Creating better tomorrows for all pet rabbits
What are codes of practice?
Codes of practice give clear guidance on what good animal welfare looks like.
They also set the bar when it comes to legal protection. For instance, a court could use the guidelines to determine whether someone has followed the codes or not. They can then decide whether an offence has been committed.
In the animal codes of practice, there are Five Welfare Needs which have been set out in the Animal Welfare Act.
These five needs are:
- A suitable environment.
- A good diet.
- To demonstrate normal behaviour.
- To be housed with, or apart from other animals.
- To be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
Good Practice Code for the Welfare of Rabbits
Great news! We’re delighted to have been working closely with partners to create the new Good Practice Code for the Welfare of Rabbits.
By teaming up with heavy weights like the RSPCA and AGPAW (All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare), we’ve agreed and published a number of influential guidelines.
The next stage is for DEFRA to adopt the codes so they become statutory. Right now, the Good Practice Code for the Welfare of Rabbits is available on the RSPCA and AGPAW’s websites.
Let’s spread the word and build awareness. Send any rabbit owners, forums or vets here to download and share it.
There is also a Widget version, which can be downloaded here.
Thank you!
