PRESS RELEASE: 13th March 2008

Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund


Easter fun? A life of misery for hutch bound rabbits

The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) raised concerns today over the unsatisfactory hutches being sold by many sold by many high street pet retailers, alongside smaller pet stores leading to pet rabbits living in cramped conditions. According to a recent RSPCA survey carried out in the South and South West, inspectors found that well over half of the rabbits they visited did not have adequate hutches, and 70% did not have access to a run. RWAF Welfare Executive, Jo Edgar said “We are appalled at these figures, especially in light of the Animal Welfare Act which came into being last year. The act states that all pet owners have a duty of care for their animals and yet these statistics clearly show that it is simply being ignored.”

The RWAF is calling for all manufacturers to build bigger hutches and recommend that hutches should be constructed no less than 6ft x 2ft x 2ft and should be supplied with either a run or regular access to an exercise area should be available.

Earlier this year, supermarket giant, Tesco, withdrew their starter hutches from sale from all branches due to pressure from RWAF members. RWAF Veterinary Executive, Judith Brown said “We simply couldn’t believe how tiny these hutches were. They were totally unsuitable for rabbits. Rabbits need exercise and lots of it. If you think of how they live in the wild, you will understand that they need plenty of space in which to run around. It is unacceptable to house a rabbit in a tiny hutch. We were delighted that Tesco acknowledged our concerns”.

Many of the RWAF members, including Patron, Ingrid Tarrant, have rabbits that live indoors with their owners just like dogs and cats. They can be housetrained and can make superb indoor companions.

If you would like to know more, please visit the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund website: http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk./ For further information about the Animal Welfare Bill, contact the RWAF: email: hq@rabbitwelfare.co.uk or telephone: 0870 046 5249

ENDS

For more information contact: Anne Mitchell, RWF 0870 046 5249 or email: hq@rabbitwelfare.co.uk

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Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) Background The RWAF has been in existence since 1996 when it began life as the British Houserabbit Association. The RWAF now comprises the Association, made up of paying members and the Fund, which is the charitable wing of the organisation. Registered as a charity in March 2001, the RWF received its original funding from the donations given by members of the RWAF to help in its educational projects. The RWAF is the UK’s leading body on rabbit welfare. Every year, thousands of their educational leaflets are produced and distributed via veterinary practices, rescue centres, pet shops and directly from the RWAF. They hold an annual educational conference, and each year it gets bigger and better. Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Nurses along with rabbit owners and rescue workers can keep up to date with the latest developments from the distinguished panel of rabbit experts. The RWF is delighted to be a partner with Bristol Zoo in funding a 3 year Veterinary Resident. They hope this will have a great impact throughout the veterinary profession and rabbit clients will benefit as a result. The RWAF were also involved in the consultation process of the updated 2004 Animal Act, and sit on the panel of other pro-active organisations such as the Pets Advertising Advisory Group.