Officials with the Red River Valley Fair are issuing an apology after several people have taken to social media to share their outrage about live animals being given away as prizes.

Valley News Live has received several messages from people concerned about the issue. There are also photos being shared of the conditions that the rabbits were being kept in. One post says the rabbits look malnourished and were being kept in a cages in the 90 degree heat, with dirty water.

Since this was brought to their attention fair officials say the rabbits have been relocated and they will no longer be used as prizes.

The full statement from the Red River Valley Fair is listed below:

On behalf of the Red River Valley Fair, I would first like to apologize for the use of rabbits as a prize at one of the Murphy Brothers Carnival stands. We understand and agree with the concerns about the treatment and livelihood of the rabbits. Since the discovery, the rabbits have been relocated and are no longer being used as prizes to the public. We did not have knowledge of this giveaway, and we do not condone animals being used as prizes, as we hold high standards for all live animals.

For many years, we’ve had animals on grounds for the public to see, learn about and encounter through our well-cared for animal attractions, and this incident does not reflect on our views and policies of animal treatment.

We hope your experience at the Red River Valley Fair is a positive one.