Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund News

The winter's rolling in, please keep your rabbits warm

noreply@blogger.com (alan) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:28:00 +0000

Extremely cold weather has been forecast in the UK, so please please take steps to ensure your rabbits are protected from the extreme conditions. See the link below for some great ideas.

http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/resources/content/warm_as_toast.doc

Rabbit Welfare Fund 2010 Conference

noreply@blogger.com (alan) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:06:00 +0000

The Rabbit Welfare Fund 2010 Conference will be held at the Village Hotel, Bury,Manchester – on Saturday 22nd May 2010.

To book your place, go to our shop site: www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/catalog

Once again the conference will comprise two series of lectures. One series will be for veterinary professionals (veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and students) and the other for rabbit owners, rescue workers, animal care assistants, and is open to anyone with an interest in rabbits.

Rabbit owners/rescuers and veterinary professionals need to be aware of different information relating to the medical care of rabbits. Dividing delegates into veterinary and non-veterinary streams ensures that the lectures are tailored to meet the special requirements of each group.

A distinguished panel of veterinary surgeons and experts will deliver the lectures to each group in the morning and afternoon sessions, so each group will be able to listen to all six speakers. There will be an opportunity for questions.

Registration will begin at 8.30am with lectures beginning at 9.30am and ending at 5pm.

A full delegate pack, refreshments throughout the day and a buffet lunch are included in the price of the conference. Please specify on the booking form if you require a vegetarian or vegan meal. If you require a more specialised diet we recommend that you bring your own.

Please also advise if you are a vet/ vet nurse/rabbit owner/rescue so that you can be put in the correct stream.

Accommodation – Those wishing to stay at the Village Hotel must arrange this directly with the hotel. 0161 7626014. Reduced rates are available by quoting reference DE00712125 when making your reservation.

Accommodation costs are not included in the delegate ticket price.

The delegate rates for the conference will be
RWA member booking up to & including 20th March 2010 =£80.00
RWA member booking after 20 March 2010 = £90.00
Non RWA member booking up to & including 20th March 2010 £95.00
Non RWA member booking after 20 March 2010 £105.00

The RWA members discount applies only to the named RWA member or for a Veterinary Surgery membership, to those working at the practice. Partners/friends of RWA members must pay the non RWA members rate.

It is recommended that bookings should be made as soon as possible, to take advantage of the of the reduced ‘early bird’ rates.

Speakers and topics will be:

Brigitte Reusch BVetMed (Hons) CertZooMed MRCVS
First Dedicated Lecturer in Rabbit Medicine & Surgery in Europe.
Royal (Dick)School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh University

Advances in rabbit anaesthesia - How can we make it safer ?

Kevin Eatwell BVSc (Hons) DZooMed (Reptilian) Dip ECZM(Herp)RCVS MRCVS
Recognised Veterinary Veterinary Specialist In Zoological Medicine ( herpetological) Royal (Dick)School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh University

The use of diagnostic endoscopy in rabbit medicine..

Sharon Redrobe BSc(Hons)BVetMed CertLAS DZooMed MRCVS.,RCVS Diplomate in Zoological Medicine, RCVS. Recongnised Specialist in Zoological Medicine.
Head of Veterinary Services, Bristol Zoo Gardens.

Safe and Deadly Medicines for rabbits

Molly Varga BVet Med DZoo Med MRCVS
Cheshire Pet
Examiner of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons ZoologicalMedicine Board & External Examiner for the Modular Zoological Medicine Certificate for the University of Edinburgh

Adrenal disease in rabbits.

Richard Saunders BSc(Hons) BVSC CertZooMed CBiol MiBiol MRCVS
RWA/F Veterinary Resident/Bristol Zoo Gardens. Senior Clinical training Scholar in Rabbit & Zoological Medicine.

Liver lobe torsion A Deadly Twist

Anna Meredith MA VetMB CertLAS DZooMed MRCVS
Head of Exotic Animal Services, University of Edinburgh
RCVS Diplomate in Zoological Medicine. RCVS Recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine.

The rabbit GI tract – on a knife edge “

Veterinary Stream
Chair
Matt Brash BVetMed MRCVS
TV Zoo Vet & Small Animal Veterinary Advisor to Burgess Pet Care

Owners Stream
Chair
Ingrid Tarrant
RWF Patron, TV Personality & Author

Conditions of booking

1 Full payment must be made at the time of booking.
2 Cancellations by delegates: All cancellations must be notified in writing. The RWF regrets that it cannot offer refunds for cancelled places unless it is able to re-sell the ticket. If the conference sells out , the ticket price less a cancellation fee of 25% will be refunded.
3 Cancellation by the organisers, in the unlikely event of cancellation of the event by the RWF, the ticket price paid will be refunded in full. However the RWF cannot be responsible for consequent expenses incurred by the delegates.
4 The organisers reserve the right to amend the programme or speakers without prior notice.
5 A surcharge of £5 will be levied for any changes to delegates details once an application has been processed (unless an error is made by the organisers)
6 Only the named individual for whom the ticket is purchased will be permitted to attend the conference
7 The RWF reserves the right to validate veterinary professionals’ employment to ensure eligibility to attend the veterinary professionals lectures.
8 If bookings are delayed or lost in the post and arrive after 20 March 2010, delegates will be required to pay the additional charge for their place.
9 Bookings must be received by the 14th May 2010

For further information
Contact Anne Mitchell by telephone 0844 3246090 or by e mail hq@rabbitwelfare.co.uk

To book a place, please fill in the form and send it together with your cheque(payable to The Rabbit Welfare Fund) or your debit/credit card details. and an A5 large letter SAE (for confirmation of your booking, accommodation and travel details) to:
Conference Bookings, PO Box 603, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 5WL

Bookings may also be made on line at www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/catalog/

Please ensure you have read and accept the booking conditions.

Delegates will be sent confirmation of their booking. If this has not been received within two weeks of application, please contact Anne Mitchell.

Rabbit Care Project - Please help with the survey

noreply@blogger.com (alan) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:14:00 +0000

Katie Emmerson, A Veterinary Medicine Student from the University of Nottingham is undertaking a research project on how pet rabbits are kept in the UK. There is surprisingly little information available about how rabbits are kept as pets, and so any piece of research in this area is extremely valuable to the RWAF cause of improving the lives of pet rabbits in this country.

Please spare a few moments and click here to take the survey

Important Announcement - Change of Telephone Number

noreply@blogger.com (alan) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 21:04:00 +0000

Due to a change in OFCOM regulations, The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund's telephone number has been changed to 0844 3246090.

Please ensure that you have amended your address book as, if you dial the old number the association will be charged.

noreply@blogger.com (alan) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:17:00 +0000

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Association with RWAF

Owner Lecture - Autumn Bunny Needs

Wednesday 9^th September 2009 at the Hospital for Small Animals, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG.

Free advice.

Free care sheets.

Free evening presentation by Brigitte Reusch

Owner lecture from 6:00-7.00 pm on "Rabbit care for Autumn and Winter" including information on diet and housing to help prevent disease in these seasons. Top tips on rabbit handling will also be given.

Everyone interested in the care of pet rabbits welcome.

Light refreshments will be available during the meeting.

To register for the evening meeting, please contact (0131) 650 7650. Further information can be found on the university website www.dickvetexotics.com.

Please Protect Your Rabbit from the Summer Heat

noreply@blogger.com (alan) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:53:00 +0000

In the hot summer weather please remember to do everything you can to keep your rabbits cool and comfortable. In the wild they can burrow below ground to keep cool but domestic rabbits don’t have that luxury so please do what you can.

If your rabbits are outside then please make sure they have plenty of shade. If their run can be put over cold paving slabs out of sunlight then they can spread themselves out over the cool stones to keep their temperature down. Battery operated fans are also a good idea and can be picked up cheaply on ebay or in shops. It’s important to make sure that the rabbits can’t get any part of their body caught in the fan though. A good trick is to freeze a plastic bottle of water for them to lean against if they are too hot. Please note that the bottle must always be wrapped in a tea towel to prevent ice-burn. Keep a spare in the freezer to replace the other when it thaws. Garden umbrellas are also a good idea to keep a run out of direct sunlight but please be sure to move it as the sun’s position changes so it continues to provide cover.

And please always be on the lookout for the risk of Flystrike, which is much greater in the hot weather as the number of flies increases. For those who don’t know, Flystrike is a common and deadly condition for domestic rabbits, where flies lay their eggs in soiled fur, resulting in maggots hatching and literally eating the rabbit’s flesh. Ideally rabbits should be cleaned out every day and be given clean, fresh hay. Check your rabbit’s bottom regularly and ensure that it is clean. If not then gently clean with lukewarm water and cotton wool, before patting dry with kitchen towel. Another trouble spot for flystrike is just above the tail, so please be sure to check there too. If your rabbit has long hair then it needs to be brushed regularly. Plastic netting can be obtained from DIY shops and placed over runs and hutches to prevent flies getting in easily.

Keep an eye on your buns, and if you have any doubts then please get them checked out by a vet. Remember that rabbits are prey animals and will, by instinct, disguise any illness or injury as much as possible, so please watch carefully and observe any signs of over heating, or any other kind of problem.

If you know anybody who has a pet rabbit then please pass this information on to them.

Royal Veterinary College - Fly Strike Study

noreply@blogger.com (alan) — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:56:00 +0000

The Royal Veterinary College (University of London) are, with the support of the RWAF, undertaking a study into Blowfly strike, an all too common and fatal condition in domestic rabbits.

They're asking for help from rabbit owners to spend a few minutes completing a survey to help in their resarch into this terrible condition. In case you need prompting, there are prizes on offer kindly donated by TheHayExperts.com. Please see the message below from the College...

Blowfly strike in rabbits - a deadly disease.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Would you like to help improve the understanding of a dangerous disease as well as be in for a chance to win some great rabbit related prizes from www.thehayexperts.com and The Rabbit Welfare Association?

Be part of a nationwide study that will help us to understand why some rabbits are more susceptible to blowfly strike (infestation with maggots) than others.If your rabbit has suffered blowfly strike in the past, you will know what an unpleasant condition this is. Blowfly strike is not only widespread but also frequently results in the death of the infested rabbit. There are still, however, aspects of the disease that we know relatively little about, such as what factors make certain rabbits more attractive to blowflies than others?

We hope to be able to answer questions like this by means of a nationwide survey of caring and responsible rabbit owners organized by the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund and The Royal Veterinary College (University of London).The survey will be divided into two parts:

(1) The first part is designed to gather together information about your rabbit (breed, sex, age, housing, diet, etc); - FILL THIS IN TODAY!!

and

(2) The second part will only need to be completed if your rabbit suffers blowfly strike this year.This is the first time such a study has been conducted online and should only take around 10 minutes to complete. We will be giving away some great prizes kindly donated from the people at www.thehayexperts.com and The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund for you and your rabbit, the winners will be drawn at random at the end of the study.

If you are a current rabbit owner and would like to help please follow the link below to the survey - and THANK YOU for your help!!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=_2b879e38uUfNLOmLcoCRcEg_3d_3d

Please keep your buns warm in the freezing weather

noreply@blogger.com (alan) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 11:44:00 +0000

This is one of the coldest winters in memory, and pet rabbits who live outside in hutches are particularly at risk at this time of year. Rabbits have fur coats but they only offer so much protection, and in the wild they huddle together in their burrows, sharing body warmth with the rest of the warren. When they’re in a hutch at the end of the garden they don’t have this luxury. Tragically, the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund have had many of calls to the helpline this week from people who have found their rabbits frozen to death.

Please read the following pointers and protect your rabbits from the cold.:

Put a tarpaulin, plastic sheet, or even an old or cheap duvet over the hutch, particularly at night, keep it out of the wind, and preferably bring your rabbit into a shed or indoors while the weather is unbearable. If your bun has health problems then it really won’t stand a chance outside in this weather, so please bring it indoors at least until it warms up.

Line the hutch with plenty of newspapers or old towels, and then fill with lots and lots of hay. Put a cover on the water bottle to stop it freezing, these can be bought in pet shops, along with hutch covers. It's also a good idea to have two water bottles and rotate them, swapping them over in the morning and evening.

When it’s cold and dark, it’s easy to put off feeding and cleaning out the pet rabbit, please take your responsibilities as an owner and do the right thing for the rabbit and make sure it has plenty of food, water and lots and lots of hay - even if it means getting numb fingers in the process. In fact, in weather like this it’s worth getting outside and checking even more than you would normally, so if your rabbit is showing signs of distress due to the cold (eating less, immobile, laboured breathing) then you can get it the medical attention it needs, starting with getting it warm!

Rabbits can’t make a noise like a dog or a cat when they are in distress so they can only suffer in silence. Please do everything you can to keep your rabbit warm in this bitter weather.

For more information on giving your rabbit the life it deserves, see our information leaflets or call our helpline on 0870 046 5249

noreply@blogger.com (alan) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:34:00 +0000

We are delighted to announce our 2009 conference!
Rabbit Health Matters
The 2009 RWF Conference
Saturday 28th February 2009

Who is the conference suitable for?
This conference is suitable for veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, veterinary students, Animal Nursing Assistants, rabbit owners, rescue workers or anyone else involved with or interested in rabbit health. However, to get the best out of the day, non-veterinary professionals will require reasonably extensive rabbit health knowledge.
CPD attendance certificates will be awarded on request.

When and Where?
Saturday 28th February 2009 at the Village Hotel. Chilwell. Nottingham, 9.30am – 5pm. Registration commences at 8.30am.
The lectures will take place in 2 separate conference suites, with exhibition stands and catering situated close by.
The hotel is is situated approximately 6 miles from the mainline railway station in Nottingham, approximately 10 miles from East Midlands Airport and has easy access from the M1 and all road links.

Please see the: online leaflet for further details, or call the helpline on 0870 046 5249.

Book online now!

Members £75 until 2nd January 2009, £90 thereafter

Non-Members £90 until 2nd January 2009, £100 thereafter

Please state when booking if you require vegetarian/vegan catering.

See you there!

Important notice
Unfortunately, since the conference leaflet and Rabbiting On feature went to print, one of our speakers, Frances Harcourt-Brown has had to withdraw from the conference for personal reasons. Frances is extremely sorry to miss it. She will be replaced by Lesa Longley MA BVM&S DZooMed (Mammailian) MRCVS, who will be lecturing on anaesthesia and post-anaesthetic care.

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund News) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 22:29:00 +0000

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

Download a word version of this press release

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.

Jaffa Club - coming soon!

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund News) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 19:48:00 +0000

The Jaffa Club - what is it?

The Jaffa Club is part of the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) but is strictly for kids only. If you're aged between 7 and 11 years old then you are welcome to join!

The club was set up to help you learn all about your rabbits and will put you in touch with other young rabbit owners so you can share tips about your furry friends. Jaffa the rabbit has loads of friends, including Miffy, Henry, Louie and Fiver, and together they will show you how to get the most fun from your buns by giving them what they need to live a happy hoppy life.
What will I get when I join?
When you join you'll receive a fabulous Jaffa Club pack with all sorts of fun items like Jaffa 's calendar which gives you handy tips on what to look out for over the year, a badge, a membership book, fabulous stickers and a handy pencil case. But the fun doesn't stop there! When you join you'll also get a password for entry to Jaffa 's online club!

The online club has all sorts of games and activities. You can test your knowledge about rabbit care in 'Jaffa's HappyHopper' quiz, catch up with Jaffa and his mates through a regular cartoon strip, watch video clips about rabbits, print out rabbit care sheets written specially for kids and speak to other young rabbit owners through the moderated chat forum. So what are you waiting for?

What wll it cost to join the Jaffa Club?
It will cost £7.00 per year to join, and apart from everything else, you'll get a fab jingle ball free too, which will give your furry friends hours of fun. Joining also gives you loads of the normal benefits of the RWAF, like the 'RWAF Vet list' which will help you to find a rabbit-friendly vet in your area, and the 'Bunny Boarding List' which will help you to find someone to look after your furry friends during holidays.

How do I join
Register your interest by sending you name, address, telephone number and email address to rae@hollybushpark.wanadoo.co.uk
Jaffa can't wait for you to hop on board!

PRESS RELEASE - British weather wreaks havoc for pet rabbits

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund News) — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 22:25:00 +0000

PRESS RELEASE 28 August 2007

Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund

British weather wreaks havoc for pet rabbits

The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) issued warnings to pet rabbit owners today about the danger of the killer disease, Myxomatosis, which has seen a steady rise with the warm, damp conditions of recent months.

Judith Brown, RWAF Veterinary Executive explains “The humid weather that we’ve been experiencing of late creates an ideal breeding ground for the fleas and mosquitoes that carry the disease. Unvaccinated rabbits who are infected generally die a slow and painful death”.

Rabbits owners are being urged to have their pets vaccinated against Myxomatosis as soon as possible. The advice from the RWAF backed by patron, Ingrid Tarrant, comes after the helpline received a massive increase in reports of pet rabbits, country-wide dying from this disease over the past few weeks.

Rachel Todd, RWAF Education Executive said: "Vaccination is the only way to protect your rabbit against the disease. Sadly, not all pet rabbits are protected by vaccination, largely because rabbit owners are unaware that a vaccine is available. Myxomatosis vaccine can be given from as young as six weeks old protecting the rabbit for six months in the face of an outbreak."

House rabbit owners are warned that their pets aren’t safe either. According to RWAF Committee member and long-time houserabbit owner, Lizzie Smith “Myxomatosis is contracted via biting insects such as fleas or mosquitoes – as these are free living, they can be indirectly carried into your home and then infect pet rabbits”.

In addition to vaccination, rabbit owners can taken preventative steps against Myxomatosis by fitting fly screens to outdoor hutches; eliminating standing water, such as ponds (where mosquitoes might breed) from gardens; preventing wild rabbits from getting into gardens; and making sure that there’s nothing to attract vermin and wild birds to hutches and runs.

Rabbit owners can find more information on Myxomatosis and other important rabbit health topics on the RWAF web site http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk,/ from their local veterinary practice, or from the RWAF National Helpline 01403 267658.

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

Water bottle warning

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund News) — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 22:19:00 +0000

We all know we should give our rabbits fresh water every day, and ensure that they have enough water during the warm weather, especially if we want them to be able to eat their hay! However, we've been made aware of a potential danger with water bottles. There have been some cases reported where the ball bearing has become stuck and the small animal has not been able to get a drink, despite the bottle being full of water. Please therefore check your water bottles every day and make sure the bearing can move freely. If in doubt, use a water bowl too, or a second bottle.

Jaffa Club for kids

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund News) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 21:10:00 +0000

The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) has long been aware that children are generally the driving force behind the purchase of pet rabbits owned by families. Although well-intentioned, parents are often ill-advised on the basic requirements of rabbits, and tens of thousands of them end up abandoned in rescue centres every year. Worse; as revealed in an RSPCA survey in 2006, 40% of them die through neglect. The RWAF hopes to address this sad state of affairs by launching ‘The Jaffa Club’ in 2008, which will be targeted at school children and will aim to educate them on every aspect of rabbit welfare.

2009 Conference - Rabbit Health Matters

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund News) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:16:00 +0000

The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund is delighted to announce that tickets for the 2009 Conference are now available for purchase.

Saturday 28th February 2009

The Village Hotel, Chilwell, Nottingham.

This conference is suitable for veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, veterinary students, Animal Nursing Assistants, rabbit owners, rescue workers or anyone else involved with or interested in rabbit health.

This year we are accepting online payments.

For further information, please visit: 2009 Conference Leaflet or book online.

Blooms & Burrows Open Garden - Cambridge

noreply@blogger.com (alan) — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 21:54:00 +0000

We welcome visitors to our suburban garden full of blooms and burrows,roses and rabbits, bees and lavender, and our fine pair of Welsh Harlequin ducks.

You are welcome to sit and stroke, stroll and sip, nibble and nose! Children are very very welcome.

At: 25 Elfleda Road, Cambridge CB5 8LZ
(off Whitehill Road, Near Abbey Pool)
Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th June 2.00pm – 6.30pm both days

Entry FREE - donations collected for Rabbit Welfare Fund and Blue Cross.

Home made tea and cakes.
Friendly advice on gardening and rabbit welfare.

PLEASE NO DOGS ALLOWED
PARKING IS VERY LIMITED ON ELFLEDA ROAD - PLEASE PARK AND WALK FROM ADJOINING ROADS.

Live in the Nottingham area? Want to help rabbits?

noreply@blogger.com (alan) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 23:56:00 +0000

The Nottingham RSPCA are holding their Sponsored Dog Walk & Fun Day at Wollaton Park on Sunday 20th May 2007. They have kindly offered us a pitch at the event because they recognize that rabbits get a bad deal as pets, and that our message is important. It is likely that many dog owners who attend the event will have rabbits as second pets, so this is a great chance to get the message out that rabbits deserve better!

Unfortunately we do not have any outreach officers in the close vicinity so we are asking if there are any members out there who would be interested in helping out on the stand. It would involve giving common sense advice about rabbits, giving out leaflets (which we would of course, suppply) and explaining what the RWAF does. This kind of awareness-raising really does work, and encourages people to give more to their rabbits. Most rabbit neglect is out of ignorance, so any good advice really helps.

If you are interested then please contact Alan@rabbitwelfare.co.uk.

Animal Welfare Act - what it means for rabbits and their owners

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund News) — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 17:12:00 +0000

The new Animal Welfare Act is the most innovative piece of animal legislation for almost 100 years. In real terms it means that the law now has the teeth to intervene before cruelty has been inflicted upon an animal, by placing a 'duty of care' on the owner / guardian of all pet animals.

When does the new law come into effect?
From 6 April 2007 in England, and in Wales from 27 March, animal welfare law is being improved.

It is still against the law to be cruel to an animal. But now you must also ensure that all the welfare needs of your animals are met.

What does the new law do?
It makes owners and keepers responsible for ensuring that the welfare needs of their animals are met. These include the need:
- For a suitable environment (place to live)
- For a suitable diet
- To exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- To be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable)
- To be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease
- The new law also increases to 16 the minimum age at which a person can buy an animal and prohibits giving animals as prizes to unaccompanied children under this age.

Anyone who is cruel to an animal, or does not provide for its welfare needs, may be banned from owning animals, fined up to £20,000 and/or sent to prison.

What does it mean to me and my rabbit?
It's not acceptable to keep a solitary rabbit in a small hutch, without the opportunity to exercise. Sadly we know that this is still the case for thousands of pet rabbits in the UK, as they are the most neglected domestic pet. Make sure that you are providing your rabbits with everything they need to live a long and happy life.

The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund suggest the following to properly care for your pet rabbits: Environment Hutches should be a minimum of 6ft x 2ft x 2ft, and preferably with an attached run to allow the rabbits to exercise at will. The run should be 6ft x 4ft x 4ft as a minimum. Hutch size and runs can never be too big, so don't skimp.
Further details about environment for rabbits…

Diet
Fresh food and water should be available at all times. A diet that mimics a natural diet, that is one which is mainly hay or grass, with a smaller proportion of greens and rabbit pellets is ideal. Any changes to the diet should be made gradually watching out for upset tummies and closely checking at least once if not twice a day for flystike.
Further details about diet…

Behaviour
Rabbits like to dig, run and hide. They should be provided with the opportunity to exercise everyday. Ideally a run attached to their hutch, or even better a garden shed with attached enclosure. Don't forget to include toys that allow them to display their natural behaviour such as hay/willow toys for chewing, a planter filled with earth for digging and a place to hide if they want to.
Further details about the needs of rabbits…
Further details about companionship…
Further details about aggression in rabbits…

Companionship
Rabbits are sociable animals and should be kept in pairs or groups, unless a houserabbit with lots of human contact. The companionship and social interaction provided by another rabbit is ideal and much more suitable than housing with another species such as a guinea pig which we would not as a rule advocate. Further details about companionship…
Further details about Houserabbits…
Further details about choosing a rabbit…
Further details about rabbits and children…

Health Care
Annual or twice yearly trips to the vets are a must for their vaccinations (both for myxomatosis and VHD). Rabbits are prey animals and they hide pain well, so be aware of any subtle changes in behaviour or diet and take them to the vet immediately if you are worried. Regular mini MOT's at home can provide invaluable ensuring teeth and nails are not overly long, your rabbit isn't gaining or losing weight, and very importantly that once if not twice a day you check your rabbits behind for signs of soiling to ensure that flystrike can not become an issue.
Further information about neutering…
Further information about vaccination…
Further information about Flystrike…
Further information abut long-haried rabbits…

For more information about the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund check out:
The Fund – why?
Join us

For more information about the Animal Welfare Act look at DEFRA's website

Bunny Jump Donation Site Active

noreply@blogger.com (alan) — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 01:45:00 +0000

If you wanted to support the RWAF by sponsoring Alan Wilson's sky dive on 27th. April then you can now do so at www.justgiving.com/alster

Please remember that ALL money raised is going to help the work of the RWAF, Alan is paying for his own jump.

Now that the RWAF are registered with JustGiving, please feel free to select us as your chosen charity next time you do something that could raise money. Just register your account on www.justgiving.com and select us from the list of charities!

Can you help?

noreply@blogger.com (alan) — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 23:49:00 +0000

Wilton House Veterinary Clinic in Cleveland are planning an evening for their rabbit clients to be held some time in March. Veterinary Nurse, Becky, is appealing for volunteers from the Rabbit Welfare Association to go along and give a short talk on a rabbit-related topic of their choice. Obviously their vets will be doing talks on the importance of vaccinating and neutering and discussing the common problems. Maybe you could talk about houserabbits; litter training; bunny proofing wires; or how to bond a pair of rabbits and the joy of keeping them together. Do you have knowledge of breeds that you could prepare a talk about?

If so please contact Becky on 01287 637470 as she would be delighted to hear from you.

Bunny Jump!

noreply@blogger.com (alan) — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 09:56:00 +0000

As you may have seen in the Spring issue of Rabbiting On, Alan Wilson is doing a Parachute Jump to raise much needed cash to allow the RWAF to continue its vital work to improve the lives of pet rabbits across the UK.

An account is being set up on www.Justgiving.com and will be live in a few days so please make a note to check this news page again to find out how you can support this worthy cause - or email Alan@Houserabbit.co.uk.

Alan is funding his own jump so ALL money raised will go towards helping rabbits.

Thanks!

Spring Hop!

noreply@blogger.com (alan) — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 15:55:00 +0000

LANGFORD HOUSE SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE
UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL

SPRING HOP – 24th February 2007

Please make a note in your diary NOW of an exciting event planned for all rabbit owners and enthusiasts to be held at Langford House Veterinary Practice, attached to the University of Bristol on the Langford site on 24th February 2007.

Events will include a fun rabbit show, a demonstration of different breeds, displays and activities on all aspects of looking after rabbits, a question and answer session with a rabbit behaviourist, videos of common operations, a tour of our new hospitalisation facilities, and fun activities for both children and adults.

If you aren’t able to attend but would like to support the event or take part you could also consider entering the creative writing and photography competitions. The winners will be announced and prizes awarded on the day – contact the surgery now for an entrance form.

A detailed programme will be available nearer the date but please do keep the date free –
Saturday 24th February 2007 between 2 and 5pm in Langford House Small Animal Practice, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU. Telephone number 01934 852422

FREE ‘HEALTHY HOPPER’ MOT’s

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund News) — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 10:24:00 +0000

As part of National Rabbit Week 2007

RWF Rabbit Clinic

Invites you to

FREE ‘HEALTHY HOPPER’ MOT’s

The RWF Rabbit Clinic,

24^th January 2007 from 10 am - 4pm

- To help identify any medical conditions before it’s too late and advise on preventative health care and nutrition

Only 15 free appointments available so book early to avoid disappointment!!!!

To book contact the RWF Rabbit Clinic Tel: 01934852422

A ‘HEALTHY HOPPER’ EVENING

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund News) — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 10:21:00 +0000

As part of National Rabbit Week 2007

RWF Rabbit Clinic

invites you to

A ‘HEALTHY HOPPER’ EVENING

T The RWF Rabbit Clinic, Harold-Pearson Building, Seminar Room 1

24^th January 2007 at 6pm

A talk on the importance of correct rabbit nutrition and preventative healthcare given by Brigitte Reusch, RWF Rabbit and Zoo Animal Resident

Followed by

Question and answer session

Refreshments available

Tel: 01934852422/ fax 0117 9289593

Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund 2006 Annual General Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund News) — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:19:00 +0000

The RWA’s message that rabbits deserve better was at last being recognised … but there was much more still for the association to do, chief executive, Rachel Todd, said in her annual report.

“The RWA has seen a year of steady progress and has started to form partnerships with like minded organisations to advance the association’s aims,” she said.

“We have also part funded a study into attitudes towards pets – we know what our members think, and the views of those we speak to at awareness events but we hope through the study to get a better understanding of how the public as a whole perceive rabbits. This will indicate how much work we still have to do and provide a benchmark against which to plot changing attitudes in years to come,” the report continued.

“A few negative reactions have been received to the RWA’s continued intention to work with Pets at Home and host awareness days in their stores. It's worth mentioning again that we do not believe that rabbits should be sold in pet shops - but the majority of the public do. We can't miss the opportunity to hand out leaflets and speak to rabbit owners who may otherwise get poor advice,” Rachel explained.

The RWA was, she said, delighted to have had the support of Burgess Supafeeds throughout the year.

Anne Mitchell Business Manager, Accounts and Admin, reported that the
accounts of the RWA/RWF and Rabbiting On remained healthy. Donations to the RWF netted almost £10,000 with a further £1,500 from Gift Aid for the 2005 –2006 financial year. Fundraising raised £5,000.

“The shop continues to be a valuable source of revenue, generating £12,000 profit for the financial year 2005/2006. This largely pays for 2 part time salaries, a 130 square foot storage unit, and also the charges which all organisations are faced with to enable them to accept on line payments, payments by credit card and for insurance and auditor’s fees,” she said.

A copy of the balance sheet is available by calling the Helpline on 0870 0465249 or by e mail hq@rabbitwelfare.co.uk

Veterinary Executive, Judith Brown, reported that it was now the third year since the setting up of the UK’s Rabbit Residency at Bristol University. Apart from the countless students taught annually there have been many more rabbit evenings aimed at owners, vets and nurses. Bristol Vet School now has state of the art rabbit facilities at their site in Langford. (Clinic availability as well as a fax back form for veterinary advice can be found on the RWA website.)

Health queries to the RWF website are still being received from members and non-members alike and new health articles and updated articles have been posted on the website.

“The BVNA congress in mid October was well attended and I would like to thank Anne, Rae, Mark, Julie and Jane for joining me to man the stand. Many of those who attended had heard of the RWA but the new DVD on rabbit care (which we helped Houndstar develop) generated a lot of interest,” she added.

“The joint BVZS/RWF conference in November was well received and is likely to have generated a healthy profit as well as providing vital cutting edge information to many practicing vets.

“Our range of educational leaflets has continued to increase and grants awarded have been progressing well. The research into vectors of myxomatosis has been delayed due to technical difficulties but it is hoped that screening will be completed early next year and the initial results were presented at our recent conference. Melanie Blevins (veterinary student at the Royal Veterinary College) was awarded monies to study the incidence of E. cuniculi in wild rabbits and results are due January 2007. The fly-strike study undertaken earlier this year will be completed in 2007 but preliminary results were also presented at the RWF/BVZS conference,” she said.

Lizzie Smith, IT and Marketing Executive, said that efforts would be made in 2007 to increase membership. It was hoped that the soon-to-be launched Jaffa Club – for young rabbit owners – would prove fun, educational and increase membership. Efforts would also be made to target new adult members. A pilot scheme is to be launched in one area of the country to try to recruit new members through pet shops.

“On the IT front the RWA has some exciting initiatives planned for 2007, including the redesign of the websites and the introduction of an active members forum. The First Alert service - which keeps members up to date – has gone from strength to strength and now has over 750 members. All new members are automatically added to the list to receive alerts, but if any existing members would like to be join, please e-mail lizzie@rabbitwelfare.co.uk with 'First Alert' as the subject heading,” she added.

Fundraising executive Alan Wilson, who will also be providing IT support for 2007, reported on the work of Outreach officers.

“They have attended events throughout the year, including awareness days at Pets at Home, talks at county shows and schools, and fund raising events for the RWF,” he said.

He said that members who wanted to get involved with fundraising were always welcome and urged them to get in touch.

Claire King - Communications Executive reported that on average the RWA received between 20 and 30 e-mail enquiries each week from members and non-members which were responded to by members of the committee.