Rabbit Welfare Guide

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No. 1 Avoid buying meat from rabbits farmed in cages

Most rabbits farmed for meat are kept in barren wire cages that severely restrict their movement and natural behaviour. If you buy farmed rabbit meat, make sure it is from rabbits reared in higher-welfare ground reared systems. Remember, if the package contains no information about the raising system, you can presume it’s cage keeping and you shouldn’t buy it.

No. 2 Avoid buying products made with angora wool

Angora rabbits are kept in cages and must endure the stress of repeated plucking or shearing to remove their soft downy fur.

No 3 If you own or are thinking of bringing a companion rabbit into your life, make sure you know how to provide for your companion’s welfare needs

Rabbits are highly social animals, yet over one million pet rabbits in the UK are kept alone without any contact with other rabbits. Hutches that are too small, lack of opportunities for enrichments, exercise and inappropriate diet are also common problems.

No.4 Environment, ensure your rabbit has a suitable living place

Rabbits are athletic animals and need space to hop skip and jump and space to hide and feel secure. Damp, poorly ventilated living spaces can cause rabbits to become ill. Rabbits can suffer if they are bored and they can easily injure themselves, space is vital for rabbit welfare. So if you already got a bunny then make sure it has company and plenty of space.

No. 5 Protect rabbits from illness and injury, providing treatment when needed

Be informed and prepared, you can prevent suffering and many diseases. Ensure your rabbit health is tip top by watching out for parasites, fly strike, teeth problems. Keep your pet up to date with vaccinations, always contact your vet for advise, information and help.

No. 6 If you are looking to adopt a companion rabbit, consider visiting a rescue centre/shelter

Every year, thousands of rabbits are handed into rescue centres in the UK. If you think you could give a home to an unwanted rabbit, research where your local rescue centre is and enquire.

No. 7 Spread the word about the suffering of rabbits

Write to your local newspaper and highlight the suffering of rabbits on farms, or ask your local radio station to cover the issue. Get in touch with our campaigns team if you would like any help or information

No. 8 Ask companies about their policies that affect rabbit welfare

Write to companies to ask about their policy on welfare. Ask retailers and restaurants about the sourcing of any rabbit meat they sell and ask them not to sell or use meat from rabbits reared in cages.

No. 9 Ask the government to improve legislation to protect rabbit welfare

Write to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and ask them to phase out the farming of rabbits in cages and revise the outdated welfare code for farmed rabbits. Contact our campaigns department for more information.

No. 10 Join Four Paws and support our campaigns to protect rabbits from suffering

Four Paws campaigns for a ban on the farming of rabbits in cages and an end to the suffering of rabbits in the UK and across Europe.

Click here for more information about our rabbit welfare campaign.

Contact our Campaign team if you would like a mini-booklet version of our new guide.

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