Rabbits are a common companion animal in the United Kingdom, and some reports have suggested that large numbers are relinquished to rehoming centers each year. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of rabbits relinquished to 2 UK rehoming centers and explore reasons given for relinquishment. The centers contributed data for all rabbits who entered their center during 2013 (n = 205). Most rabbits (59.5%) were relinquished by a guardian. Similar numbers of males and females were relinquished, and a larger number of rabbits were not neutered (72.4%) and adults (56%). Most rabbits were healthy on arrival (61.5%). The most common reasons for relinquishment were: "too many rabbits/unplanned litters" (30.3%) and "housing problems" (23.8%). Rabbit-related reasons accounted for 12.2% of rabbits relinquished. Reasons for relinquishment were associated with 1 of the recorded rabbit characteristics. Further detailed studies are needed to explore the dynamics of companion rabbit ownership and factors that affect the breakdown of rabbit-guardian relationships in the United Kingdom.

Rabbits are commonly kept in a variety of settings, including homes, laboratories, and veterinary clinics. Despite the popularity of keeping this prey species, little research has investigated current methods of handling. The aim of this study was to examine the experience of caregivers (owners and keepers) in using five handling methods commonly referred to in books written for companion animal (pet) owners and veterinary and/or laboratory personnel. An online survey was completed by 2644 respondents, representing all three of these groups, and breeders. Data were acquired to determine sources that participants used to gain knowledge of different handling methods, the methods they used and for what purposes they used them, and their perceptions of any associated difficulties or welfare concerns. Results indicated that participants most frequently used the method of supporting a rabbit's body against a person's chest, which was considered the easiest and most welfare-friendly method of the handling methods explored. "Scruffing with rear support" was the least used method and was considered to be distressing and painful for the rabbit. As rabbits are a terrestrial prey species, being picked up is likely an innately stressful experience. Additional research is encouraged to explore the experience of rabbits during handling to identify methods that can be easily used with the fewest welfare compromises.

To mitigate the effects of anthropogenic environmental impacts, conservation education (CE) aims to increase public awareness of biodiversity and encourage the uptake of pro-environmental behaviours (PEB). One way of achieving this goal is the use of controlled animal interactions with animal ambassadors to promote CE goals. This study aimed to determine how differing experiences with ambassador Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) affected visitors’ knowledge of conservation actions (CA) and their likelihood to perform PEBs in a UK zoo. A quasi-experimental repeated measures questionnaire was used to investigate this aim. Visit types were categorised as (a) ‘penguin parade’, (b) ‘animal encounter’, (c) ‘exhibit viewing’ and (d) a ‘control’ groups. A Kruskal–Wallis test was used to determine if responses to rating scale items related to PEBs differed according to experience. No significant (p > 0.05) differences were detectable between groups. Qualitative data provided in open ended questions relating to CAs were coded into themes and the percentage of responses were calculated for each theme. Whilst the ‘exhibit viewing’ group mentioned sustainable fish significantly more (p = 0.017) than the ‘control’ group, no significant difference was found for any other pair-wise comparison (p > 0.05 in all cases). Overall, this study highlights that zoo visitors gained specific conservation-based knowledge and had higher behavioural intentions towards PEBs than they previously had. However, no evidence was found to suggest that animal encounters improved CE outcomes. To ensure best practice is followed and CE outcomes are considered equally alongside ambassador animal welfare concerns, further research is recommended.

that the predator loses interest and lets the prey go.' It has been previously found that tonic immobility induced in rabbits can be stressful to them. For example, McBride and others (2006) studied six rabbits, by placing them in the tonic immobility position, resulting in behavioural and physiological changes indicative of stress. However, it appears to be a common misconception among rabbit owners that a rabbit in a state of tonic immobility might be relaxed (Buseth and Saunders 2015). As a result, the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) advises rabbit owners not to trance or hypnotise their rabbits (RWAF 2015). However, it has been noted that tonic immobility is frequently used and admissible in a variety of veterinary procedures (eg, radiographs) as it avoids the need for anaesthesia (Varga 2013). Although it may be evident that tonic immobility is stressful (McBride and others 2006), no research, to our knowledge, has been conducted on rabbit owners' use of and reasons for using tonic immobility with rabbits (eg, grooming, ease of handling) and awareness of possible negative effects. Furthermore, the education of owners could be beneficial to reduce the occurrence of placing rabbits in potentially stressful situations. We suggest that more research into owner use of tonic immobility and a larger study, including larger sample size, into the behavioural and physiological effects be undertaken, possibly in conjunction with veterinary visits where the procedure is required.

No abstract

Social media can be both a boon and a problem in owner awareness of canine medical conditions. YouTube videos could be used in research of owner perception of dog ‘skipping’.