It is estimated that there are approximately 4,000 rabbits on sale in pet shops in England and Wales according to a survey conducted between March and June 2010, however, free rabbit care sheets were only found to be available in 33 per cent of shops selling rabbits at the time of the survey (17.8 per cent excluding Pets At Home).
Welfare-related information covering at least one of the five welfare needs was provided in some form (via signs and/or care sheets) in 50.7 per cent of pet shops that had rabbits for sale at the time of the survey, however only 27.4 per cent of shops had written information available covering all five welfare needs.
Rabbits are the third most popular mammalian pet in the UK, however there is currently limited comprehensive, accurate information on rabbits welfare needs and rabbits needs are often poorly understood by potential and existing owners. In recognition of this, the RSPCA is planning a national campaign on rabbit welfare that includes studies into the state of rabbit welfare in the UK and the spatial needs of socially-housed pet rabbits.
For more information, read the 'rabbit' animal welfare indicator.
