The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) does not support the use of rabbits in schools, classrooms, or therapeutic environments, including for short-term visits or animal-assisted therapy.
There is no robust evidence to demonstrate that such interactions provide meaningful or lasting benefits to children or participants. In contrast, there is clear and growing concern about the negative welfare impact on rabbits and other small prey animals like guinea pigs placed in these environments.
Rabbits are prey animals with complex physical, social, and emotional needs. Exposure to unpredictable, noisy, and highly stimulating settings, such as classrooms or therapy sessions, can cause significant stress, fear, and long-term harm. Even brief visits compromise their welfare, particularly when handling is involved or when rabbits are kept alone, transported frequently, or denied appropriate housing and companionship.
RWAF’s Position:
- Rabbits should not be used in educational or therapeutic settings for any purpose.
- Welfare must always take precedence over human benefit.
- The absence of evidence for positive outcomes, combined with the high risk of welfare compromise, makes such practices unacceptable.
Recommended Alternatives. RWAF encourages organisations to explore non-contact educational approaches, such as:
- Virtual rabbit welfare sessions
- Visits to accredited rescue centres (without direct handling)
- Ambassador-led talks and resources
- Use of cuddly toy rabbits instead of live ones
More information is available here on our website.
We welcome collaboration with educators and therapy providers who wish to promote rabbit welfare responsibly and ethically.
