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Review highlights need for rabbit breeding guidance
Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK, however, there are currently no government recommendations around the breeding of pet rabbits.

SRUC researchers find UK legislation surrounding rabbits is lacking.

A recent review by Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) has revealed that pet rabbits are under-represented in most legislation.

The college conducted a review of animal welfare legislation in the UK, highlighting the difference in government guidelines across the country, as well as the areas in need of improvement.

The review showed that pet legislation generally focuses on commercial activities involving animals, such as pet sales, boarding or exhibitions. Particular focus has also been given to the regulation of dog breeding.

According to  SRUC, the most consistent omission in legislation was the lack of guidance regarding breeding pet rabbits.

England currently does not have codes of practice for pet rabbits and owners are often referred to farmed rabbit codes. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, codes of practice refer to the general care and management of pet rabbits, but do not give recommendations on appropriate breeding management.

SRUC researcher Laura Dixon said: “Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK and while charity organisations like the RWAF and RSPCA have guidance on housing and management, there are no government recommendations for breeding pet rabbits, only for lab and meat rabbits.

“Being housed in unsuitable environments can cause stress and frustration leading to, or exacerbating, behavioural problems, such as fur pulling or bar biting. It can also lead to increased obesity and decreased bone strength due to lack of exercise.

“We’re hoping that by illustrating the inequality for pet rabbits, this will prompt the different governments to draft guidance for breeding pet rabbits.”

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.