UK's 1.6 Million Pet Rabbits Facing Early Grave

LONDON, April 22, 2010 - The lives of pet rabbits in Britain, the UK's third most popular pet, are
being drastically cut short due to owners' ignorance and misinformation,
according to a survey* for Rabbit Awareness Week (26th April - 2nd May 2010).

Over 50% of respondents believe that the average rabbit lives for 3 - 4
years when in fact many have a potential lifespan of more than 12 years.

The survey revealed further widespread lack of knowledge about what pet
rabbits need to live longer, healthier and happier lives. Almost half of the
respondents believe that vegetables, fruit and carrots are the most important
food for rabbits. Whilst a small daily amount of green veg is good, a diet
based solely on vegetables, fruit and carrots does not provide all the
nutrients that rabbits need, leaving them malnourished. In addition, 71%
didn't know that fibre, in the form of hay and grass, is the most vital food
for rabbits - it is essential for their digestive health - without it they
can die.

More than 50% of those surveyed did not know that rabbits should be kept
in pairs. Companionship is key to the welfare of rabbits - without the
company of another neutered rabbit they get lonely and bored. In the wild,
rabbits are social creatures, a fact that doesn't change just because they
are kept as pets.

Furthermore, the commitment of owning a pet rabbit doesn't stop at
correct feeding and housing; 90% of respondents didn't know that owning a
rabbit is likely to cost more than GBP3,000 over the course of its lifetime!

Sean Wensley, senior veterinary surgeon at the PDSA, comments: "Despite
more than a million pet rabbits currently being kept across the country, the
results of this survey add to our concerns that their welfare needs are sadly
misunderstood.

"It is vital that owners understand the commitment involved in
owning pet rabbits, both financially and in terms of the time taken to care
for them properly. It is also essential that owners understand their rabbits'
welfare needs, including their need to be fed a suitable diet, to have a
large hutch and exercise run, to have company and to receive appropriate
health care, including vaccinations against deadly diseases."

Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW), running 26th April - 2nd May 2010, aims to
promote good rabbit health and wellbeing amongst owners of all ages. The
focus of this year's campaign is tackling rabbit obesity - an ever-increasing
problem caused by poor diet and lack of exercise. Obesity is a serious issue
for rabbits and can lead to a host of life-threatening health problems,
including flystrike.

During RAW, participating veterinary practices nationwide will be holding
FREE rabbit health checks. These health clinics are open to everyone and will
provide practical advice on how to keep rabbits happy and healthy, including
information about feeding, environment, vaccinations and husbandry.

*The survey was carried out among 2000 respondents in March 2010

To find participating veterinary practices in your area visit
www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk

For further information and interviews with Sean Wensley, please contact
Claire Felstead or Felicity McClintock on +44(0)20-7787-1931 or email
claire.felstead@freshwater-uk.com / felicity.mcclintock@freshwater-uk.com

For further information and interviews with Sean Wensley, please contact
Claire Felstead or Felicity McClintock on +44(0)20-7787-1931 or email
claire.felstead at freshwater-uk.com / felicity.mcclintock at freshwater-uk.com; Alex Love - Director - Mobile: +44(0)7791-200391