The Rabbit Awareness Action Group (RAAG), the trusted voice for rabbit welfare which draws on the combined knowledge of a coalition of experts, announces the return of its key campaign, Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW).
his year’s theme, Healthy Diet, Happy Bunnies, has today been launched at the BSAVA Congress 2024.
Organised by Burgess Pet Care, RAW, which is endorsed by the BSAVA, takes place from 24-28 June and will highlight how the lives of pet rabbits can be improved by feeding the correct, balanced diet, while also educating owners about rabbits’ other key welfare needs.
The focus on Healthy Diet, Happy Bunnies follows publication of the latest PAW Report which found that: –
- 42% of veterinary professionals identified rabbits’ inappropriate diet as one of the five most important welfare issues that need addressing;
- 13% of owners feed muesli mix as one of the main types of food their rabbits eat. These diets have been implicated in a variety of health problems, including obesity, dental disease and gastrointestinal disease;
- Only 73% of owners feed hay as one of their rabbits’ main foods – inadequate hay provision is associated with rabbit obesity; and
- Owners’ lack of awareness of rabbits’ welfare needs continues to be of concern to veterinary professionals.
During RAW there will be a wealth of activity intended to raise awareness around rabbits’ diet and other welfare needs, including vet blogs, videos and digital waiting room resources, as well as downloadable packs containing resources for vets’ practices to create their own in-practice RAW campaigns.
Dr Suzanne Moyes MVB, MRCVS, Deputy Managing Director and In-house Vet at Burgess Pet Care, said: –
“Our research found that 98% of vets believe that RAW continues to have a positive impact on the care of the UK’s pet rabbits. However, as the PAW Report shows, there’s still work to be done to educate owners about rabbits’ diet and other key welfare needs, which is why we’re committed to helping these gorgeous creatures live the happy life they deserve.”
Vets’ practices are encouraged to sign up to receive important updates about RAW and get involved this year by visiting https://www.rabbitawarenessactiongroup.co.uk/raw-pack-reminder/.
