The Rabbit Welfare Problem

This text is taken from the fantastic the 'Make Mine Chocolate' website. We are in full support of this campaign:

Rabbit Welfare in the UK

There are many that think there is no rabbit welfare issue in the UK. Afterall, rabbits just sit in their hutch at the end of the garden, don’t they? Er, no....

It is reported that rabbits are the third most popular pet in Britain after cats and dogs. They are the third most popular, but surveys suggest they are the most neglected and abused pet in the UK.

There are many rabbit rescues scattered across the UK. All are full to capacity (and many over capacity) with the same number of rabbits again waiting to be given a space in the rescue. It is estimated there are 35,000 rabbits passing through rescues each year. These are the lucky ones. Many, many more face neglect, abuse and abandonment. Just because their owners “don’t want them anymore”.

The reasons for the current poor level of rabbit welfare in the UK are many, and not one single solution will resolve the issue. However, educating people at all levels about how to care for rabbits correctly is a must.

The Make Mine Chocolate! campaign is focusing on one key area - that of impulse buying. It is known that about 60% of rabbits entering rescue are given up within the first year of ownership. Clearly people are buying rabbits without realising what they are taking on.

Looking after a Rabbit.

Don’t get us wrong, rabbits are wonderful pets - they make great companions and can also live with the family indoors as house rabbits too!

However, they have specialised needs in order to live a happy and contented life and their owners must ensure they care for them correctly - the Animal Welfare Act actually makes this a legal requirement.

The fact is that ...

• Rabbits are a long term commitment - they can live for 8 - 10 years or more
• Rabbits DO NOT make good childrens pets! They hate being picked up or held
• Rabbits will struggle if held by inexperienced hands - resulting in possible injury to them or the owner
• Rabbits should be at least in a pair - and they should only be living with other rabbits (not guinea pigs etc)
• Rabbits require several vaccinations annually
• Rabbits must be housed in suitably sized accomodation - the minimum recommended by the RSPCA and RWAF is 6ft x 2ft x 2ft
• Rabbits must eat around 80% hay as their daily food intake else dental and gut issues will occur
• Rabbits can cost over £1000 a year or more to keep
• Rabbits are NOT low maintenance pets - they require as much attention (if not more) as dogs or cats
• Rabbits cannot be ‘set free’. This is a painful, terrifying death sentence - really. Domestic rabbits are not equiped to live in the wild
• Rabbits should be neutered or spayed

A Few Figures ...

Surveys suggest there are over 35,000 rabbits passing through rescues in the UK each year - these, however, are the lucky ones. Many, many more are ‘set free’ to face a likely sudden any terrifying death in the wild - a place they are ill equipped to live in.
All rescues are full to capacity (and more) and all have long waiting lists of rabbits in urgent need of rescue. Data from a survey of more than 3,500 rabbits entering rescue show that over 60% are given up in the first year of ownership - 40% within the first six months! ... Shocking

Here is a super video by the Rabbit Welfare Association and Happy Hoppers forum explaining in detail why spacious rabbit accommodation is essential.

More information on appropriate rabbit accommodation can be found on our rabbit housing page.

Please read these great advice leaflets created by the Rabbit Welfare Association:

Basic rabbit set ups.

The reality of small hutches.

How do you keep your bunny?

A hutch is not enough leaflet.

For the most accurate and up to date advice on all matters rabbit related please visit the Rabbit Welfare Association advice centre.