RSPCA highlights concerns during the 20th Rabbit Awareness Week campaign.
Poor nutrition is leading to obesity, digestive problems and severe dental disease in the nation’s rabbits, the RSPCA has warned.
As the 20th Rabbit Awareness Week gets underway (22-26 June), the charity is encouraging rabbit owners to feed their animals a diet rich in fibre and to forgo the muesli-style rabbit food.
The appeal comes as the RSPCA highlights the welfare challenges of rescued rabbits, including a lop-eared rabbit named Bobby. Bobby was taken to RSPCA Kent Isle of Thanet Branch by inspectors in March, suffering from horrendously overgrown teeth.
While lop rabbits like Bobby can suffer from dental issues owing to their skull structure, he’d been fed mostly muesli-style food and limited hay.
Centre manager Hannah White said: “The vet said they’d never seen teeth so bad that they curled up to the palate before. His molars were causing eye problems, including continuous discharge and discomfort.”
Sadly, Bobby had to be euthanised on veterinary advice, as the necessary dental work would have placed him under regular stress.
According to the RSPCA, there are an estimated 800,000 pet rabbits in the UK. However, they remain among the most vulnerable pets to neglect and poor welfare due to common misconceptions about their needs.
The charity is concerned that dietary choices remain a common area of misconception among rabbit owners.
RSPCA science and policy officer Eloise Dicks said: “A good diet keeps a rabbit's digestive system working properly, helps wear down their continuously growing teeth, prevents obesity and supports long-term health.
“Rabbits need a diet made up of around 85 per cent fresh grass or hay, supplemented with leafy greens and a small portion of good-quality nuggets.
“While other suitable fruits and veggies can be offered, they should be given in very small quantities as occasional treats. Rabbits have evolved to require a high-fibre diet and to spend a significant portion of their day foraging and eating; replicating this natural behaviour for pet rabbits is essential for keeping them healthy.
“Sadly, we often see rabbits come into our care suffering from serious, preventable health issues linked to an incorrect diet. Helping owners better understand their rabbit's needs and providing practical guidance on how to meet them is vital for improving rabbit welfare, which is precisely why this year's Rabbit Awareness Week messaging is so essential."
Image (C) RSPCA.
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