RABBIT WELFARE
Rabbit welfare should be the top priority for anybody that keeps rabbits whatever the purpose may be. It is very easy to become extreme with the opinions of what is and what is not acceptable, however there are experts in all fields that can base their argument on years of working and studying the animal directly, and each has a valid argument based on their own experiences. WELFARE does not mean hate campaigns, anti breeders, anti rescue, anti pet owners, it means the provisions are in place to keep the rabbit in a way that allows them to exhibit their natural behaviours while meeting the five freedoms.
When a rabbit is kept in a way that allows them the freedom to express themselves they will be content and can really show their character. The key in understanding the rabbit is remembering that they are ADAPTABLE and will adapt to the situation that they find themselves in. Rabbits are an animal and do not share human emotions so in order to adequately meet their needs we must think as a rabbit not as a human.
When attending a jumping display your rabbit's reaction to stress will be continually monitored and withdrawal of the rabbit will be essential if it is not coping well with the situation.
While at a display your rabbit must be penned in a puppy or something safe to the same size. You must provide fresh clean water and this must be made available at all times. It is advisable to bring your own water from home owing to differing water quality at different localities. You rabbit will require adequate shade and a place to hide, This ensures that you are meeting the freedom that states an animal must be kept free from fear. Adequate hay to allow your rabbit to graze for the duration. Any toys that your rabbit may favor from home may also be a good idea and it will provide a distraction and help with the reduction of stress levels. We want you rabbit to enjoy the experience just as much as you do, we can not eliminate risk factors completely however we can keep them minimal.
The health and fitness of your rabbit will be assessed before being 'cleared' for taking part. Please do not react badly if anything is identified meaning that you can't take part, the welfare of the rabbit is and always must be the top priority. We want everybody to enjoy this sport but we also want to keep it safe and ensure that the animal is the first consideration at all times.
When a rabbit is kept in a way that allows them the freedom to express themselves they will be content and can really show their character. The key in understanding the rabbit is remembering that they are ADAPTABLE and will adapt to the situation that they find themselves in. Rabbits are an animal and do not share human emotions so in order to adequately meet their needs we must think as a rabbit not as a human.
When attending a jumping display your rabbit's reaction to stress will be continually monitored and withdrawal of the rabbit will be essential if it is not coping well with the situation.
While at a display your rabbit must be penned in a puppy or something safe to the same size. You must provide fresh clean water and this must be made available at all times. It is advisable to bring your own water from home owing to differing water quality at different localities. You rabbit will require adequate shade and a place to hide, This ensures that you are meeting the freedom that states an animal must be kept free from fear. Adequate hay to allow your rabbit to graze for the duration. Any toys that your rabbit may favor from home may also be a good idea and it will provide a distraction and help with the reduction of stress levels. We want you rabbit to enjoy the experience just as much as you do, we can not eliminate risk factors completely however we can keep them minimal.
The health and fitness of your rabbit will be assessed before being 'cleared' for taking part. Please do not react badly if anything is identified meaning that you can't take part, the welfare of the rabbit is and always must be the top priority. We want everybody to enjoy this sport but we also want to keep it safe and ensure that the animal is the first consideration at all times.
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