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 the Good Practice Codes for the Welfare of Pet Rabbits.
Images like this should be a thing of the past, but they are far too common, and there is nothing about it that is OK.
Please try to avoid giving places that house rabbits like this your hard-earned money, but if you do see something like this, then please speak up!
Please politely complain to the establishment at the time, then follow it up in writing. Put your complaint in writing to the local authority who should issue the relevant licence too. Complain to the RSCPA, as they have Inspectors who can enter the premises and issue improvement notices.
Let your family and friends know that these standards are not acceptable.
We need to make sure that parents are aware that this is not acceptable. Of course, children like to see and pet the rabbits, but there is little or no consideration given to the welfare of the rabbits, and it gets even worse when the children are allowed to handle or pet the rabbits as this is very frightening for them.
