RVHD2 ‘highly virulent’ update
We are aware of a new strain of ‘highly virulent’ RVHD2 and have been working very hard to get all of the up-to-date information on this for several months. As a result, we have issued a communication to both rabbit owners and veterinary professionals to advise that all rabbits should have two vaccinations each year. […]
National Rabbit Festival 2024
We are looking forward to the National Rabbit Festival this weekend and hope to see lots of you there! Please come and say Hello to us if you are going.
Fraudulent Rescue – have you been scammed?
People are raising concerns about fraudulent fundraising for rabbits by individuals online. The post advises donating only to verified rescues or trusted individuals to avoid scams. It provides steps for reporting suspected fraudulent activities, unwell animals, or non-compliant organisations, and emphasises caution and due diligence in supporting rabbit welfare.
Rabbit Strategy Launched
The background to this strategy document is that the organisation that was responsible for it was formed over 10 years ago. It was called the Rabbit Welfare Group and was formed as a result of the then ‘England Implementation Group’ (EIG), which reported to Defra. EIG has since been replaced by the Companion Animal Sector […]
Cardboard
A message from our Specialist Veterinary Adviser, Richard Saunders We are aware of lots of comments regarding cardboard at the moment. Cardboard toilet and paper towel roll inners can be very useful as an enrichment tool. Many, many rabbit owners use boxes filled with hay and with holes cut inside, or toilet roll inners stuffed […]
Farm parks, mobile zoos and animal encounters.
Rabbits have the misfortune of being found in various locations, such as farm parks, mobile petting zoos, and animal encounters. These places should all be licenced and inspected, so they should have good welfare standards, but the truth is that we have yet to see one that we think meets the Animal Welfare Act and […]
Home Sweet Home. Renting with your rabbit
We know it can be hard to find pet-friendly rental accommodation. Guest post by Elaine Line We frequently hear of people having to give up their much-loved pets when moving into rented property. This is very distressing for owners and can also place huge burdens on animal rescues who very often have to try and […]
2023 Round Up
There are many reasons rabbits are amongst the most neglected of pets and so much work to do to improve their welfare. As we say goodbye to 2023 and welcome 2024, we thought it would be helpful to share with you what we think are the main problems and how we’re trying to help. We […]
The Rabbit-Friendly Vet Directory
A reminder that we have a published rabbit-friendly vet directory on our website, which is free for you to use. Vets are assessed thoroughly, and not everyone who applies passes and is included. Any complaints about member practices are taken very seriously and fully investigated. A lot of work goes into maintaining this rabbit-friendly directory […]
Perceptions of the Rabbit
Although initiatives to improve companion rabbit welfare have been made in recent times, through e.g. the availability of evidence-based husbandry guidelines, the traditional view of these animals as children’s ‘starter pets’ is still prevailing. A recent study by Cecilie Ravn Skovlund, Peter Sandøe and their colleagues highlights how such views can be detrimental to rabbit […]
