Frustrations at work about People talking about Butchering

[lynn's Cavies]

Hi, I really just have to vent about my work day. Actually the vent isn't from just today but over a course of time. I have a co-worker that talks about how she used to butcher rabbits and everytime I mention my rabbits or guinea pigs she goes on and on about it. I've told her that I don't find it funny and I realize that some people do this but these are my pets. I know she is doing this to try to get a rise out of me. Most of the time I just ignore her or say "yes you have already told me this. I know lots of people eat rabbits".

But today she had to say it yet again and seems to find real glee in discussing this. I find her to be a very bitter and negative person. I snapped at her today and said how would she like it if everytime she mentioned her pet I would talk about slaughtering it and that I know people do this but it has nothing to do with my animals. And that it is frustrating to have to listen to. So of course, she looked so proud of herself and had other people joining in and talking about hunting rabbits.

Why is it that so many people talk about this? Why are they so afraid to accept a rabbit as a pet? This same person scoffs at me about the fact my rabbits are littertrained. She is so ignorant. I just don't understand why so many people find it hilarious to talk about eating rabbits? I really don't care to hear their "banter" and I don't find it funny. This same person also told me, her dog killed her kid's guinea pigs. She laughed and thought it was funny.

UGH! I'm just so frustrated to have to work right next to someone who treats life so flippantly.

Sigh...
Thanks for listening to me rant.

[emoxrobot]

Sorry that people can be jerks. When I talk about my cavies at work they say "oh you mean those big rats." I think if you ignore her she will get bored and stop. She is missing out. You are a good mama for your animals and you have my support! Lots of love to you and your pets.

[Dawn & Chris]

If you have asked her to stop, and she has continued to harass you, you may have grounds for a grievance. Consider speaking to your supervisor. You should not have to put up with that sort of treatment. This is akin to being harassed for race, religion, ethnicity, etc, and is not acceptable in the workplace. Best of luck.

[weta!]

Talk to your manager. Tell him or her that you find it offensive, it's affecting your work, and you've asked for it to stop. Call it workplace bullying. If you really want to make it serious, put it in writing. But make it his or her problem to sort. It's their job to make sure all employees act like adults. I don't know what sort of profession you work in, or what Canadian employment rules are. But if you belong to a union or have a human resources department, it could be worth exploring options with them about how to stop the behaviour.

[lynn's Cavies]

Hi all,

Thank you for your support. What I am going to do is try to ignore her and if it continues I am going to talk to my Manager about it. We do have Human Resources as well, so that is another option I can keep in my mind. I'm giving her one last chance because I have tried ignoring her in the past but yesterday was the first time I really showed my anger about it. I'm hoping that now she will stop. Of course, this may just add fuel to her fire so to speak. I'll just have to wait and see what today brings.

But if this continues I will definitley speak to my Manager. She is an animal lover too and would understand. It not only is the issue about the animals but it is a form of harassment and bullying. I don't think I ever thought about it that way and it is very true.

Thank you all! I will keep you updated.

[naturestee]

Kudos to you! Definately talk to your manager, HR, etc. Most people I've known stop talking about eating rabbits etc when they find out how much they are a part of my family. I think they're used to pet rabbits being kept in little cages and never let out, never allowed to have a personality. Once they know I'm serious they usually stop and sometimes even ask honest questions.

Obviously she needs more to realize that you are serious and that she is way over the line. It sounds like this is harrassment to me.

Hope it goes well!

[lynn's Cavies]

I just wanted to update everyone on what has happened. Since I snapped at my co-worker about talking about butchering rabbits she has stopped. I think she finally realizes how much she crossed the line. I'm so grateful that this forum exists. It is good to know there are others of like mind.

Thanks,
Lynn