Policy Statements

Welfare of rabbits in rabbit shows is a concern to the RWA&F.

This statement covers both the presence of:

• Companion rabbits at such shows, i.e. domestic, pet rabbits not kept specifically as show rabbits, and entered into any rabbit show ranging from school fetes to the pet classes of open (all breed) BRC shows.
• Show rabbits that belong to hobby breeders, usually registered with the BRC and entered into BRC shows.

The main concerns in showing rabbits regard stress and biosecurity. Whilst some of these risks are minor, showing a pet rabbit has no benefit to the animal, and it’s hard to justify attendance at a show for these animals.

Stress at rabbit shows

There are many causes of stress to the rabbits who attend these types of shows:

• Travel to shows can cause significant stress to rabbits.
• The nature of these events means that extremes of heat or cold may occur.
• Shows that are held on more than one day in a row may involve overnight accommodation away from the rabbits’ home environments.
• Show cages are often limited in size, and may not permit hiding from potentially stress-inducing people or other animals. They may not include space for sufficient food, water, and litter trays, nor for social groups to be kept together.
• Some mixed pet shows may include predator animals such as dogs or ferrets coming into close proximity with rabbits.
• Pet rabbits are used to attending shows and the type of handling involved. This makes them much more likely to feel stress as a result.
• Judging usually involves handling techniques that include ‘trancing’ the rabbit, which we know is very stressful and is unacceptable.
• Stress can trigger gut stasis, a deadly condition for rabbits.

Biosecurity at rabbit shows

There is no obligation to vaccinate rabbits at shows, and so it is possible for rabbits in attendance to acquire potentially fatal diseases such as Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease and Myxomatosis, as well as others, which cannot be vaccinated against, such as airborne respiratory tract diseases and E. cuniculi. If people do decide to show their rabbits, we strongly advise ensuring their vaccinations are up to date, and that good hygiene and biosecurity measures are employed (washing hands between handling animals, washing surfaces between rabbits, and flea control).

Home life of show rabbits

As well as the concerns about rabbits attending shows, there are wider concerns for the rabbits owned by hobby breeders as they are often kept in conditions that do not meet the good practice codes for the welfare of rabbits.

• Housing does not meet minimum standards because there are too many rabbits to house in this way.
• Rabbits are used for breeding so are not neutered and are unable to live permanently with other rabbits.

Because there is no benefit to the rabbits taking part in shows and numerous concerns, the RWA&F would like to see all rabbit shows abolished.