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'Showjumping' at Rabbit Grand National!
Photo: Action Press/Rex Features
Breeders travel in from Sweden to compete

In defiance of the usual practice of using horses for showjumping, this year's Burgess Premier Small Animal Show has included a Rabbit Grand National complete with showjumping. Entrants had to jump barriers in the recognised manner, albeit smaller ones than are usually used in horse-based events. Some breeders travelled in from as far away as Sweden to compete.

Originally popularised after a brief appearance on the defunct television show That's Life!, rabbit showjumping has become a competition sport in the UK, US, Japan, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. In Scandinavian countries, the sport is known as 'Kaninhoppning'. The inaugural European Kanin Hop Championships were held in Sweden in October 2011.

Like any sport, Rabbit showjumping requires a combination of agility and training. Rabbit showjumping experts discourage the training of particularly large rabbits due to the potentially harmful concentration of weight on the front paws during landing. It is also recommended that smaller breeds of rabbit, due to their inability to jump particularly high, are not used. However, smaller rabbits have been known to overcome these obstacles through a combination of sheer will and jumping style, and smaller rabbits have made it to the highest Scandinavian classes. Lop-eared rabbits are forbidden from competing due to the risk of injury.

The world record for a high jump in rabbits stands at 995 millimeters (39.17 inches), and is held by Tösen and Tine Hygom of Denmark. The world record for a long jump stands at 3000 millimetres (118.11 inches) by Yaboo and Maria Jensen, also of Denmark.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.