Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
RSPCA voices concern about rabbits
The majority of rabbits are badly cared for

A recent report by the RSPCA has suggested that three in four of the UK's pet rabbits are badly cared for, and are commonly misunderstood by their owners.

Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK and some two million are kept as pets across the country, but the report suggests that many owners unwittingly do not adequately provide for their rabbits, due to common misconceptions about the correct diet and housing.

Vets and rabbit specialists fear that many rabbits are fed a bad diet, kept in too-small hutches and are not given frequent health checks.

Vet Matt Brash, speaking in support of Rabbit Awareness Week, said: "We know that many owners are very attentive to their rabbits but don't always fully understand their complex needs. Along with diet, behaviour, environment, companionship and healthcare, regular vaccinations for rabbits are a necessity for them to live long, happy and healthy lives."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.