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Rabbit Awareness Week returns for 2025
RAW 2025 will promote the importance of appropriate rabbit housing.
This year’s theme is ‘Happy, Hoppy Homes’.

The Rabbit Awareness Action Group (RAAG) has revealed the theme for this year’s Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW).

The campaign, running from 23- 27 June 2025, will focus on ‘Happy, Hoppy Homes’, promoting the importance of correct indoor and outdoor housing for rabbits.

It is the 19th year of Rabbit Awareness Week, which has been endorsed by the British Small Animal Veterinary Organisation (BSAVA) and is organised by Burgess Pet Care. RAAG says that the results of the latest PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) report highlights the urgency of its theme.

The PAW report revealed that 22 per cent of all pet rabbits were being kept in inadequate housing, such as small hutches or limited run space. This equates to approximately 180,000 rabbits.

The survey also found that just 66 per cent of rabbits were able to move freely between their hutch and their run. This leaves 23 per cent that had to be let in or out by their owner, while nine per cent had to be physically moved by their owner.

Rabbits which were kept in inadequate enclosures were less likely to be able to move freely between their hutch and their run.

Nine per cent of rabbit owners said they had chosen inadequate housing based on advice from a retailer, while seven per cent said they chose it because no larger enclosures were available.

RAAG says that these statistics highlight a need to promote the correct housing environments needed for indoor and outdoor rabbits. This year’s campaign will feature a range of blogs, videos and digital waiting room resources to provide appropriate advice.

RAW 2025 is set to launch at Woodgreen Pets Charity, one of its supporters, and will bring together members of the veterinary community and supporters of RAW.

Julian Hoad, BSAVA president, said: "The BSAVA is delighted to once again be endorsing Rabbit Awareness Week for 2025.

“Despite being the UK's third most popular pet, rabbits are still frequently kept in suboptimal conditions. With the many resources available, we hope this increases the awareness of good rabbit husbandry."

Veterinary practices can download resources and get involved on the RAAG website.

Image © Shutterstock

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes fifth Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology

The BSAVA has published the fifth edition of its BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology.

The new edition has been reviewed and updated, including new developments in diagnostics, therapeutic approaches and clinical decision-making. It is structured to support clinicians through diagnosis, treatment and long-term management.

The guide features five new chapters covering acute myelopathies, chronic myelopathies, emergency protocols, neurotoxicology and neuro-oncology.

It also includes over 100 videos, including demonstrations of neurological examinations, clinical presentations and diagnostic procedures.

Nicola Lloyd, publishing manager, said: "Whether you're a general practitioner seeking practical guidance, or a specialist aiming to refine your expertise, this edition remains an indispensable reference for anyone involved in the care of neurologically compromised dogs and cats."