A Danish radio station has been criticised for killing a baby rabbit during a live show in what the station's owners say was an attempt to raise awareness of "the hypocrisy of animal welfare".
The Radio24syv presenter Asger Juhl was hosting a debate on animal welfare when he hit nine-week-old Allan with a bicycle pump.
Mr Juhl (34) carried out the killing, saying it was to demonstrate the hypocrisy of animal rights campaigners who eat meat from supermarkets.
Linse Kessler, who had been part of an earlier discussion in the studio, talked her way back inside in a bid to save Allan but, despite chasing Mr Juhl around the table, she could not prevent the bunny's fate.
The rabbit reportedly twitched several times before quietly dying.
On the radio's Facebook page, a video was posted of meat being fried, with a comment from the station saying that Mr Juhl and co-host Kristoffer Eriksen would be eating the rabbit following its death.
There was also a sound recording of Allan's final moments.
The broadcast prompted an angry response from listeners, with some calling for a boycott of the station.
The radio station's spokesman said they had "anticipated strong reactions" and had put the animal down in a way based on instructions from an animal caretaker at a local zoo.
"We knew that we would be accused of provocation. And yes, we indeed wanted to provoke the public and to stir a debate about the hypocrisy when it comes to perceptions of cruelty towards animals."
"Consumers generally do not kill animals themselves, but we buy and eat animals, that have lead sad lives. We just don't see it, and don’t consider the animals ‘cute’ as the rabbit."
"These animals have often endured horrific suffering on their way to our dinner tables. These animals are killed according to the same controlled conditions as our studio rabbit, and without it invoking any strong reactions or calls for boycott."
"We at least believe that the studio rabbit have had a comfortable existence. We wanted to expose the vast hypocrisy surrounding our relationship with animals. So far we have succeeded."
"We wanted and want to have a debate about animal welfare - for all animals."
