First Good Practice Code for Rabbit Welfare launched
APGAW has worked with a team of experts to create the first Good Practice Code for Rabbit Welfare.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW) has launched the first Good Practice Code for Rabbit Welfare.
Launched to mark Rabbit Awareness Week 2021 (28 June - 4 July), it is the first Code of Practice for a small animal. Despite rabbits being one of the most owned pets in the UK, only larger animals such as dogs, cats, and horses have Statutory Codes of Practice in order to protect and ensure their welfare.
Working with experts from the RSPCA, Rabbit Welfare Association, PDSA, PFMA, Pets at Home, Animal Welfare Foundation, and the PIF, APGAW hopes that its Good Practice Code will prevent rabbits from suffering with welfare issues because of a general lack of understanding with regard to rabbit needs.
An infographic has also been made for the public to go alongside the Code, named Rabbit Roundabout. The infographic clearly states the needs of pet rabbits, helping the public to understand what rabbits need with regard to companionship, diet, home size, and daily activities, among other things.
APGAW hopes that the Rabbit Roundabout infographic will be used in areas such as retail places, rescue and veterinary centres, and other public facing areas, in order to educate the public on proper rabbit welfare.
The code can be found at apgaw.org/wp-content and a PDF of the infographic can be viewed here – APGAW is open to anyone making use of the work.
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
