The Kirkintilloch based rabbit-dedicated rescue charity, with a number of foster carers operating throughout Scotland, is urging animal lovers to logon to their website and check out the benefits to be had in keeping pet rabbits in pairs or small groups throughout the campaign which runs from 18 – 26 June to help raise awareness of rabbit welfare.
This year’s RAW campaign, organised by Burgess Pet Care, is focused on the importance of companionship for hutch animals, asking rabbit owners to pair up their pets with rescued rabbits from animal rescue centres. Local vets will also be offering free health checks for rabbits in RAW week.
The charity, which has been offering rabbit welfare services throughout Scotland for over 5 years, also provides rabbit bonding services designed to help owners safely introduce their rabbits together.
“Bonding rabbits often looks violent and can be quite scary for those who aren’t aware of rabbit behaviour and social structures,” says David Bell, co-director of the charity and the rescue’s resident bonding expert.
“Once you understand the bonding rituals, and some of our tips and tricks to introducing rabbits together, it’s actually relatively straight forward. The benefits of a bonded pair far outweigh the initial fur-flying that can happen when rabbits meet each other for the first time”.
Lhanna Frost, Adoptions Coordinator for the charity, said: “I can’t wait to see the joy on owners’ faces when they discover the satisfaction of seeing the compassion and care a rabbit can give to another rabbit when given the right conditions. It’s such an adorable side of their character. So many single bunnies out there are just not getting the chance to be sociable.”
Suzanne Moyes, veterinary manager at Burgess Pet Care, one of the UK’s leading pet food manufacturers, said she was delighted at the number of events and activities taking place around the UK for this year’s RAW.
“There’s a lot of myths and misinformation surrounding rabbit welfare so it’s wonderful to see so many people come out and support RAW and help put rabbits’ needs under the microscope,” she said. “The welfare of hutch animals often takes a back seat to other pets and we hope through this week’s activities we can improve and understand more about the diet, housing and behaviour of these highly intelligent, social, interactive and fun creatures. And, above all, ensure they all have a bunny buddy of their own. Let’s stop rabbits getting a raw deal!”
RAW is an annual event that brings together vets, pet retailers, welfare charities, manufacturers and owners to educate people about proper rabbit care. Official RAW partners include: Burgess Excel, Panacur Rabbit, RSPCA, PDSA, The Blue Cross, Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) and Wood Green The Animals Charity.
Find out more at www.fairlybelovedrabbitcare.org