FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2025
The Rabbit.org Foundation is deeply concerned about the Los Angeles Project’s announcement that it is using CRISPR gene-editing technology to create genetically modified “glowing” rabbits for commercial sale. This reckless experiment disregards the welfare of rabbits, ignores the ethical implications of genetic manipulation, and threatens to worsen the already dire issue of rabbit abandonment in shelters and rescues nationwide.
Rabbits Are Not a Trend—They Are Sentient, Social Creatures
“Rabbits are one of the most commonly surrendered pet in U.S. shelters, largely due to misinformation and impulse buying,” says Paige K. Parsons, President of The Rabbit.org Foundation. “Creating ‘designer’ rabbits will only encourage the mistaken belief that rabbits are novelty pets rather than intelligent, social beings who require lifelong commitment, proper care, and specialized veterinary attention. A glowing rabbit may seem like a futuristic marvel, but the reality is that rabbits already suffer tremendously from consumer-driven breeding practices. Adding genetic modification to the equation only amplifies the risks of exploitation and neglect.”
Genetic Engineering is Not a Game
CRISPR gene-editing is a powerful but unpredictable technology. While the Los Angeles Project claims this is a “simple” edit, genetic modifications can have unintended consequences, including severe health issues, immune disorders, or even reduced lifespans. The scientific community has already raised ethical concerns about the use of CRISPR for non-medical, commercial purposes, yet this project is proceeding without transparency, oversight, or regard for the long-term welfare of these animals.
The Disturbing Reality of Mass Embryo Harvesting
According to Josie Zayner, the company has developed hormone and antibody treatments to force rabbits into producing large numbers of viable embryos. Even more disturbingly, it has partnered with farmers to harvest embryos from rabbits heading for slaughter. “We can get like 10,000 embryos a week,” Zayner boasts.
“This blatant commodification of rabbits reduces them to mere biological raw materials,” says Parsons. “It’s horrifying to hear them discuss this so casually. These are living beings, not factory components. The use of slaughterhouse-bound rabbits for genetic experimentation raises serious ethical concerns about how little regard this project has for the dignity and welfare of animals.”
Regulatory Loopholes Leave Animals Vulnerable
The United States has little oversight when it comes to genetically modified pets. The FDA previously determined that transgenic GloFish were not subject to regulation because they posed no threat to human health or the environment. However, this decision ignored the ethical considerations of engineering animals for human amusement. Rabbits are living, feeling creatures—not a blank canvas for experimentation. The potential for commercial genetic modification of pets to spiral out of control is a serious concern that lawmakers and bioethicists must address.
A Dangerous Precedent for the Future
The Los Angeles Project’s plans do not stop at fluorescent rabbits. They openly discuss creating “hypoallergenic cats,” “jackalopes,” and even “unicorns.”
“This is a dangerous precedent,” says Parsons. “This type of speculative genetic engineering, driven by market potential rather than medical necessity, commodifies living beings in ways that could have devastating consequences. If left unchecked, this could mark the beginning of a new era of reckless pet genetic manipulation, where animals are engineered to meet consumer demand with little regard for their well-being.”
Call to Action
The Rabbit.org Foundation urges the public, policymakers, and the scientific community to take a stand against the commercialization of genetically modified pets. We call for:
- Regulatory Action: The U.S. government must establish clear guidelines on the ethical treatment and sale of genetically engineered pets.
- Industry Accountability: Investors and biotech leaders must be held accountable for ensuring that innovation does not come at the cost of animal welfare.
- Public Awareness: Consumers must recognize the dangers of supporting genetically engineered pets and advocate for ethical treatment of all animals.
The Rabbit.org Foundation stands firmly against the genetic modification of rabbits for profit. “We believe in protecting rabbits as the intelligent, social, and loving animals they are—not reducing them to science experiments for human entertainment,” says Parsons.
About The Rabbit.org Foundation
The Rabbit.org Foundation is dedicated to the education, advocacy, and welfare of domestic rabbits. Through public outreach and collaboration with rescue organizations, we work to ensure that rabbits receive the care, respect, and protection they deserve.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Paige K Parsons
paige@rabbit.org
650 520-4290
https://rabbit.org
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