Before we even look into the vast amount of research that has been completed on rabbit behaviours and health, we need only look as far as the Animal Welfare Act for advice.
The Five Freedoms are set out in the Animal Welfare Act of 2006 and apply to all animals including rabbits. They are as follows:-
Our understanding of what these freedoms means in terms of our rabbits then is where the research comes in to place. The vet industry alongside various animal welfare charities and universities have studied rabbit behaviour and health in detail in recent years, and it is this research that can influence how we apply the concepts of the Animal Welfare Act to our care of rabbits.
We’ve created an easy to remember phrase that will help you meet the 5 freedoms for your rabbits: Rabbits Need SHEDS.
S: Space – this addresses freedoms number 2, 3, 4 and 5.
H: Health – this addresses freedoms number 1 and 3.
E: Exercise – this addresses freedoms 2, 3 and 4
D: Diet – this addresses freedoms number 1 and 3
S: Stimulation – this addresses freedoms 4 and 5.
As of 6th April 2018, The Scottish Government have also now published their “Pet Rabbit Welfare Guidance”, which you can view by clicking here.
We invite you to read through our care advice within our website and our Facebook page.
However, we would also encourage you to have a look at the Rabbit Welfare Association’s rabbit care guide “On The Hop”, which is full of excellent advice and tips relating to everything you might wish to know for caring for your rabbits.
If you are new to rabbit ownership, or still researching whether they would be the right pet for you, we strongly encourage you to have a look through it.Click here to read the On The Hop guide.
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