Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund News

2008-03-12T22:29:00.005Z

PRESS RELEASE: 13th March 2008

Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund

Easter fun? A life of misery for hutch bound rabbits

The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) raised concerns today over the unsatisfactory hutches being sold by many sold by many high street pet retailers, alongside smaller pet stores leading to pet rabbits living in cramped conditions. According to a recent RSPCA survey carried out in the South and South West, inspectors found that well over half of the rabbits they visited did not have adequate hutches, and 70% did not have access to a run. RWAF Welfare Executive, Jo Edgar said “We are appalled at these figures, especially in light of the Animal Welfare Act which came into being last year. The act states that all pet owners have a duty of care for their animals and yet these statistics clearly show that it is simply being ignored.”

The RWAF is calling for all manufacturers to build bigger hutches and recommend that hutches should be constructed no less than 6ft x 2ft x 2ft and should be supplied with either a run or regular access to an exercise area should be available.

Earlier this year, supermarket giant, Tesco, withdrew their starter hutches from sale from all branches due to pressure from RWAF members. RWAF Veterinary Executive, Judith Brown said “We simply couldn’t believe how tiny these hutches were. They were totally unsuitable for rabbits. Rabbits need exercise and lots of it. If you think of how they live in the wild, you will understand that they need plenty of space in which to run around. It is unacceptable to house a rabbit in a tiny hutch. We were delighted that Tesco acknowledged our concerns”.

Many of the RWAF members, including Patron, Ingrid Tarrant, have rabbits that live indoors with their owners just like dogs and cats. They can be housetrained and can make superb indoor companions.

If you would like to know more, please visit the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund website: http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk./ For further information about the Animal Welfare Bill, contact the RWAF: email: hq@rabbitwelfare.co.uk or telephone: 0870 046 5249

ENDS

For more information contact: Anne Mitchell, RWF 0870 046 5249 or email: hq@rabbitwelfare.co.uk

Download a word version of this press release

Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) Background The RWAF has been in existence since 1996 when it began life as the British Houserabbit Association. The RWAF now comprises the Association, made up of paying members and the Fund, which is the charitable wing of the organisation. Registered as a charity in March 2001, the RWF received its original funding from the donations given by members of the RWAF to help in its educational projects. The RWAF is the UK’s leading body on rabbit welfare. Every year, thousands of their educational leaflets are produced and distributed via veterinary practices, rescue centres, pet shops and directly from the RWAF. They hold an annual educational conference, and each year it gets bigger and better. Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Nurses along with rabbit owners and rescue workers can keep up to date with the latest developments from the distinguished panel of rabbit experts. The RWF is delighted to be a partner with Bristol Zoo in funding a 3 year Veterinary Resident. They hope this will have a great impact throughout the veterinary profession and rabbit clients will benefit as a result. The RWAF were also involved in the consultation process of the updated 2004 Animal Act, and sit on the panel of other pro-active organisations such as the Pets Advertising Advisory Group.

Jaffa Club - coming soon!

2007-11-22T19:48:00.004Z

The Jaffa Club - what is it?

The Jaffa Club is part of the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) but is strictly for kids only. If you're aged between 7 and 11 years old then you are welcome to join!

The club was set up to help you learn all about your rabbits and will put you in touch with other young rabbit owners so you can share tips about your furry friends. Jaffa the rabbit has loads of friends, including Miffy, Henry, Louie and Fiver, and together they will show you how to get the most fun from your buns by giving them what they need to live a happy hoppy life.
What will I get when I join?
When you join you'll receive a fabulous Jaffa Club pack with all sorts of fun items like Jaffa 's calendar which gives you handy tips on what to look out for over the year, a badge, a membership book, fabulous stickers and a handy pencil case. But the fun doesn't stop there! When you join you'll also get a password for entry to Jaffa 's online club!

The online club has all sorts of games and activities. You can test your knowledge about rabbit care in 'Jaffa's HappyHopper' quiz, catch up with Jaffa and his mates through a regular cartoon strip, watch video clips about rabbits, print out rabbit care sheets written specially for kids and speak to other young rabbit owners through the moderated chat forum. So what are you waiting for?

What wll it cost to join the Jaffa Club?
It will cost £7.00 per year to join, and apart from everything else, you'll get a fab jingle ball free too, which will give your furry friends hours of fun. Joining also gives you loads of the normal benefits of the RWAF, like the 'RWAF Vet list' which will help you to find a rabbit-friendly vet in your area, and the 'Bunny Boarding List' which will help you to find someone to look after your furry friends during holidays.

How do I join
Register your interest by sending you name, address, telephone number and email address to rae@hollybushpark.wanadoo.co.uk
Jaffa can't wait for you to hop on board!

PRESS RELEASE - British weather wreaks havoc for pet rabbits

2007-08-29T22:25:00.000Z

PRESS RELEASE 28 August 2007

Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund

British weather wreaks havoc for pet rabbits

The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) issued warnings to pet rabbit owners today about the danger of the killer disease, Myxomatosis, which has seen a steady rise with the warm, damp conditions of recent months.

Judith Brown, RWAF Veterinary Executive explains “The humid weather that we’ve been experiencing of late creates an ideal breeding ground for the fleas and mosquitoes that carry the disease. Unvaccinated rabbits who are infected generally die a slow and painful death”.

Rabbits owners are being urged to have their pets vaccinated against Myxomatosis as soon as possible. The advice from the RWAF backed by patron, Ingrid Tarrant, comes after the helpline received a massive increase in reports of pet rabbits, country-wide dying from this disease over the past few weeks.

Rachel Todd, RWAF Education Executive said: "Vaccination is the only way to protect your rabbit against the disease. Sadly, not all pet rabbits are protected by vaccination, largely because rabbit owners are unaware that a vaccine is available. Myxomatosis vaccine can be given from as young as six weeks old protecting the rabbit for six months in the face of an outbreak."

House rabbit owners are warned that their pets aren’t safe either. According to RWAF Committee member and long-time houserabbit owner, Lizzie Smith “Myxomatosis is contracted via biting insects such as fleas or mosquitoes – as these are free living, they can be indirectly carried into your home and then infect pet rabbits”.

In addition to vaccination, rabbit owners can taken preventative steps against Myxomatosis by fitting fly screens to outdoor hutches; eliminating standing water, such as ponds (where mosquitoes might breed) from gardens; preventing wild rabbits from getting into gardens; and making sure that there’s nothing to attract vermin and wild birds to hutches and runs.

Rabbit owners can find more information on Myxomatosis and other important rabbit health topics on the RWAF web site http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk,/ from their local veterinary practice, or from the RWAF National Helpline 01403 267658.

ENDS
For more information contact: Anne Mitchell, RWF 0870 046 5249 or email: hq@rabbitwelfare.co.uk

Water bottle warning

2007-07-24T22:19:00.000Z

We all know we should give our rabbits fresh water every day, and ensure that they have enough water during the warm weather, especially if we want them to be able to eat their hay! However, we've been made aware of a potential danger with water bottles. There have been some cases reported where the ball bearing has become stuck and the small animal has not been able to get a drink, despite the bottle being full of water. Please therefore check your water bottles every day and make sure the bearing can move freely. If in doubt, use a water bowl too, or a second bottle.

Jaffa Club for kids

2007-07-17T21:10:00.000Z

The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) has long been aware that children are generally the driving force behind the purchase of pet rabbits owned by families. Although well-intentioned, parents are often ill-advised on the basic requirements of rabbits, and tens of thousands of them end up abandoned in rescue centres every year. Worse; as revealed in an RSPCA survey in 2006, 40% of them die through neglect. The RWAF hopes to address this sad state of affairs by launching ‘The Jaffa Club’ in 2008, which will be targeted at school children and will aim to educate them on every aspect of rabbit welfare.

2007-06-29T15:16:00.000Z

The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund is delighted to announce that tickets for the 2007 Conference: Rabbit Health Matters, are now available for purchase.

Saturday 10th November 2007

The Stanhill Court Hotel, Horley, Surrey.

This conference is suitable for veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, veterinary students, Animal Nursing Assistants, rabbit owners, rescue workers or anyone else involved with or interested in rabbit health.

This year we are accepting online payments.

For further information, please visit: 2007 Conference Leaflet or book online.

Blooms & Burrows Open Garden - Cambridge

2007-06-06T21:54:00.000Z

We welcome visitors to our suburban garden full of blooms and burrows,roses and rabbits, bees and lavender, and our fine pair of Welsh Harlequin ducks.

You are welcome to sit and stroke, stroll and sip, nibble and nose! Children are very very welcome.

At: 25 Elfleda Road, Cambridge CB5 8LZ
(off Whitehill Road, Near Abbey Pool)
Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th June 2.00pm – 6.30pm both days

Entry FREE - donations collected for Rabbit Welfare Fund and Blue Cross.

Home made tea and cakes.
Friendly advice on gardening and rabbit welfare.

PLEASE NO DOGS ALLOWED
PARKING IS VERY LIMITED ON ELFLEDA ROAD - PLEASE PARK AND WALK FROM ADJOINING ROADS.

Live in the Nottingham area? Want to help rabbits?

2007-04-24T23:56:00.000Z

The Nottingham RSPCA are holding their Sponsored Dog Walk & Fun Day at Wollaton Park on Sunday 20th May 2007. They have kindly offered us a pitch at the event because they recognize that rabbits get a bad deal as pets, and that our message is important. It is likely that many dog owners who attend the event will have rabbits as second pets, so this is a great chance to get the message out that rabbits deserve better!

Unfortunately we do not have any outreach officers in the close vicinity so we are asking if there are any members out there who would be interested in helping out on the stand. It would involve giving common sense advice about rabbits, giving out leaflets (which we would of course, suppply) and explaining what the RWAF does. This kind of awareness-raising really does work, and encourages people to give more to their rabbits. Most rabbit neglect is out of ignorance, so any good advice really helps.

If you are interested then please contact Alan@rabbitwelfare.co.uk.

Animal Welfare Act - what it means for rabbits and their owners

2007-04-21T17:12:00.000Z

The new Animal Welfare Act is the most innovative piece of animal legislation for almost 100 years. In real terms it means that the law now has the teeth to intervene before cruelty has been inflicted upon an animal, by placing a 'duty of care' on the owner / guardian of all pet animals.

When does the new law come into effect?
From 6 April 2007 in England, and in Wales from 27 March, animal welfare law is being improved.

It is still against the law to be cruel to an animal. But now you must also ensure that all the welfare needs of your animals are met.

What does the new law do?
It makes owners and keepers responsible for ensuring that the welfare needs of their animals are met. These include the need:
- For a suitable environment (place to live)
- For a suitable diet
- To exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- To be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable)
- To be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease
- The new law also increases to 16 the minimum age at which a person can buy an animal and prohibits giving animals as prizes to unaccompanied children under this age.

Anyone who is cruel to an animal, or does not provide for its welfare needs, may be banned from owning animals, fined up to £20,000 and/or sent to prison.

What does it mean to me and my rabbit?
It's not acceptable to keep a solitary rabbit in a small hutch, without the opportunity to exercise. Sadly we know that this is still the case for thousands of pet rabbits in the UK, as they are the most neglected domestic pet. Make sure that you are providing your rabbits with everything they need to live a long and happy life.

The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund suggest the following to properly care for your pet rabbits: Environment Hutches should be a minimum of 6ft x 2ft x 2ft, and preferably with an attached run to allow the rabbits to exercise at will. The run should be 6ft x 4ft x 4ft as a minimum. Hutch size and runs can never be too big, so don't skimp.
Further details about environment for rabbits…

Diet
Fresh food and water should be available at all times. A diet that mimics a natural diet, that is one which is mainly hay or grass, with a smaller proportion of greens and rabbit pellets is ideal. Any changes to the diet should be made gradually watching out for upset tummies and closely checking at least once if not twice a day for flystike.
Further details about diet…

Behaviour
Rabbits like to dig, run and hide. They should be provided with the opportunity to exercise everyday. Ideally a run attached to their hutch, or even better a garden shed with attached enclosure. Don't forget to include toys that allow them to display their natural behaviour such as hay/willow toys for chewing, a planter filled with earth for digging and a place to hide if they want to.
Further details about the needs of rabbits…
Further details about companionship…
Further details about aggression in rabbits…

Companionship
Rabbits are sociable animals and should be kept in pairs or groups, unless a houserabbit with lots of human contact. The companionship and social interaction provided by another rabbit is ideal and much more suitable than housing with another species such as a guinea pig which we would not as a rule advocate. Further details about companionship…
Further details about Houserabbits…
Further details about choosing a rabbit…
Further details about rabbits and children…

Health Care
Annual or twice yearly trips to the vets are a must for their vaccinations (both for myxomatosis and VHD). Rabbits are prey animals and they hide pain well, so be aware of any subtle changes in behaviour or diet and take them to the vet immediately if you are worried. Regular mini MOT's at home can provide invaluable ensuring teeth and nails are not overly long, your rabbit isn't gaining or losing weight, and very importantly that once if not twice a day you check your rabbits behind for signs of soiling to ensure that flystrike can not become an issue.
Further information about neutering…
Further information about vaccination…
Further information about Flystrike…
Further information abut long-haried rabbits…

For more information about the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund check out:
The Fund – why?
Join us

For more information about the Animal Welfare Act look at DEFRA's website

Bunny Jump Donation Site Active

2007-02-20T01:45:00.001Z

If you wanted to support the RWAF by sponsoring Alan Wilson's sky dive on 27th. April then you can now do so at www.justgiving.com/alster

Please remember that ALL money raised is going to help the work of the RWAF, Alan is paying for his own jump.

Now that the RWAF are registered with JustGiving, please feel free to select us as your chosen charity next time you do something that could raise money. Just register your account on www.justgiving.com and select us from the list of charities!

Can you help?

2007-02-12T23:49:00.000Z

Wilton House Veterinary Clinic in Cleveland are planning an evening for their rabbit clients to be held some time in March. Veterinary Nurse, Becky, is appealing for volunteers from the Rabbit Welfare Association to go along and give a short talk on a rabbit-related topic of their choice. Obviously their vets will be doing talks on the importance of vaccinating and neutering and discussing the common problems. Maybe you could talk about houserabbits; litter training; bunny proofing wires; or how to bond a pair of rabbits and the joy of keeping them together. Do you have knowledge of breeds that you could prepare a talk about?

If so please contact Becky on 01287 637470 as she would be delighted to hear from you.

Bunny Jump!

2007-02-09T09:56:00.000Z

As you may have seen in the Spring issue of Rabbiting On, Alan Wilson is doing a Parachute Jump to raise much needed cash to allow the RWAF to continue its vital work to improve the lives of pet rabbits across the UK.

An account is being set up on www.Justgiving.com and will be live in a few days so please make a note to check this news page again to find out how you can support this worthy cause - or email Alan@Houserabbit.co.uk.

Alan is funding his own jump so ALL money raised will go towards helping rabbits.

Thanks!

Spring Hop!

2007-02-03T15:55:00.001Z

LANGFORD HOUSE SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE
UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL

SPRING HOP – 24th February 2007

Please make a note in your diary NOW of an exciting event planned for all rabbit owners and enthusiasts to be held at Langford House Veterinary Practice, attached to the University of Bristol on the Langford site on 24th February 2007.

Events will include a fun rabbit show, a demonstration of different breeds, displays and activities on all aspects of looking after rabbits, a question and answer session with a rabbit behaviourist, videos of common operations, a tour of our new hospitalisation facilities, and fun activities for both children and adults.

If you aren’t able to attend but would like to support the event or take part you could also consider entering the creative writing and photography competitions. The winners will be announced and prizes awarded on the day – contact the surgery now for an entrance form.

A detailed programme will be available nearer the date but please do keep the date free –
Saturday 24th February 2007 between 2 and 5pm in Langford House Small Animal Practice, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU. Telephone number 01934 852422

FREE ‘HEALTHY HOPPER’ MOT’s

2007-01-23T10:24:00.000Z

As part of National Rabbit Week 2007

RWF Rabbit Clinic

Invites you to

FREE ‘HEALTHY HOPPER’ MOT’s

The RWF Rabbit Clinic,

24^th January 2007 from 10 am - 4pm

- To help identify any medical conditions before it’s too late and advise on preventative health care and nutrition

Only 15 free appointments available so book early to avoid disappointment!!!!

To book contact the RWF Rabbit Clinic Tel: 01934852422

A ‘HEALTHY HOPPER’ EVENING

2007-01-23T10:21:00.000Z

As part of National Rabbit Week 2007

RWF Rabbit Clinic

invites you to

A ‘HEALTHY HOPPER’ EVENING

T The RWF Rabbit Clinic, Harold-Pearson Building, Seminar Room 1

24^th January 2007 at 6pm

A talk on the importance of correct rabbit nutrition and preventative healthcare given by Brigitte Reusch, RWF Rabbit and Zoo Animal Resident

Followed by

Question and answer session

Refreshments available

Tel: 01934852422/ fax 0117 9289593

Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund 2006 Annual General Meeting

2007-01-11T18:19:00.000Z

The RWA’s message that rabbits deserve better was at last being recognised … but there was much more still for the association to do, chief executive, Rachel Todd, said in her annual report.

“The RWA has seen a year of steady progress and has started to form partnerships with like minded organisations to advance the association’s aims,” she said.

“We have also part funded a study into attitudes towards pets – we know what our members think, and the views of those we speak to at awareness events but we hope through the study to get a better understanding of how the public as a whole perceive rabbits. This will indicate how much work we still have to do and provide a benchmark against which to plot changing attitudes in years to come,” the report continued.

“A few negative reactions have been received to the RWA’s continued intention to work with Pets at Home and host awareness days in their stores. It's worth mentioning again that we do not believe that rabbits should be sold in pet shops - but the majority of the public do. We can't miss the opportunity to hand out leaflets and speak to rabbit owners who may otherwise get poor advice,” Rachel explained.

The RWA was, she said, delighted to have had the support of Burgess Supafeeds throughout the year.

Anne Mitchell Business Manager, Accounts and Admin, reported that the
accounts of the RWA/RWF and Rabbiting On remained healthy. Donations to the RWF netted almost £10,000 with a further £1,500 from Gift Aid for the 2005 –2006 financial year. Fundraising raised £5,000.

“The shop continues to be a valuable source of revenue, generating £12,000 profit for the financial year 2005/2006. This largely pays for 2 part time salaries, a 130 square foot storage unit, and also the charges which all organisations are faced with to enable them to accept on line payments, payments by credit card and for insurance and auditor’s fees,” she said.

A copy of the balance sheet is available by calling the Helpline on 0870 0465249 or by e mail hq@rabbitwelfare.co.uk

Veterinary Executive, Judith Brown, reported that it was now the third year since the setting up of the UK’s Rabbit Residency at Bristol University. Apart from the countless students taught annually there have been many more rabbit evenings aimed at owners, vets and nurses. Bristol Vet School now has state of the art rabbit facilities at their site in Langford. (Clinic availability as well as a fax back form for veterinary advice can be found on the RWA website.)

Health queries to the RWF website are still being received from members and non-members alike and new health articles and updated articles have been posted on the website.

“The BVNA congress in mid October was well attended and I would like to thank Anne, Rae, Mark, Julie and Jane for joining me to man the stand. Many of those who attended had heard of the RWA but the new DVD on rabbit care (which we helped Houndstar develop) generated a lot of interest,” she added.

“The joint BVZS/RWF conference in November was well received and is likely to have generated a healthy profit as well as providing vital cutting edge information to many practicing vets.

“Our range of educational leaflets has continued to increase and grants awarded have been progressing well. The research into vectors of myxomatosis has been delayed due to technical difficulties but it is hoped that screening will be completed early next year and the initial results were presented at our recent conference. Melanie Blevins (veterinary student at the Royal Veterinary College) was awarded monies to study the incidence of E. cuniculi in wild rabbits and results are due January 2007. The fly-strike study undertaken earlier this year will be completed in 2007 but preliminary results were also presented at the RWF/BVZS conference,” she said.

Lizzie Smith, IT and Marketing Executive, said that efforts would be made in 2007 to increase membership. It was hoped that the soon-to-be launched Jaffa Club – for young rabbit owners – would prove fun, educational and increase membership. Efforts would also be made to target new adult members. A pilot scheme is to be launched in one area of the country to try to recruit new members through pet shops.

“On the IT front the RWA has some exciting initiatives planned for 2007, including the redesign of the websites and the introduction of an active members forum. The First Alert service - which keeps members up to date – has gone from strength to strength and now has over 750 members. All new members are automatically added to the list to receive alerts, but if any existing members would like to be join, please e-mail lizzie@rabbitwelfare.co.uk with 'First Alert' as the subject heading,” she added.

Fundraising executive Alan Wilson, who will also be providing IT support for 2007, reported on the work of Outreach officers.

“They have attended events throughout the year, including awareness days at Pets at Home, talks at county shows and schools, and fund raising events for the RWF,” he said.

He said that members who wanted to get involved with fundraising were always welcome and urged them to get in touch.

Claire King - Communications Executive reported that on average the RWA received between 20 and 30 e-mail enquiries each week from members and non-members which were responded to by members of the committee.

2006 Remembrance roll

2006-12-31T18:23:00.000Z

Miffy Smith 1992 - 2006

On 14th June, we said goodbye to our beloved Miffy, age 14. She was the apple of our eye and we still miss her terribly. Miffy started life as a hutch rabbit but soon moved into our home as well as into our hearts.

She had three babies: Pixie, Dixie and Coco. Sadly, Pixie died young, but Coco went on to live to 7 and Dixie to 10. All of them provided us with much love and entertainment over the years. We hope they are all happily reunited over rainbow bridge. Run free Miff.

Lizzie and Michael

Snow Simms

Snow was a beautiful white fluffy dwarf lop with mushroom coloured ears and tail, he died still fighting on after a series of illness and abscess, on 16 October 2006. He was full of joy and love, right to the end (as all rabbits).

Chris Simms

Millie Harrington 2003 - 2006

Millie was the most wonderful French Lop, an exceptionally beautiful butterfly agouti, and she died unexpectedly of liver failure on July 26th 2006, aged 3 years and 1 month. Millie Buns was the most loving and loveable bunny in the whole world.

Lisa Harrington
Woking, Surrey

Dancer Whyte 2004 -2006

Dancer Whyte died 21st December 2006 aged 18 months , he was the most fabulous and amazing bunny and will be truly missed.

Vicki Whyte

Poppy Murphy 1998 - 2006

Please add my rabbit to the 2006 remebrance roll.

She was called Poppy, French Lop aged 8 1/2 years. botn 8th March 1998. Died 21st May 2006

Despite lots of veterinary care Poppy was unable to walk. One Sunday morning she was very bad and I made the decision to have her put to sleep. However, we never made that visit and Poppy died in my arms and with my mother (her nana) who was there for comfort. Poppy is very much missed by us. A story about Poppy (Poppy's paws) was printed in the Winter 2006 edition of Rabbitting On.

Carolyn Murphy

Jaffa May-09
Fusty May-18
Sweetpea Jul-13
Nobby Dec-24

All missed by Andy Baker

Sally Lord 2002 - 2006

I would like to record the passing of our dear bunny Sally, aged 4 and a half, on 16th December 2006. Sally, a dwarf lop rescue bunny, had many health problems. She lost her sister Lottie when they were both neutered. However, she soon bonded with Bobby. She had to have her front teeth completely removed, and that took two operations, then she had to have several lots of treatment on her back teeth, under anaesthetic. Despite regular innoculations, she contracted myxomotosis a couple of years ago, but she made a full recovery.

Sally was full of fun. She and her companion Bobby were such good friends, and he misses her very much. She was cute and entertaining, and very lovable. She loved running about in their outside run, or snoozing in the sun. We got so used to cutting her fresh food into strips, and it was such a shame she could not bite the grass herself.

Sadly, Sally fell ill and had to have further dental treatment, from which she did not recover. She died very peacefully in our kitchen, on her favourite towel. She is greatly missed.

Suzanne Lord

Clyde Hitchen 2000 - 2006

Please could you add our lovely bunny to your list?

His name was Clyde and he passed away on October 24th 2006 aged 5 and a half years old.

Thank you and I think this is a lovely idea!

Jackie and Keith Hitchen

Clarabelle Picken 2004 - 2006

Clarabelle 11/06/04 - 16/04/06. She is sadly missed every single day.

Jenna Picken

Benny MacLean 1998 - 2006

My husband and I lost one of our beloved rabbits in 2006. His name was Benny - he was a 7 1/2 year old Lionhead. Benny was our first rabbit and taught us so much of what we know about their behaviour. He brought us laughter and joy on so many levels. He was a master of the art of flopping, and in his youth binkied with the grace only the greatest of rabbits could equal. We know he will now be with his love, Hazel, who has waited patiently and watched over him these past two years.

Until we meet again little prince.

Cathy and Jonathan

Herbert Flack

My rabbits are all doing well, but sadly I lost my little black one, Herbert this year. He had a kidney tumour and fought valiently through a huge op to remove his kidney back in the autumn. Thanks to the skill of my fantastic vet and the vet nurses performing this operation he had another two months of really good quality normal life. Sadly, though the cancer came back and spread and he had to be put to sleep back in November.

We called him Herbert because the name meant 'warrior' and he was a belligerent little bunny when he was young! I didn't think we realised then what a battle he would have later in his life. I miss him and the rabbit family seems incomplete without him.

Helen Flack

Flopsy and Flopsy Junior Dark

I would be grateful if you could add 2 for me, Dad and son. Flopsy and Flopsy Junior tragically died on 4th July 2006.

Belinda Dark

Sage Floyd 1999 - 2006

Sage came to us from Cotton Tails Sanctuary following a very successful match up with our mini lop Bracken. In theory he was a birthday present for our younger daughter but in truth we wanted a friend for Bracken.

He had a rough start and a series of owners who looked after him but didn't really want him. As a result it took several years to regain confidence but once he came to realise that he was part of the family he became a great character, not always pro human on his own territory, but once on the patio or in the house as friendly and affectionate as could be. He had a habit of flinging toys and feed bowls about and I remember one splendid occasion when he picked up a metal feed bowl and proceeded to bang Bracken repeatedly on the head with it, great metallic clanks bringing us rushing out to see what was happening. She wouldn't speak to him for hours after that insult!

Sadly Sage died without warning one quiet sunny Sunday morning in December 2006. One moment he was digging a scrape on the rockery with clods of earth spraying out onto the patio, and then suddenly it was silent - he just lay down and went to sleep. I've never attempted CPR on a rabbit but did so then, sadly to no avail.

Ros Floyd

Mary Robinson and husband Wilfred

I would like to add the Names Mary Robinson who lost her life at the age of 8years who will be sadley missed and her Husband Wilfred who also lost his life just 6mths before Mary...

Jude Williams

Bramble 1999-2006

At the beginning of December Bramble lost her battle against kidney stones and calcium induced blindness.
She was a lovely pure black bunny with large ears and a cautious attitude to anything except food. Running free in the grassy rabbit paddocks in our garden she always looked vaguely guilty, as though you had caught her at the fridge at midnight!
She is very much missed by us, and by her sister Parsnip and ‘dwarf’ friend Sweet Pea (who she is pictured with) and the rest of the rabbits here .

Twigs Way

Ronald Green

I would like my rabbit "Ronald" to be placed on the remembrance roll. My family and I miss him dearly as he was such a special rabbit.

Helen Green

MacGregor Wilson

I'd like to add our MacGregor, a handsome and very brave boy. Being a rescue, we have many buns coming through our doors, however some of them cannot be rehomed and spend the rest of their lives with us. MacGregor was one of those buns. He suffered a variety of health problems most of which were a bit of a mystery. We don't know exactly how old he was (previous owners couldn't remember) but he wasn't an old bunny. He learned to love life indoors and spent a lot of time sitting on the sofa with us watching telly. MacGregor went to Rainbow Bridge on the 13th of January 2006, his passing wasn't as peaceful as we would have liked but we stayed with him right to the end.

Till we meet again, binky free wee man, we love you and think of you every day, you were a very special boy.

Lynda, Jim and all the C.A.R.R.O.T bunnies

Coco Hogan 2004 - 2006
Flapjack Hogan 2005 - 2006

Greatly missed.

Alison Hogan

Benjamin Pickles Harvey 1998 - 2006

Harlequin Lop aged 8 years Much loved family member who we lost in August 2006.

Sandra Harvey

Evie Fudge 2001- 2006

I love your idea of a remembrance roll for bunnies who passed on in 2006. Could I please add Evie who died March 26th 2006 at the age of 4 years, 9 months.

Margaret E Fudge.

Hob Price 2001 - 2006

Hob sadly passed away on 18 April 2006 after the vet had an accident whilst filing some of his back teeth. He fought for 4 days but unfortunately didn’t recover. He is missed everyday and has left a massive whole in our lives – he was our baby.

James and Lydia

Perry - 2006

In November 2006, we lost our beautiful boy, Perry. A rescue bunny, with his girl, Pernod, he had the sweetest nature and was such a curious boy. He never really recovered from dental surgery, and after a brave fight, we had to let him go to The Bridge. We all miss him so much, he was such a big part of our lives. We will always love you, my little man.

Jan, John and Pernod

National Rabbit Week 22 - 28 January 2007

2006-12-05T18:39:00.000Z

Posted 5 December 2006

National Rabbit Week is an initiative supported by the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund, Excel from Burgess Supafeeds, Panacur Rabbit, and the British Rabbit Council. This year, National Rabbit Week will concentrate it's efforts on highlighting the important aspects of health and nutrition and will focus on:

The rise in rabbit obesity

Dental problems

Inappropriate diets and well-being of house rabbits

Health advice for owners in keeping their pet happy.

During the week, participating vets will be hosting 'Healthy Hopper MOT' evenings and there will also be Healthy Hopper evenings where rabbit owners can find out all about general welfare including nutrition.

The week will culminate with theBradford Excel Small Livestock Show at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate on 27/ 28 January 2007 where Rabbit Welfare Fund patron, Ingrid Tarrant, will be making an appearance. Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund representatives will also be on hand during the day.

Read more... (this link will open a new window to the official site of National Rabbit Week)