The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is petitioning the UK government to ban pet shops from selling single rabbits.
They explain that the adorable animals are “highly sociable” and as such, will become lonely if not paired up with at least one other bunny.
This is in light of recent research that showed that nearly 50% of rabbits kept as pets have been found to be lonely. In its recent survey of 18,000 vets in the UK, the BVA also discovered that 42 percent of rabbits were sold by themselves.
The study also found that of the vets surveyed, 73 percent had witnessed rabbits whose welfare needs were not being met.
This is why the BVA is calling on ministers to “encourage owners to buy rabbits in compatible pairs or groups in pet vending legislation.”
A 2019 PDSA PAW report stated that rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK, raising concerns in the BVA that owners may not fully understand the animals’ needs.
For example, the BVA study discovered that companionship is so important to rabbits that in most instances, they would choose company over food if given a choice of one or the other.
Daniella Dos Santos, BVA president, and small animal and exotics vet said: “Whether they are outside or inside, pet rabbits are highly sociable animals and benefit from buddying up with a suitable companion, so it’s a big concern that so many in the UK still live alone.
“It’s important to acknowledge the significance of companionship and adequate housing space to keep rabbits happy and healthy.”
Of course, it’s important that any pairing must be suitable, with Dos Santos adding: “Anyone thinking of taking on a pair or group of rabbits should seek expert veterinary guidance to help make sure that the match is successful.
“For example, if you’re starting from scratch, a neutered pair is ideal but if you already have a lone rabbit and you’re wondering whether you should get a companion, ask your vet what your options are, what companion would be best suited to your rabbit’s health and welfare needs and the safest way to introduce them.”
The BVA also warned against people against pairing rabbits with guinea pigs because they have different dietary needs and don’t provide the same social functions that other rabbits do such as mutual grooming.
The BVA added that because guinea pigs are smaller, they are at greater risk of injury.
Replaced!