RSPCA calls for rabbit breeding regulations
RSPCA believes a lack of breeding regulation contributes to many cases.
The RSPCA has raised concerns about the overbreeding of rabbits, as many of its officers encounter neglected or abandoned rabbits.
The charity’s warning comes during Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW), which this year is focusing on ‘Happy, Hoppy Homes’ – the conditions which pet rabbits are kept in.
The RSPCA says its officers often encounter overcrowding or neglect, where rabbits have been kept in squalid or cramped conditions. These cases have seen many rescue centres overwhelmed with rabbits that have been abandoned, neglected or given up.
One such case occurred in the East of England in 2023, when over 100 rabbits were found packed into over 30 basic cages. Some of the cages were the size normally used to keep hamsters.
The charity says cases such as these highlight a lack of understanding of rabbits’ welfare needs.
Many animal welfare charities recommend that a medium-sized pair of rabbits are kept in enclosures which are 3m x 2m, and 1m high. If possible, larger accommodation is better.
It has also joined the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) to call for a breeding amnesty on rabbits.
The charity says that one of the reasons behind the number of rescued rabbits is the lack of breeding regulation. It believes that an amnesty could slow the rise of abandoned and mistreated animals.
Dominika Jagoda, RSPCA Scientific and Policy Officer, said: “Rabbit breeding is largely unregulated, whereas those people who, for example, breed dogs, typically require a licence.
“Rabbits are one of the most misunderstood animals and we need to address this so that owners have the information at hand to meet the welfare needs of their pets and that includes housing bunnies in properly sized accommodation, well enriched, safe and secure.”
The number of rabbits entering the RSPCA’s care has fallen in the past two years, however there are still large numbers of rabbits in its care. Between 2022 and 2024, the charity took in 2,665 rabbits.
As well as campaigning for a breeding amnesty, the RSPCA continues to offer advice on reducing rabbit numbers, as well as tips for maintaining their health. It also urges those considering rabbit ownership to consider adopting rabbits from their centres.
The charity’s advice has been included in digital information packs, included on the Rabbit Awareness Week website.
Image © RSPCA
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