Theme announced for RAW 2022
Almost half of UK rabbits live alone.
The Rabbit Awareness Awareness Group (RAAG) has announced the theme of this year’s Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW).
This year’s theme, ‘Room for Rabbits’, will focus on environment, following research that 38 per cent of veterinary surgeons believe that rabbits’ environment is the most neglected welfare need.
RAW, which takes place from 27 June 2022, will provide veterinary professionals and pet owners with resources including vet blogs and videos on adapting rabbits’ housing for all seasons, boredom buster ideas, downloadable packs for practices to create their own RAW campaigns, and a competition to encourage rabbit owners to create a ‘gold standard’ environment.
Holly Castle, senior brand manager at Burgess Pet Care, who organises RAW, said: “We are delighted that RAW continues to have a positive impact, with our survey showing that 90 per cent of vets believe that the welfare of the UK’s rabbits is improving - but there is always more we can do.
“Since the previous RAW campaign, we have successfully launched RAAG, which recognises that the welfare of these wonderful creatures needs to be high on the agenda year-round.
“By bringing together the expertise of the RAW partners, RAAG is focused on encouraging everyone involved with rabbits to support the first Good Practice Code for rabbits’ welfare in England to ensure it becomes enshrined in law.
“The veterinary community plays a hugely important role in ensuring that owners have access to the right information, and we are urging practices to throw their support behind this year’s RAW to ensure that we reach as many owners as possible.”
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.
