New figures from the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF), the biggest UK charity dedicated to improving the lives of ‘pet’ rabbits, show that the number of unwanted rabbits has nearly doubled in recent years.
The last meaningful survey conducted by the charity estimated the number of rabbits given up to rescue shelters at around 35,000. The organisation has recently conducted another survey, and was shocked to find the figure now standing at well over 67,000.
‘What is really worrying,’ said Richard Saunders, RWAF Veterinary Expert Advisor, ‘is that this number only reflects the cases where the rabbits have made it into rescue. We can't possibly quantify how many more are dumped in the wild and left to fend for themselves, which leads to almost certain death. Then there are those who, when the novelty has worn off, are simply neglected and left often in a hutch with no access to exercise space and almost no attention except for a handful of food now and again.’
The charity also points out that countless unwanted pet rabbits are sold for next to nothing through classified ads both in newspapers and online as well as at livestock auctions. It is understood that many of these are bought as meat.
In the survey, almost all the rescue centres said that the problem is getting worse, with more and more people wanting to rehome their pet rabbits. Many said they are only able to take in around 10 per cent of the requests they receive, with most having waiting lists of 2-6 months. Many owners will not wait that long, and take their own steps to dispose of the animal.
The answer? Well the charity's message is simple on this one. Rabbits are not the cheap and easy children's pet that they are often mistaken as being. They are as big a commitment as a cat or dog, and people should think long and hard, and do their research before taking them on. And even longer and harder before they decide to breed ‘just one litter’ from their pets, with even more rabbits then needing to find homes. If you can't commit to providing rabbits with the space, companionship, vet care and proper diet for ten years or more, then rabbits are not for you.
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The last meaningful survey conducted by the charity estimated the number of rabbits given up to rescue shelters at around 35,000. The organisation has recently conducted another survey, and was shocked to find the figure now standing at well over 67,000.
‘What is really worrying,’ said Richard Saunders, RWAF Veterinary Expert Advisor, ‘is that this number only reflects the cases where the rabbits have made it into rescue. We can't possibly quantify how many more are dumped in the wild and left to fend for themselves, which leads to almost certain death. Then there are those who, when the novelty has worn off, are simply neglected and left often in a hutch with no access to exercise space and almost no attention except for a handful of food now and again.’
The charity also points out that countless unwanted pet rabbits are sold for next to nothing through classified ads both in newspapers and online as well as at livestock auctions. It is understood that many of these are bought as meat.
In the survey, almost all the rescue centres said that the problem is getting worse, with more and more people wanting to rehome their pet rabbits. Many said they are only able to take in around 10 per cent of the requests they receive, with most having waiting lists of 2-6 months. Many owners will not wait that long, and take their own steps to dispose of the animal.
The answer? Well the charity's message is simple on this one. Rabbits are not the cheap and easy children's pet that they are often mistaken as being. They are as big a commitment as a cat or dog, and people should think long and hard, and do their research before taking them on. And even longer and harder before they decide to breed ‘just one litter’ from their pets, with even more rabbits then needing to find homes. If you can't commit to providing rabbits with the space, companionship, vet care and proper diet for ten years or more, then rabbits are not for you.
Source: link
For more information: link
what is "PETA"
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is the worlds largest animal rights group. Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Norfolk, VA with affiliates in Germany, England, India and other countries around the globe. It is listed with the federal government as a 501(c)3 organization and donations are tax-deductible.
PETA focuses its attention on factory farms, in laboratories, in the clothing trade and in the entertainment industry. PETA also works on a variety of other issues, depending on what they feel will give themselves the most media attention. PETA is strongly anti-meat, anti-egg and anti-dairy.
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is the worlds largest animal rights group. Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Norfolk, VA with affiliates in Germany, England, India and other countries around the globe. It is listed with the federal government as a 501(c)3 organization and donations are tax-deductible.
PETA focuses its attention on factory farms, in laboratories, in the clothing trade and in the entertainment industry. PETA also works on a variety of other issues, depending on what they feel will give themselves the most media attention. PETA is strongly anti-meat, anti-egg and anti-dairy.
1.START BY NEVER BUYING PETS AT A PETSTORE!( THEY ARE FROM PUPPY MILLS SO DON'T!).
2.THEN MAKE YOUR PETS FEEL INPORTANT BECAUSE THEY ARE. THEY ARE PEOPLE AND IF YOU WERE ABUSED YOU WON'T LIKE WOULD YOU?
3.HELP PET PROGRAMS BY SENDING MONEY OR FOOD(OPITIONAL). THEY NEED IT!
4. IF YOU SEE A LOST PET TRY TO HELP IT FIND IT OWNER.(YOU CAN FEED IT)IF YOU WERE LOST YOU WOULD WANT ALL THE HELP YOU COULD GET, RIGHT?
5. NEVER EVER HURT A ANIMAL! IT IS THEY SAME AS HURTING A PERSON. YOU WOULDN'T LIKE IT!
6. BE A PART OF MY CLUB THAT HELPS ANIMALS. SEND ME A MESSAGE AND MY CLUB WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE ALL OVER THE WORLD!!
THANKS FOR LISTENING TO ME A SMALL PERSON!!
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (May 31) - Authorities on Sunday began the grim task of removing the carcasses of 55 whales that beached themselves and had to be shot despite the frantic rescue efforts of hundreds of volunteers.
Police had to put down 44 of the exhausted false killer whales to end their suffering, prompting scuffles with distraught locals desperate to save them. The rest died of stress and organ failure and the bodies of three whales who were initially thought to have escaped washed up overnight.
Police had to put down 44 of the exhausted false killer whales to end their suffering, prompting scuffles with distraught locals desperate to save them. The rest died of stress and organ failure and the bodies of three whales who were initially thought to have escaped washed up overnight.