Analysis of factors relating to pet rabbits relinquished to two UK re-homing centres

Ellis, C. (2017) Analysis of factors relating to pet rabbits relinquished to two UK re-homing centres. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. 1088-8705.

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8916:18939

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8916:18939

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Ellis20178916.pdf - Published Version
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Abstract:

Rabbits are a common companion animal in the UK and some reports suggest that large numbers are relinquished to re-homing centres each year. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of rabbits relinquished to two UK re-homing centres and explore reasons given for relinquishment. The centres contributed data for all rabbits that entered their centre during 2013 (n=205). Most rabbits (59.5%) were relinquished by an owner. A similar number of males to females were relinquished and a larger number of rabbits were not neutered (72.4%) and adults (56%). Most rabbits were healthy on arrival (61.5%). The most common reasons for relinquishment were: too many rabbits / unplanned litters (30.3%) and housing problems (23.8%). Rabbit related reasons accounted for 12.2% of rabbits relinquished. Reasons for relinquishment were associated with one of the recorded rabbit characteristics. Further detailed studies are needed to explore the dynamics of pet rabbit ownership and factors that affect the breakdown of rabbit-owner relationships in the UK.

Uncontrolled Keywords:

Rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, relinquishment, re-homing centre, shelter

Subjects:

S Agriculture > SF Animal culture > SF411 Pets > SF451 Rabbits and hares

Creators:

Ellis, C.

Publisher:

Taylor & Francis

Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:

University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Moulton College

Date:

21 April 2017

Date Type:

Published Online

Journal or Publication Title:

Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science

Language:

English

DOI:

10.1080/10888705.2017.1303381

ISSN:

1088-8705

Status:

Published / Disseminated