The issue:

In Dumfries and Galloway there is an annual Civic Daze, and within said event is a pet show. They open this up for people to register their dogs, cats, and the concerning—small, prey animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.

Last year, someone brought a rabbit.

And they are promoting the pet show again this year, allowing small animals such as rabbits, to be registered.

Rabbits, alike all prey animals, are very sensitive, easily distressed and frightened by nature, they prefer the comfort of their home and feel anxious when taken away from that known environment. They are not dogs, who enjoy walks out in new places or meeting lots of people. And they certainly do not enjoy loud, busy environments, such as a pet show aimed at families. Such a show surrounded by noise and predators is distressing and terrifying for a rabbit, and would lead to severe panic and/or worse, as they cannot hide away when scared and do not have the comfort of their home to feel safe.

Rabbits also do not enjoy being picked up. For them, it is distressing being lifted off the ground where they feel safe and planted, and is best to only do it when necessary for them (such as for health checks), to minimise their discomfort and potential harm to them, or whoever is holding them as they can kick, bite or scratch when alarmed and scared. This is yet another thing they will have to endure during the pet show, which is unfair and unkind on them.

Being around other animals also increases their risk of contracting fatal diseases and illnesses. 

They also need a constant supply of fresh Timothy hay, of which they will not be getting during the show.

The heat may also be an issue, as we have seen recently with the rise in global temperatures and extremes becoming normal, August could be a time of severe heat. Which will only add to the stressful situation.

The other issue at hand is that the veterinary practice that is running/present at the pet show, is not an exotics/rabbit-savvy vet, and therefore most likely does not have the full training in rabbit healthcare and wellbeing.

There is also always a risk that the rabbits escape. This almost always ends in death for the rabbits, as they are not suited to the wild since becoming domesticated.

Outcome I am aiming for:

All I am asking for is that the pet show is limited to dogs, and perhaps cats, only. No small prey animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.

Once I have enough signatures, I will bring the petition forth to the event organisers, and the council, to hopefully end this cruelty before it begins.

Some information sources on rabbits:

https://www.babybluebeebunnies.com/keep-rabbits-at-home.html​

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/welfare-need/farm-parks-mobile-zoos-and-animal-encounters/​

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/campaign/dont-bug-bunnies/​

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/welfare-need/hiding/​

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/welfare-need/recognising-emergencies/​

https://woodgreen.org.uk/pet-advice/rabbit/introduction-to-rabbits/​

https://woodgreen.org.uk/courses/an-introduction-to-rabbits-online-course/ (free, short but in depth course/e-guide on rabbit welfare)

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/45/contents

Other sources:

Animal Welfare Act 2006