Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 8th April 2017
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Rabbit awareness collective reveals 2017 theme
The #HopToHay campaign aims to address the fact that rabbits remain one of the most misunderstood pets in the UK.

#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/

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk