#HopToHay campaign 'biggest and best yet'
The lack of pet owner understanding around the importance of a hay-led, fibre-rich diet is the focus of this year's Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW), it has been announced.
Taking place from 17-25 June, the #HopToHay campaign aims to address the fact that rabbits remain one of the most misunderstood pets in the UK.
In 2016, the PDSA's Animal Wellbeing Report highlighted that only 30 per cent of owners gave their rabbits constant access to hay for eating.
Through this new campaign, the Rabbit Awareness Collective (incorporating Burgess Pet Care, BSAVA, PDSA and the RWAF) wants to ensure that rabbits are being given good quality feeding hay, which is more palatable and will help support their digestive and dental health.
The aim is to make sure that owners feed their rabbits diets containing 85-90 per cent grass or fresh, high-quality feeding hay, they said.
Now in its eleventh year, Rabbit Awareness Week helps encourage rabbit owners to visit practices and get their rabbit's health-checked. During this time, practices offer an array of initiatives and activities to help better the lives of rabbits including free dentals, free weight checks and reduced fees on neutering.
"Each year, we're delighted to see the new and innovative ways practices are making the most out of each week," said a RAW spokesperson. "We want this year's RAW to be the biggest and best yet!"
To support practices, the collective has put together a PR toolkit specifically for vets. This includes information about this year's campaign, as well as lots of ideas on how to co-ordinate activity and maximise coverage.
The toolkit also includes PR and social media tips, press release templates, campaign information and lots of RAW materials to help promote the week.
For further information about RAW and details on how you can get involved visit http://www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk/hop-to-hay/
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
