For many years, rabbits have been bought for small children as gifts for easter or Christmas to teach ‘responsibilities’ the rabbit is often then thrown in a small cage sold at pet stores thrown outside to face the cold dark weather. The only time there is any interaction between the individuals and the rabbit is when the hutch is being cleaned or to be given food. This is one of the most inhuman treatments a domestic rabbit can get. There are so many misconceptions surrounding domestic rabbits, they are a lot smarter than people give them credit for they are loving, sociable animals and just like any dog or cat deserve to have an adequate living space that does not include wired cages or huts. According to the scottish government’s website ‘shelter should:
� be large enough to allow all your rabbits to lie down and stretch out comfortably in all directions, at the same time,
� be high enough for them to stand up on their back legs without their ears touching the top, and
� be long enough so that they can move around, feed and drink. As a guide, all your rabbits should be able to take a minimum of three big hops from one end to another, at the same time.
The minimum recommended size for a suitable shelter for 2 small or medium breed rabbits is 6ft x 2ft x 2ft (180cm x 60cm x 60cm). The size you need will depend on the size of your rabbits. For example, a giant rabbit’s hop can be 4.5ft in length, so accommodation for rabbits of this size will have to be much bigger, and medium-sized rabbits are likely to need a height of at least 75cm to allow them to stand up fully without their ears touching the top’ unfortunately this is not the case, when you decide to get an animal you have made a choice to bring that animal home to your house to love and be a part of the family.. so why is it not the same for domestic rabbits? Why are people throwing them outside or in small cages with no exercise? Rabbits are smart they can be litter trained just like cats and deserve to be a part of your family. I am hoping people who have rabbits that may be in similar living conditions i have mentioned read this petition and make positive changes for both you and your pet bun. I am petitioning for the Scottish Government to make a law for all rabbits to be kept indoors and stop the selling of wire cages where these poor animals are being kept.