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Rabbit welfare letter gains 1,600 signatures
"Ultimately, we want to see the Good Practice Code for rabbits' welfare in England enshrined in law" - Dr Suzanne Moyles.
The RAAG is requesting that good practice guidelines become statutory law. 

More than 1,600 people have signed a letter in support of a Good Practice Code for rabbits' welfare in England.

Created by The Rabbit Awareness Action Group (RAAG), the Good Practice Code has been circulated among veterinary professionals, and aims to improve welfare for rabbits in England by ensuring that the five welfare needs are met.

Highlighting the five welfare needs, environment, diet, behaviour, companionship and health, the letter reads: “RAAG recognises that although Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) has achieved a great deal, rabbits remain one of the UK’s most owned, but least understood animals, and should be high on the agenda year-round - something echoed by the recent launch of the first Good Practice Code for the Welfare of Rabbits by UK Government.”

After describing the five welfare needs that the RAAG is campaigning for, the letter continues: “We are inviting all owners, and retailers, to join us in helping to raise awareness of the five key welfare needs of pet rabbits. By signing and/or sharing this letter you are showing your support in helping to meet rabbits’ needs, enabling them to live a life they deserve.”

Dr Suzanne Moyes, RAAG member, said: “Although we are delighted with the support we have received since the formation of RAAG, we can’t afford to rest on our laurels.

“The pandemic has seen rabbits’ popularity as a pet increase, but sadly, their five specific welfare needs are often overlooked. These include many rabbits living alone with little stimulation in woefully inadequate housing, and being fed incorrect diets, which can lead to numerous health problems.

“RAAG members intend to build on the group’s early achievements with a series of initiatives planned from early next year, which include using RAW 2022 as a platform to encourage even more owners, retailers, rescues and veterinary practices to sign up to the Code.

“Ultimately, we want to see the Good Practice Code for rabbits’ welfare in England enshrined in law as a framework upon which all owners and key groups, such as retailers and rescues, can build their practices around to ensure a bright future for these delightful creatures.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.