Pet rabbit welfare in the UK 2013

This survey shows the welfare rating for pet rabbits in the United Kingdom in 2013, as an index score out of 100. The welfare needs are defined by the source as diet, behaviour, companionship and health. Companionship scored least well of the pet welfare needs, with the PDSA report suggesting many rabbits are left living alone despite being a social species.

Rabbit welfare rating in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2013, by welfare needs (as index score)**

Characteristic	Index score
Diet	46
Behaviour	89
Companionship	26
Health	55

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Release date

December 2013

More information

Region

United Kingdom

Survey time period

2013

Number of respondents

2149*

Special properties

Rabbit owners

Method of interview

Online survey

Supplementary notes

* 2149 = total number of pet owners surveyed, including dog, cat and rabbit owners.

** The welfare needs are defined by the source as follows:

Diet - the need for a suitable diet
Behaviour - the need to be able to express normal behaviour
Companionship - the need to live with, or apart from, other animals
Health - the need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease
Although 'Environment' is also a welfare need included by the source, data gathered on the rabbit environment did not cover all aspects and is therefore excluded.

Rating is based on an index score out of 100. Scores were calculated by the source as follows:
"Respondents were surveyed about each of the five welfare needs, in direct relation to their pet and their level of knowledge in each area. Their answers were then scored against care scenarios based on professional advice from PDSA and using information from published Government Codes of Practice for companion animal species. Respondents have been scored against these ideal scenarios to given an overall score out of 100."

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