With just under two weeks to go until Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) 2023, the organisers are urging veterinary practices to get involved by downloading a wealth of free resources to assist them in running their own events during RAW.
The theme for RAW 2023, which takes place from 26 to 30 June 2023, is “neutering: protect and prevent”.
Neutering not only prevents unplanned litters but, with around 80 percent of unneutered female rabbits developing uterine tumours after the age of three years, it also helps rabbits live longer, healthier lives.
Dr Suzanne Moyes, MVB, MRCVS, deputy managing director and in-house vet at Burgess Pet Care, organisers of RAW, says: “We know that the vet community plays an important role in ensuring that owners have access to the right information about rabbits’ welfare needs, which is why we are urging as many practices as possible to support RAW.
“You can either sign up to receive one of our limited number of free RAW 2023 vet packs in hard copy, or you can download a free RAW vet pack.
“Both are full of resources including rabbit care guides, health logs and printable posters, so that you can put together your own campaign.”
One such practice getting involved in RAW 2023 is Plymouth Vet Group. As an RWAF rabbit friendly accredited practice, during RAW it is offering rabbit owners discounts on vaccines and neutering, free nurse consults, a forage walk, informative displays and lots of information about rabbits on its social media channels.
Dr Moyes adds: “Given the increase in demand for rabbit ownership in the UK in recent years, it is really important that we educate as many owners as possible, so that these wonderful creatures can live the life they deserve, in the right environment.
“Working with our charity partners the RSPCA, Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF), Woodgreen Pets Charity, Blue Cross, and Raystede, we want to ensure that RAW is a great success and that we continue to improve the welfare of rabbits across the country.”
Rabbit Awareness Week 2023 takes place online over on the RAW social channels: Facebook and Instagram pages.
During RAW 2023 there will be a wealth of activity designed to raise awareness around neutering and its benefits, including vet blogs, videos and case studies. More information can be found on the website.
