CLOSER NEWS REPORT
A lack of laws to protect them, combined with the increased cost of living has resulted in a crisis for the UK’s most neglected pet
As we enter into the lunar new year of the rabbit, the fluffy household pet has never been more in need of help. Despite huge demand for pet rabbits in the UK during and after lockdown, rescue centres have been running beyond capacity, with many having to close or downsize due to a strain on resources.
The latest data reveals there are over one million pet rabbits in the UK, 20,000 of which were bred in the last two years, making them the third most popular pet after dogs and cats.
Yet unlike pups and kittens, there is no legal requirement of a licence to breed bunnies, meaning that many are born into unsafe, unsanitary conditions. They are also frequently mis-sexed, which means pet owners can unknowingly be taking home a male buck and female doe rabbit, resulting in unwanted accidental litters.
The RSPCA reports an unprecedented spike in rabbits coming into their rescue centres. Between 2020 and 2021 there was a 28 per cent increase, with the number rising again last year.
And the cost-of-living crisis has only made matters worse, with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F) calculating an average monthly increase of £88 to £121 per month to keep a pair of pet rabbits. With a lifespan of up to 13 years, this is a massive financial commitment.
URGENT ACTION
Rae Waters, Director of the RWA&F says, “In recent months we’ve been alarmed at some of the welfare cases coming forward. Owners are often unaware of underlying, serious health concerns that aren’t visible or checked by the breeders they are buying from.”
She explains why the lack of requirement to sex rabbits correctly can cause a bigger issue saying, “If you unknowingly end up with an unneutered male and female, they can end up breeding quickly, leaving you with multiple rabbits that you don’t have the resources for. Once the doe has given birth, she can almost immediately be pregnant again, and so the cycle continues.
“With no legislation in the UK for rabbits to be sexed correctly, nor any requirements for rabbit breeders to be licensed, urgent action is needed by the government to change the laws surrounding rabbit breeding.”
Samantha Ryan, 35, is a Behaviour and Training Specialist for Small Animals and works at the Woodgreen Pets Charity in Cambridgeshire.
IMPULSE BUY
She says, “I’ve never seen the intake of rabbits, both pets and strays, so high before. The current waiting list for those wanting to rehome their bunnies is nine months.
“A lot of people buy rabbits on impulse, thinking they will be an ideal starter pet or easy with childr
