Your Tiny Hutch Is Killing Your Rabbit

Too many rabbits are still being kept in cramped conditions with little room to move. This is the message from pets superstore Pets At Home, the latest big retailer to comment on the totally inadequate living conditions of much of the UK rabbit population.

The comment was made in a Pets At Home press release expressing the company's concerns about the number of domestic rabbits in the UK that are obese, (around 30% [est. 450,000], according to a survey by pet insurer Pet Protect, (Domestic & General).

Pets At Home spokesman, Steve Fairburn said:

"Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK and are increasingly kept as house pets. With almost half a million now obese it's clear that some owners need to be re-educated about the health of their pet. Obesity is a very serious condition that leads to a shorter life span and is very difficult to correct since rabbits cannot be put on a crash diet.

"One thing that new owners should be very aware of is the need for rabbits to exercise regularly as it helps to fight obesity and build stronger bones. Too many animals are kept in cramped conditions with little room to move - they must have a spacious hutch, accompanied by a long and secure rabbit run."

Earlier this year, under pressure from the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund, (RWAF), the supermarket giant, Tesco withdrew its starter hutches from sale. At the time 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."

RWAF recommends a minimum size hutch of no less than 6ft x 2ft x 2ft supplied with either a run or regular access to an exercise area. ### Some 30% . Pet rabbits are prone to being overweight due to their relative sedentary life as domestic pets, compared to their life in the wild. Being overweight puts pressure on the rabbit's heart and joints and may dramatically reduce the pet's lifespan. ### An estimated 450,000 pet rabbits in the UK are obese - a shocking figure that represents 30% of the total rabbit population in the UK. The statistic is being attributed to owners over feeding and under-exercising their animals with experts now urging owners to put everyone’s floppy friend on an early health push. “Rabbits make brilliant pets, especially for families with older children. They are affectionate, easy to look after and a great way of introducing kids to the joy of owning a pet, as well as the responsibility that comes with it”, Steve says. Over 1.5 million households in the UK have at least one rabbit as a pet, with the most popular type being a Dwarf Pop. Giant breeds are also popular, but due to their size they are a huge commitment. Ideally rabbits should be kept with a rabbit companion. ### 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”.