Our Policy Statements - Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF)
The Aims of the RWAF
The RWAF exists to promote the quality of life of domestic rabbits kept as pets in the UK. The activities of the association will be directed solely within this context.
Rabbit Show Jumping
Rabbit show jumping has attracted a considerable amount of media interest recently and has brought to the public's attention the fact that rabbits are intelligent and active, and that they are capable of being trained and having a bond with their owners. These are positive messages that we hope would help to improve the status of the often neglected rabbit, to that of cats and dogs.
However, the RWAF does have concerns about rabbit show jumping. Having seen rabbits perform like this we fear that owners might be tempted to try this for themselves, without allowing the rabbits to become physically accustomed to it first, therefore risking injury.
Sadly, a huge number of pet rabbits live in hutches with no space to exercise, and therefore develop muscular and skeletal problems. There is an obvious danger to strapping a harness on a rabbit in this condition and trying to make it jump over hurdles.
We would urge all owners instead to encourage exercise by providing a large secure enclosure with toys and digging places in which the rabbits can display their natural behaviours in a stress-free environment.
There is also a danger that the media interest in show jumping could encourage rabbit sales, and baby rabbits could spend this summer show jumping, and then the next summer be forgotten. There is already a huge problem of rabbits being bought by people who have not considered the long term responsibilities and then, when the novelty has worn off, being abandoned or doomed to a miserable life alone in a hutch. Additionally, rabbits are prey animals and could become extremely stressed in a noisy and busy environment found at a show jumping event, and are not always suited to the travel to and from the event. Owners should ask themselves whether show jumping is for the rabbit, or for the owner. We believe that the welfare of each individual rabbit must be prioritised above the owner's desire to compete in this manner.
However, any owner who is thinking about trying out show jumping with their rabbits should ensure they themselves are properly trained in how to teach their pet using reward-based training techniques - never just by pulling the harness and dragging the rabbit over the jump, and ensure that if they attend any competitions that there is a quiet resting area.
Breeding
As long as rabbits are kept as pets the deliberate breeding of rabbits, is going to take place. And as an organisation the RWAF want to see it done properly, by responsible breeders that can offer correct advice and support to the new owner, and from strong parents to prevent any avoidable health problems in later life.
Breeding should only be undertaken by responsible breeders with careful regard to the immediate and future welfare of all offspring produced. In particular, rabbits should move directly from the breeder's premises to their new home. Breeders should accept lifetime responsibility for the animals they breed, make every effort to avoid propagating hereditary health problems in their rabbits, and seek to produce animals that are well socialised, of sound temperament, and suited to life as pets.
The RWAF is totally opposed to the casual breeding of rabbits.
Pet Shops
The RWAF does not condone the sale of rabbits from Pet Shops and would prefer to see them obtained from rescue centres, or their place of birth. However, as an organisation we feel that it is necessary to work with pet shops in order to change opinion and to work towards the correct information being accessible to existing and potential rabbit owners, as well as members of staff, to promote rabbit welfare.
Environment for keeping rabbits
Rabbits should be kept in conditions that cater for their physical and behavioural needs. Provided these needs are met it is equally acceptable for pet rabbits to be kept outdoors in suitable accommodation, or indoors as houserabbits. Keeping a rabbit in solitary confinement in a hutch is unacceptable.
Rescue
The RWAF strongly supports rabbit rescue. The RWAF aims to provide support and educational material for rescue centres but feels that there is a need for a national body to promote rabbit welfare issues without getting tied down with the hands on stuff.
Feeding
The RWAF issues feeding recommendations based upon veterinary advice, which may of course change from time to time.
Our current recommendation is that rabbits should eat a grass or hay based diet. For most rabbits, we recommend feeding limited quantities of a top quality branded rabbit food (mix or pellets) plus unlimited hay. This basic diet can be supplemented with green foods. Altering the proportions of the above components provides a more natural diet consisting mainly of greens and hay with even smaller quantities of mix/pellets. This "hay and veggie" diet suits many rabbits as it is reasonably close to the wild rabbits’ diet as possible.
Rabbits and children
Rabbits are ground-loving prey animals, who become friendly and responsive when properly treated. But rabbits are vulnerable to injury if handled badly and rarely appreciate being cuddled. Therefore, rabbits do not make good children's pets, but can make successful family pets, if parents respect the needs of the rabbit and the limitations of the children. Adults must accept all the responsibility of caring for the rabbit.
Health care
The RWAF believes that preventative health care is very important. The RWAF strongly recommends that all rabbits are vaccinated against both VHD and myxomatosis. We suggest that members insure their rabbits for vets’ bills, and recommend that all pet rabbits (both bucks and does) should be neutered. This is for the triple benefits of behavioural improvement, health benefits, and population control by preventing accidental litters. However, we also appreciate that no surgery is risk-free. We aim to ensure our members use an experienced vet and are fully counselled regarding the risks & benefits of neutering beforehand.
Rabbits and Guinea Pigs
The RWAF does not recommend keeping rabbits and guinea pigs together. Although we are aware of some cases where this arrangement works very well, we know of many more when keeping these very dissimilar species together is detrimental to one or both animals.
Other organisations
Wherever possible the RWAF liaises with other organisations whose interests also include rabbit issues, to ensure our members receive the best possible and most up-to-date information and advice available.
Scruffing
A study has shown that ‘scruffing’ rabbits - holding by loose skin on back of the neck
to handle them - can be stressful. Therefore, the RWAF recommends that rabbits are handled in the following manner instead:
lifted gently and securely, one hand should be across the shoulder blades, fingers gently supporting the chest of the rabbit whilst the other is under the rabbit's bottom, taking the bulk of the weight
Last revised March 2007
Issue 3
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Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund - A hutch is not enough...
