ALL HOP IS LOST UK bunny run shock
BRITS might be emerging from lockdown, but sadly it seems our pet rabbits are not.
One in ten bunnies don’t even have enough room in their runs to hop, according to a new report by the PDSA.
And hundreds of thousands face a lifetime of endless isolation and loneliness, the veterinary charity revealed.
Its report also found that over a 24hour period, rabbits spend an average of 11 hours inside their hutches.
Despite being incredibly social animals, 49 per cent of UK rabbits – about 440,000 – live alone and 25 per cent are housed inadequately.
PDSA Vet Lynne James said: “Sadly, one-in-ten rabbits don’t have a run, living their lives in a hutch.
“During lockdown, many of us will have experienced feelings of isolation, boredom and loneliness
“But while we can begin to ease out of it, the sad reality is thousands of rabbits will continue to face perpetual confinement, enduring inadequate spaces and a lack of companionship, which can cause immense suffering.
Our research shows 98 per cent of owners said their pet was loved.
“So it may be owners are misunderstanding their pets’ needs as opposed to any intentional mistreatment.”
The PDSA says rabbits should always be homed with one other, carefully introduced, neutered bunny in a large, enriching space.
Their homes should provide them with more than enough room to lie down, stretch out and stand on their back legs without their ears touching the top. And they should be long enough for them have a little sprint.
The minimum space two rabbits need is 3m x 2m x 1m – 10ft x 6 ft x 3ft.
They should have an area where they can rest and sleep as well as space where they can hop, dig, play, and eat.
Tubes, hides, tunnels, cardboard boxes, hay racks and even bunny-safe plants will keep them entertained.
Give indoor rabbits toys to keep their brains active and reduce the likelihood of chewed furniture.
And give them somewhere to dig, like a large litter tray filled with soil.
So hop to it and make sure your bun has fun and a run.