75 per cent of pet rabbits are poorly cared for

While rabbits may be the third most popular family pet in Britain, the RSPCA has sadly disclosed that almost 75 per cent of rabbits are poorly cared for and neglected by their owners.

According to The Guardian, a survey conducted by the animal welfare organisation has shown that many pet insurance policy holders misunderstand their pet rabbit's needs and, as a result, may feed, house and care for their pets incorrectly.

The survey has revealed that most rabbit owners are unaware of their pet's dietary requirements, while just over half of rabbit owners keep their animals in cramped conditions, unaware that their pet needs space to exercise. A further 60 per cent of pet owners were unaware that rabbits are sociable and intelligent creatures in need of play, company and mental stimulation.

As a result, veterinary care professionals surveyed by the RSPCA have said that over three quarters of rabbits treated suffer obesity related health problems or dental problems.

Dr Anne McBride, an animal behaviour expert, told The Guardian that pet owners are likely to feed their rabbits convenience foods instead of hay and grass, which is likely to cause overgrown or rotting teeth.

RSPCA inspector Tony Woodley told the publication that over 33.000 pet rabbits have been rescued from cruelty over the past three years. Mr Woodley added:

"Officers have been worried for many years about the rabbit. They are intelligent and inquisitive animals who have been getting the bad end of the deal for a long time now, and we really have to try to do something to change people's attitudes and tackle the ignorance that sadly is so prevalent.

"If you ask any RSPCA officer which animal they feel most sorry for, it's usually the poor, forgotten rabbit sitting in a tiny hutch without the proper food, or any food at all, and some dirty water. It might once have been loved for a brief time by some child, but it has quickly been forgotten and it's a very sad sight that I have seen countless times."

Mon, 23 May 2011 08:48:00 GMT