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Theme announced for RAW 2022
Almost half of UK rabbits live alone.
‘Room for Rabbits’ will focus on improving rabbits’ housing.

The Rabbit Awareness Awareness Group (RAAG) has announced the theme of this year’s Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW). 

This year’s theme, ‘Room for Rabbits’, will focus on environment, following research that 38 per cent of veterinary surgeons believe that rabbits’ environment is the most neglected welfare need. 

RAW, which takes place from 27 June 2022, will provide veterinary professionals and pet owners with resources including vet blogs and videos on adapting rabbits’ housing for all seasons, boredom buster ideas, downloadable packs for practices to create their own RAW campaigns, and a competition to encourage rabbit owners to create a ‘gold standard’ environment. 

Holly Castle, senior brand manager at Burgess Pet Care, who organises RAW, said: “We are delighted that RAW continues to have a positive impact, with our survey showing that 90 per cent of vets believe that the welfare of the UK’s rabbits is improving - but there is always more we can do.

“Since the previous RAW campaign, we have successfully launched RAAG, which recognises that the welfare of these wonderful creatures needs to be high on the agenda year-round. 

“By bringing together the expertise of the RAW partners, RAAG is focused on encouraging everyone involved with rabbits to support the first Good Practice Code for rabbits’ welfare in England to ensure it becomes enshrined in law.

“The veterinary community plays a hugely important role in ensuring that owners have access to the right information, and we are urging practices to throw their support behind this year’s RAW to ensure that we reach as many owners as possible.”

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.