Author:

Abstract:

In contrast with intensive rabbit farming, there are no data available on the management and welfare of pet rabbits in Flanders. This study sought information about the welfare of pet rabbits in Flemish households. To that aim, a survey about animal welfare-related topics was made available on the internet. The first part dealt with general information regarding the household, such as owner’s sex and area of residence. A second part included questions about animal housing conditions. In a third part, owners were asked to describe health problems of their rabbits. About 54 % of the respondents (n=245) stated that the mean age of their animals is between 5 and 10 years. When looking at the housing of the animals, it seems that solitary housing is the most common practice, as 48 % of the rabbit owners are housing their animals alone, while almost 31 % of the owners are housing their rabbits in groups of 2 to 4 animals. Yet, since European wild rabbits are social animals that live within a colony in stable breeding groups, solitary housing of pet rabbits is in conflict with the social needs of rabbits. About 9 out of 10 owners stated that their animals have access to hay or straw as enrichment materials. Branches are also provided (58 %), as well as toys (25 %). When looking at vaccination practices, data showed that a minority of the respondents vaccinates against RHD (47 %) and myxomatosis (37 %). It is however noteworthy that, for both diseases, a quarter of the rabbit owners stated that they have never heard about the disease, and does not vaccinate. Diarrhea (26 %) and loss of appetite (16 %) are the most diagnosed health problems by the owner. Rabbit owners must be better informed about the needs of pet rabbits.