National Antivisection Society
Differences between rabbits and humans
Rabbits are commonly kept in stacks of cramped cages, with perforated metal floors, and no bedding. The confinement and lack of exercise causes their bones to become brittle, and so their spines are easily broken through jumping or hitting obstructions. Such injuries may pass unnoticed until paralysis occurs. Laboratory rabbits are used in a range of experiments, but predominantly in toxicity and safety testing. Most rabbits are used to comply with legal regulations rather than scientific reasons.
What a Waste
- There are structural and physiological differences between human and rabbit eyes.
- Rabbits cannot vomit as people do.
- When people are frightened, their heart rate increases. However, rabbits’ hearts slow down in frightening situations.
- Rabbits may eat the berries of deadly nightshade, which can be fatal to humans, without suffering any ill effects.
