the rabbit ...we are both really worried now.

I think, from what I can remember his sister told me is that her daughter kept shaking Poppy and throwing her in the cage etc. then came up stairs and just said "The rabbits dead" and walked off....she's 8, so she knew what she was doing...
Such a frustrating situation and I can't say anything so thought I'd vent it out on here as I know you'll all understand....

Hmm if you can't talk to them then i'd call RSPCA thats horrible that poor bunny. Save this bun before it gets hurt.

Can't you arrange for it to 'disappear' one night

It's such a difficult situation though as nothing has happened yet, we can't prove anything did happen before...we will just have to hope that things are treated more responsibly this time.
My OH doesn't want to fall out with his sister at Christmas, but he said he'll say something to her soon...
I remember when it happened my OH had to go round there and bury Poppy and he was crying when he came home...it wasn't even his rabbit.
Grrrr, why are people so stupid?!
Poppy was taken care of properly by his sister, but there was a lot of disruption at their home earlier this year and that is when it happened :/....initially she was going to get a kitten for them for Christmas...
Oh I don't know, I can't do anything to help this situation atm as nothing has happened yet so we will have to wait and see how it unfolds...


And Snowy, we rarely go round her house and we don't see them much ....otherwise I'd quite happily some how arrange for the rabbit to "escape", as that seems like a good plan!

Ninja stealth tears at your service

Oh no, how terrible. I do hope the little rabbit is safe and well looked after. It might still be a good idea to report it to the RSPCA as there has already been violence against a bunny in your sister in laws home. Your OH has had to bury one rabbit and I'm sure a visit with a warning from rspca will go a long way towards him not having to bury another. Sorry if that sounds harsh, I realise you are in a very difficult situation.

Oh hun this is just awful.

This bun really could be in danger of pain and suffering.

Perhaps more regular visits?

God I hope she can be rescued.

It doesn't sound harsh, I just don't know how she can prevent it happening again...Tbh from what she said on facebook about it, it doesn't even seem like she's that bothered...ARGHH!!

We get invited round there a lot, I think we will just have to try and get round there more, hoping my OH will say something when he goes round there! I hope no harm comes to this bunny either ..it's hard for me to decide what to do - her kids are at their dads for Christmas so they aren't there atm, but will be back tomorrow. I don't know why you would buy a child a pet who clearly doesn't like animals, it's ridiculous...
They do have other pets, snakes and stuff...but obviously the little girl can't pick them up so they are fine... I just really wish this hadn't of put me in such a difficult situation, if she was more mature about things it would be easy to talk to her about it and maybe persuade her to give the rabbit up, but we think she will just be defensive and stupid about it....

[b] Very akward situation where family is concerned I should know don't let it spoil anything for you (allthough it allready has) if you dont want to report due to be related let the address slip to a friend. Keep smiling it will work out OK if you play it rite

Yeah I think that is how it is gonna have to go, just keep a close eye on things! Thanks for everyone being understanding about the situation :/

Well after Daisy, my sister's rabbit that she wasn't looking after properly.. All I can say is... Keep an eye on things best you can. And if it's looking like the rabbit is really going to suffer, then plan on doing something, like back-yard theft or calling the RSPCA.

Its a really awful situation to be in, but you must also remember it isn't your fault at all, and try not to let it get to you too much, though I know this is hard to do!

I hope everything works out for all concerned, especially the poor bunny

All you could think about doing is try to get your SIL for a quiet chat and suggest that they swop the rabbit for something like a hamster that her daughters can handle easier. Remind her how the other rabbit died because of her daughter being rough with it. However, she needs to be there when they are handling the animal and if anything happens to it you will report them to the RSPCA.