Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) – the UK’s largest campaign of its kind – is back for 2024 to help rabbit owners understand more about the best ways to care for these intelligent, inquisitive animals.
Now in its 18th year, this year’s RAW runs from 24-28 June, with the theme Healthy Diet, Happy Bunnies.
Dr Suzanne Moyes MVB, MRCVS, deputy managing director and in-house vet at RAW’s organisers, Burgess Pet Care, explains: –
“The good news is our research found that 98% of vets believe RAW continues to have a positive impact on the care of the UK’s pet rabbits. However, as the latest PAW report shows, there’s still work to be done to educate owners about rabbits’ diet and other key welfare needs. This is why we’re committed to helping these unique creatures live the happy life they deserve.”
The PAW Report found that 42% of veterinary professionals identified an inappropriate diet as one of the five most important welfare issues that need to be addressed for rabbits, with 13% of owners feeding muesli mix as one of the main types of food their rabbit eats.
The report also revealed that just 73% of owners said they feed hay as one of their rabbits’ main foods, despite the fact that hay should make up the majority of rabbits’ diet: inadequate hay provision is associated with rabbit obesity and affects their ability to express some of their natural behaviours.
Getting involved in this year’s RAW
That’s why this year’s RAW theme is Healthy Diet, Happy Bunnies; owners can find lots of expert advice and top tips on Burgess’ Facebook and Instagram pages.
Rabbit owners and anyone interested in support their welfare can get involved in this year’s campaign by downloading a free RAW pack filled with lots of fun activities, tips and advice.
The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF), the UK’s largest organisation for rabbit lovers, said: “We’re proud to have supported RAW since its inception and we’re grateful to Burgess Pet Care for organising this huge event every year. The RWAF, alongside other charity supporters, contribute by providing expert advice in rabbit health and care to both rabbit owners and the veterinary profession.”
RAW’s other expert supporters are Woodgreen Pets Charity, the RSPCA, Blue Cross and Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare.
Healthy Diet, Happy Bunnies
RAW is an annual campaign which aims to educate rabbit owners on all aspects of rabbit care. Endorsed by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, this year’s exciting programme includes daily videos and tips including: –
- Day 1: Diet – morning feeding, the importance of hay quality and key diet facts
- Day 2: Health – dental health and hay; how to complete a rabbit health check
- Day 3: Behaviour – positive Vs negative behaviours relating to rabbits’ diet, foraging and treats for positive reinforcement
- Day 4: Environment – benefits of indoor / outdoor diets with Dr Suzanne Moyes and importance of housing
- Day 5: Companionship – why rabbits are better together and tips for bringing home a rabbit.
