Dear Supporters,

We hope you are all well! Since the last update, we have been very busy gathering advice and support for our campaign. 

First of all we'd like to thank the PDSA and Advocates for Rabbit Welfare Scotland for sharing their time and expertise so generously. We have also contacted the RSPCA as in 2015 they formed a Panel to draft a Rabbit Welfare Code of Practice for England. We have asked if we can join the Panel as it includes breeders and the pet industry, but no rabbit rescue organisation. We have contacted some of the other organisations associated with the Panel and those who have responded have told us they have not heard from the RSPCA since the Panel was formed. 

So we have written to the RSPCA's CEO Chris Sherwood to ask him what progress has been made in the past 3 and a half years and to encourage the Panel to follow the Scottish Pet Rabbit Welfare Guidance, which is very enlightened - for example it talks about "living shelters" with a large enclosure attached rather than "hutches".

We have also contacted MPs with an interest in animal welfare about progressing our campaign and we would like to thank Caroline Lucas and Kerry McCarthy's teams for their advice in these very busy times. Rebecca Pow MP has agreed to meet us so watch this space.

Finally, you don't have to live in Scotland to contribute to the Scottish Government's Consultation on Licensing of Dog, Cat and Rabbit Breeding Activities in Scotland. The deadline is 30 November so if you have time please consider taking part, link below. 

Many thanks again for your kind support and donations to A Hutch Is Not A Home, we couldn't do it without you and we are grateful to each one of you. 

Have a good week and wrap up warm!

Best wishes from everyone at COTTONTAILS.

https://consult.gov.scot/animal-health-and-welfare/pet-breeding-activities/