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Rabbits Multiplying Like Rabbits: The Rise in the Worldwide Popularity of Rabbits as Pets
Abstract
Rabbits are one of the world’s most recently domesticated animals, having been domesticated for food and fur in the first millennium after Christ. The idea of keeping rabbits as pets did not gain widespread acceptance in Europe and North America until the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. In the late twentieth century, the house rabbit movement emerged, whereby rabbits graduated from outdoor, caged pets to indoor household companions, gaining a status among some which now approaches that of cat or dog. At this time, rabbits began to be kept more commonly as pets in areas outside of Europe and the USA as well; in particular, rabbits are extremely popular pets in Australia (even though they are banned in some states) and Asian countries like Japan and Singapore. This chapter looks at the issues facing rabbits as pets outside of the USA, and makes some predictions for the future of rabbits as companion animals.
... The number of respondents from these areas was likely related to the call for response to the survey, which was distributed through emails to available databases, social media, and publicizing by exotic animal veterinary associations. In addition, the density of pet rabbits and available veterinary care in these areas is also likely higher [13][14][15]. Furthermore, the survey was also dominated by respondents who identified as clinicians with an exotic animal focus. ...
... Furthermore, responses in the first survey necessitated a second survey which, although distributed to the same group, did not obtain the same level of response. Considering the presumably high number of pet rabbits, the overall number of responses could be considered low so these results may not apply to all veterinarians who treat rabbits [13,45]. In this regard, the survey was dominated by exotic animal clinicians who may treat higher numbers of rabbits and have more education and access to diagnostic and treatment information for E. cuniculi. ...
In 2022–2023, the first survey of clinicians regarding Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection of rabbits was undertaken. The purpose was to assess the current worldwide knowledge of clinicians regarding influence of breed and age, clinical presentations, use of various diagnostic tools, and treatment regimens and to explore how responses may differ by geographic location. Identifying mostly as exotic animal clinicians, 339 respondents participated, with nearly half from the United States and the remainder from 35 other countries. Neurological signs were most consistently reported as associated with Encephalitozoon cuniculi and the most recurrent clinical case presentation. Other responses showed differences by geographic location. For example, age predilection for disease varied, with 71.1% of international respondents indicating that infection was more common in young rabbits versus 28.9% who suggested it was more frequent in older rabbits. This was significantly different (p = 0.001) from the information from respondents from the United States, where 48.0% indicated that younger rabbits had an increased incidence versus 52.0% who indicated that older age increased occurrence. While some differences may be related to the practice composition and the training level of respondents, many responses were in alignment with the existing literature. Future inquiries should focus more on these discrepancies to aid in generating guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of this infectious disease.
... Dogs are used the most frequently for animal-assisted interventions (AAI), but rabbits could also be used for complementary therapy [8] as they are popular, especially among children [6,9]. Rabbits are common companion animals in many European countries [10]. Rabbit-assisted - ...
... The most frequently used species for AAIs is dogs, but for complementary therapy, rabbits could also be used [8] as they are popular, especially among children [6,9], and in many European countries, rabbits are common companion animals [10]. Rabbits appear in children's literature as benevolent figures that eventuate positive feelings in pupils [8]. ...
Background: Rabbits are common companion animals in many European countries. Rabbit-assisted interventions in primary schools are suitable for decreasing the anxiety levels of children, which may increase the education efficiency of teachers. Methods: In our present study, the behavior of dwarf rabbits was tested in a children’s summer camp organized by the Family and Child Protection Service in Várpalota, Hungary, 2021. In two occasions, altogether 20 rabbits were evaluated, while 120 children were involved in the examinations. All the rabbits were the progeny of the same buck and three different does. Four of them had been previously socialized to humans during the sensitive period after birth. Results: The familiarity level of the rabbits with their owner was significantly lower after the interventions compared to the previously measured scores (p < 0.05). In the interventions, children also made behavior surveys with the rabbits in which they contacted the animals, touched them and held them. After three successive interventions, rabbits became significantly less tolerant compared to the first intervention (p < 0.05). In both cases, the rabbits who had been socialized obtained higher scores on the behavior tests compared to the non-handled conspecifics. However, by the third session, socialized rabbits showed a considerable decrease in cooperation. Conclusions: The stress tolerance of rabbits receiving handling exceeds that of those that were not handled previously. The familiarity level of the imprinted rabbits was higher in both cases: with the owner and children. When using rabbits in AAI, a maximum of two 20 min sessions is recommended for handled rabbits.
... Therefore, genital tract pathology, especially in females, has been extensively investigated [3,29e31]. As rabbits became popular also as pets [32], this knowledge has gained clinical and prognostic value. Not surprisingly, we showed that endometrial adenocarcinoma was the most common lesion in pet rabbits. ...
... Surprisingly, the fact that rabbits may also be kept as pets did not seem to affect either people's perception of their level of welfare or the quality of their emotional response to the pictures, which were similar to those reported for other species. One possible explanation is that the culture of keeping rabbits as pets in Italy is far more recent than and not as widespread as in other European countries [45,46]. This may be reflected in people's perception of this species mainly as a farm rather than a companion animal. ...
Simple Summary
The number of animals bred to keep up with the increasing demand for animal food products is steadily growing. Different husbandry systems often guarantee different animal welfare standards, which may condition people’s choices as animal product consumers. In this study, we explored people’s emotional responses toward pictures of farm animals (cows, pigs, chickens, and rabbits) kept in intensive and extensive husbandry systems and how it related to their perception of animal welfare as well as their food choices. A total of 835 respondents completed the questionnaire. As expected, pictures of animals in intensive systems elicited negative emotions, especially for pigs and rabbits, whereas pictures of extensive systems, elicited positive emotions, especially for chickens. Intensive systems were perceived to guarantee lower animal welfare levels. Regardless of the husbandry system, cows were perceived to have the highest welfare levels. Most importantly, the quality of the participants’ emotional responses was positively associated with the perception of animal welfare and negatively associated with the importance given to welfare when purchasing animal products. Furthermore, several demographic factors, namely gender, education, household composition, living area, pet ownership, and eating habits were found to affect the participants’ emotional response to farm animal pictures.
Abstract
As livestock production grows to satisfy the global demand for animal products, understanding public attitudes towards different husbandry systems becomes essential for both animal welfare and socio-economic reasons. This study aimed to investigate people’s emotional responses toward pictures of farm animals kept in intensive and extensive husbandry systems, their perception of animal welfare, and their choices as animal product consumers. A questionnaire that included demographic questions and photos of cows, pigs, chickens, and rabbits in both intensive and extensive systems was distributed electronically and physically and completed by 835 respondents. Photos of animals in intensive systems elicited more negative emotions, especially for pigs and rabbits (p < 0.05), as opposed to extensive systems, which elicited more positive emotions, especially for chickens (p < 0.001). Higher welfare levels were perceived for extensively farmed animals (p < 0.001) and for cattle compared to all other species, regardless of the husbandry system (p < 0.001). The quality of the emotional response was positively associated with welfare perception (p < 0.001) and negatively associated with the importance given to welfare when purchasing animal products (p < 0.001). Finally, the emotional response was found to be affected by gender, education, household composition, living area, pet ownership, and eating habits. The implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.
... Rabbits, the focus of this study, are widespread globally, living both in the wild and as household pets (DeMello, 2016;Flux & Fullagar, 1992). This indicates that they are not necessarily unique animals, such as pandas or penguins, which are often found in specific geographical locations and whose uniqueness attracts tourists (Cong et al., 2014;Schänzel & McIntosh, 2000). ...
This study’s aim is to elucidate what tourists’ encounter with feral animals entail—an infrequently studied concept in the literature—by building on the discussion of authenticity in wildlife tourism experiences using the case of feral rabbits. Netnography was used to examine tourists’ comments and photos in 386 TripAdvisor reviews written in Japanese and English about Ōkunoshima Island in Hiroshima, Japan. The findings indicate that the space where tourist and feral rabbit interactions occur can be compared to a ‘natural petting zoo’ and a theme park, where tourists’ seek entertainment rather than authentic experiences. Even uncontrolled, chaotic wildness—the characteristic of feral animals—was consumed by tourists who found it entertaining. Unmediated interactions allowed tourists to be fully in charge of interactions with the rabbits especially through feeding. Their encounters with the rabbits especially left tourists in Japanese reviews with feeling of healing. Widely adopted conservation-based wildlife tourism frameworks are inadequate for managing tourist–feral rabbit encounters because if they were adapted, the rabbits would be eradicated. Therefore, a policy for Ōkunoshima Island that balances the needs of tourists, rabbits, and the surrounding environment is needed.
... Further, investigations on spontaneous mammary tumors in rabbits reflect more closely the interaction between immune system and breast cancer in humans than studies on rodent models with induced or transplanted tumors. Nowadays, rabbits are widely available and represent very popular companion animals in many countries of Europe and Asia, in USA and Australia [55]. In addition, pet rabbits are often exposed to similar environmental antigens than their owners. ...
Simple Summary
The interaction between tumors and immune cells influences tumor fate, i.e., regression, growth, or even metastases. The evaluation of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in human breast cancer has prognostic value. Pet rabbits develop spontaneous mammary carcinomas and have an immune system that is comparable with that of humans, so that they have the potential to provide an animal model for human breast cancer. To further substantiate this similarity, this study examined TILs in 107 pet rabbit mammary carcinomas according to criteria established for human breast cancer. For TIL evaluation routinely stained microscopic sections were examined by light microscopy. Relevant histological and immunohistochemical tumor characteristics were obtained from a data base. Results showed that increased presence of stromal TILs was statistically associated with histological tumor features indicative of a less aggressive biological behavior, i.e., reduced tumor cell proliferation and a lower histological grade. The expression by tumor cells of calponin, a presumed tumor suppressor protein, was also associated with their reduced proliferation and a higher percentage of stromal TILs. Data suggest that higher percentages of stromal TILs may have the potential to serve as favorable prognostic indicator in rabbit mammary carcinomas and support the value of pet rabbits for comparative research.
Abstract
Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) serve as prognostic biomarker in human breast cancer. Rabbits have the potential to act as animal model for human breast cancer, and close similarities exist between the rabbit and human immune system. The aim of this study is to characterize TILs in pet rabbit mammary carcinomas and to statistically correlate results with histological and immunohistochemical tumor characteristics. Microscopic evaluation of TILs was performed in hematoxylin and eosin stained sections of 107 rabbit mammary carcinomas according to international guidelines for human breast cancer. Data on histological features of malignancy, estrogen and progesterone receptor status and calponin expression were obtained from the data base. This study revealed a statistical association between stromal TILs in the central tumor (CT) and infiltrative margin. Higher maximal percentages of stromal TILs at the CT were statistically correlated with decreased mitotic count and lower tumor grade. An increased number of calponin positive tumor cells was statistically associated with a lower mitotic count and a higher percentage of stromal TILs. Results suggest that higher percentages of stromal TILs are useful biomarkers that may point toward a favorable prognosis in rabbit mammary carcinomas and support the concept of the use of rabbits for translational research.
... In recent years, rabbits have gained increasing popularity as pets [1]. The most frequent tumor in rabbits is uterine adenocarcinoma [2]. ...
Simple Summary
Mammary cancer is a serious health issue in pet rabbits; prognostic factors are unknown. In a normal mammary gland, glandular secretory cells are surrounded by a single continuous layer of myoepithelial cells. In non-invasive mammary carcinomas, tumor cells are delineated by an intact myoepithelial layer, which is gradually lost to invasive carcinomas. The main aim of this study was to determine in rabbit mammary carcinomas (n = 119) the expression of myoepithelial markers that have prognostic significance in human cancer. Results show that all cases contained some retained myoepithelial cells. In 93% of the tumors, neoplastic cells expressed the myoepithelial marker calponin. There was a statistically significant association between higher percentages of calponin-containing cancer cells and histological features indicative of a better tumor differentiation, i.e., a lower proliferation of tumor cells, an increased percentage of tubular growth within the tumor, and a lower tumor grade, respectively. These results suggest that rabbit mammary carcinomas develop from progression of non-invasive cancer forms, and that calponin expression in cancer cells likely represents a favorable prognostic factor. The latter hypothesis has to be confirmed in long-term follow-up studies.
Abstract
Most mammary tumors in pet rabbits are carcinomas; prognostic factors are unknown. The aim of this study on rabbit mammary carcinomas was to determine the expression of myoepithelial markers that have a prognostic relevance in human cancers. Mammary carcinomas (n = 119) of female or female-spayed pet rabbits were immunostained for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, vimentin, smooth muscle actin (SMA), and calponin; and percentages of non-neoplastic myoepithelial cells (ME cells) and calponin-positive neoplastic cells were determined. Using statistical analysis, data were correlated with the age of the rabbits and histological tumor characteristics. All carcinomas contained retained spindle-shaped ME, while 115 also contained hypertrophic ME (HME). A statistically significant relationship existed between a higher age and an increase in HME. In 111 carcinomas (93%), tumor cells expressed calponin. There was a significant correlation between higher percentages of calponin-positive tumor cells and a lower mitotic count, an increased percentage of tubular growth, and a lower grading score, respectively. Data suggest that pet rabbit mammary carcinomas develop from progression of in situ cancer and that the extent of calponin expression in tumor cells influences their biological behavior. These results provide the basis for a long-term follow-up on the prognostic significance of calponin expression in mammary cancer cells.
Pets, companion animals, and “more-than-human” kin play important roles in people’s lives. Animals are familiar and familial—they are often integral family members and can help create communities beyond the family unit. People rely on their pets for emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. More recently, research into the role of animals in the lives of older adults has come into focus, especially through the visibilities and visualities of social media. The significance of animals in the lives of older adults in conjunction with the storification and sharing potential of social media leads us to ask: What do the practices of pet image sharing on social media reflect about ideas of aging and human and more-than-human kinship? In this article, we draw on ethnographic and interview data conducted with Australian older adults (65 years and above) about how and why they share images of their pets on social media. How do these visualities represent the feelings, care practices, and experiences of older adults and the value of the more-than-humans in their lives? This article seeks to contribute to social media literature by engaging with the under-explored lives of older adults and how their sharing practices reflect shifting relationalities between older adults and their pets.
OBJECTIVE
To describe CT findings and epidemiologic features of nasal and paranasal disease of rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ).
METHODS
An electronic search was performed for rabbits that underwent skull CT from 2004 to 2024 and had findings consistent with nasal/paranasal or maxillary dental disease. History, signalment, and physical examination findings were recorded and reevaluated retrospectively for evidence of changes to the nasal passages, paranasal sinuses, and nearby associated anatomy. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, ordinal mixed logistic regression, and correlation analysis.
RESULTS
100 studies from 69 rabbits were reviewed. Lop-eared rabbits represented 30 of 69 cases. Upper respiratory signs (48 of 69 [69.6%]) and dental-related disorders (21 of 69 [31.9%]) were primary complaints. Rhinitis (49 of 69 [71.0%]), sinusitis (50 of 69 [72.5%]), and both (40 of 69 [60.0%]) were most diagnosed, with turbinate destruction (48 of 69 [69.6%]) and alveolar bone loss of adjacent teeth (51 of 69 [73.9%]) being common findings. Sinusitis was most common in the ventral (48 of 50 [96.0%]) and dorsal (33 of 50 [66.0%]) recesses of the maxillary sinus. Multiple CT variables were significantly correlated ( P < .05); of those, maxillary alveolar bone loss of the incisor teeth and the second premolar tooth were, respectively, correlated with rhinitis grade and with sinusitis and sinusitis grade within the ventral recess of the maxillary sinus ( P < .001).
CONCLUSIONS
Computed tomographic evaluation allowed characterization of nasal and paranasal disease in rabbits and the association of rhinitis, sinusitis, and dental disease.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The correlation between the maxillary dentition, rhinitis, and sinusitis highlights the need for thorough evaluation in CT of the teeth in rabbits with upper respiratory signs.
Simple Summary
Rabbits are the second most common specialty pet among households in Europe and the USA. However, research on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pet rabbits is very scarce. Therefore, scientific data on AMR in pet rabbits is urgently needed as a guide for veterinarian clinicians to optimize antibiotic use in rabbits for reducing the selection of antibiotic resistance. In addition, antimicrobial stewardship programs should be conducted to educate rabbit owners not to misuse antibiotics on their pets as it may put their own health at risk. This paper aims to provide an overview of the current state of AMR in rabbits attended to in veterinary clinics distributed in Spain to highlight the importance of addressing AMR under the One Health approach.
Abstract
Research on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pet rabbits is very scarce. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the current state of AMR in rabbits attended to in veterinary clinics distributed in Spain. Records of 3596 microbiological results of clinical cases submitted from 2010 to 2021 were analyzed. Staphylococcus spp. (15.8%), Pseudomonas spp. (12.7%), Pasteurella spp. (10%), Bordetella spp. (9.6%) and Streptococcus spp. (6.8%) were the most frequently diagnosed agents. Enterobacteriaceae, principally Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae, accounted for about 18% of the cases and showed the highest proportion of multi-drug resistance (MDR) isolates, with 48%, 57.5% and 36% of MDR, respectively. Regarding the antimicrobial susceptibility testing for a number of antimicrobial categories/families, the largest proportion of isolates showing resistance to a median of five antimicrobial categories was observed in P. aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Burkolderia spp. In contrast, infections caused by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus spp. and Pasteurella multocida were highly sensitive to conventional antimicrobials authorized for veterinary use (categories D and C). The emergence of AMR major nosocomial opportunistic pathogens such as P. aeruginosa, S. maltophilia and K. pneumoniae in pet rabbits can represent a serious public health challenge. Consequently, collaboration between veterinarians and human health professionals is crucial in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, to optimize, rationalize and prudently use antimicrobial therapies in domestic animals and humans.
While pets may be protective for some people at risk of suicide, they may also become a risk factor or even become co-victims when humans end their own lives. It is important to protect against simplistic approaches to human–animal relationships, especially where simplification may endanger human and/or animal lives. Using publicly accessible online media articles between 2010 and 2020, this research sought to progress our understanding of suicidal acts involving pet animals. Sixty-one articles from six countries were identified; a mixed-methods qualitative descriptive (QD) approach to analysis was undertaken composed of descriptive statistical mapping followed by thematic content analysis. Almost 90% of the articles reported the deaths of multiple humans and 23% reported the deaths of multiple animals. A total of 116 animals were identified: mainly dogs, but also 8 cats, 2 rabbits, and 2 non-specified pets. Most animals died, with only nine surviving. Five key categories of scenarios were identified: extended suicides, mercy killings, suicide pacts, family annihilators, and unique. A further level of analysis was undertaken focused on the family annihilator reports (44/61 articles) using a published homicide-suicide typology. Key points to emerge from this analysis include the possibly higher vulnerability of dogs compared with other species. The terms “extended suicide” and “peticide” are discussed with the recommendation that the killing of pet animals be linguistically aligned with that of other killings. A focus on human–animal relationships reveals commonly unexplored intersections across criminology, mental health, and domestic violence and suggests the potential for collaboration across these fields driven by multi-species awareness. This research adds to arguments for data on animal presence in scenarios of human violence to be collected so that responses to protect vulnerable animals, and humans, can be developed.
Objective
To compare 5% lidocaine ointment applied for 10 minutes before intravenous (IV) catheterization to a eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (2.5% lidocaine and 2.5% prilocaine; EMLA) cream applied for 10 or 60 minutes prior and a water-based placebo for 60 minutes for successful marginal ear IV catheterization in rabbits.
Study design
Randomized, blinded, complete crossover, controlled trial.
Animals
A total of 10 intact male, New Zealand White rabbits aged 4 months.
Methods
After application of one of the treatments on the marginal ear vein, an operator unaware of the treatment attempted IV catheter placement. Successful IV catheterization was considered as a catheter inserted at the first attempt, safely secured, with appropriate patency. Generalized linear mixed models were developed to identify relevant predictors of successful catheter placement.
Results
Ears that had EMLA cream applied 60 minutes before the catheterization attempt had over ten times the odds of successful catheter placement (OR, 10.75; 95% CI, 1.92 to 60.16; p < 0.008) compared with placebo. Both the application of EMLA cream or lidocaine ointment 10 minutes before the catheterization attempt resulted in approximately three times the odds of successful catheter placement compared with placebo, but were not statistically significant.
Conclusion and clinical relevance
Application of EMLA cream on the marginal ear vein 60 minutes before catheterization increases the chance of successful IV catheter placement in conscious rabbits.
Members of the order Lagomorpha comprise two families, the Leporidae (domestic and wild rabbits and hares) and the Ochotonidae (pikas). There are over 60 extant species of rabbits and hares. In the wild, rabbits and hares are herbivorous, non-hibernatory, and invariably terrestrial but are found in a diversity of natural habitats on multiple continents, ranging from the subtropics to open desert to boreal forests and arctic tundra (Nowak and Walker 1999) (Table 42.1). It is noteworthy, however, that many populations of Leporidae are not native, instead introduced to their respective regions or continents by humans (Nowak and Walker 1999). The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), for example, is not native to Australia but was introduced to the continent in the nineteenth century and has become an invasive species, reported to have a negative impact on native ecosystems (Barrio et al. 2010; Fenner 2010). The Leporidae are preyed upon by many terrestrial and avian carnivorous species, and follow predominantly crepuscular and/or nocturnal activity patterns (Delaney et al. 2018). Despite similarities in habitat and activity, social structure differs between rabbits and hares, with rabbits tending to form colonies and hares being predominantly solitary animals (Flux and Angermann 1990). At birth, rabbit kits are blind and lack fur whereas leverets (baby hares) are born with a full fur-coat and are precocial (Delaney et al. 2018).
Background:
The welfare of pet rabbits is an area of growing interest in Europe and the UK. This study analyses questionnaire results from a diverse population of 1254 rabbit owners from three different geographical areas in England with the aim of providing an accurate representation of how pet rabbits are currently housed and cared for and key aspects of their health and welfare.
Results:
Rabbits were kept in a variety of different housing types, the most common being a traditional hutch/cage (59%). Although the majority had additional exercise areas, access was often unpredictable, or ill-timed, which may compromise welfare. Only 41.9% of owners kept their rabbit with conspecifics, limiting their ability to engage in social behaviour. Of those rabbits housed with a companion, although many were reported to be amicable and to engage in positive interactions, over a quarter were reported to fight at least occasionally (25.3%), whilst 22.7% guarded resources and 27.1% avoided one another. Whilst low levels of some of these behaviours may be a normal part of social interaction, the relatively high levels reported here suggest that not all cohabiting pairs of rabbits are compatible, which is potentially a significant welfare issue.Although the vast majority of owners fed hay for over 10% this was less than daily. Pelleted foods were very popular (71.4% at least daily) compared to commercial muesli mixes (32.6%). As in previous studies, dental problems were commonly reported (12.2% of rabbits); however, so were eye problems (12.9%), digestive problems (11.5%) and parasites (11.3%). A large proportion of rabbits (58%) were thought to be fearful of loud noises, and 61% were not reported as calm when handled by their owner, which may be a significant concern for this species.
Conclusion:
This study has confirmed and expanded on previous findings: many pet rabbits were found to be in good health, had compatible companions and were provided with enriched living areas. However, it also found numerous welfare issues that affect large numbers of pet rabbits. We suggest further studies are required exploring the accuracy of owner reports (which possibly under-report many problems) and prioritising the issues raised here.
The genetic changes underlying the initial steps of animal domestication are still poorly understood. We generated a high-quality
reference genome for the rabbit and compared it to resequencing data from populations of wild and domestic rabbits. We identified
more than 100 selective sweeps specific to domestic rabbits but only a relatively small number of fixed (or nearly fixed)
single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for derived alleles. SNPs with marked allele frequency differences between wild and
domestic rabbits were enriched for conserved noncoding sites. Enrichment analyses suggest that genes affecting brain and neuronal
development have often been targeted during domestication. We propose that because of a truly complex genetic background,
tame behavior in rabbits and other domestic animals evolved by shifts in allele frequencies at many loci, rather than by critical
changes at only a few domestication loci.
The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitudes of pet rabbit owners at the time of buying their rabbit(s) and to investigate factors influencing the planned husbandry and housing of their rabbit(s). A questionnaire was used to assess the impact of demographics, knowledge and attitudes on the likelihood that respondents would neuter their rabbit(s), feed them an appropriate diet, house them in appropriately sized housing and provide them with an appropriate companion. Knowledge and attitudes were significant factors in whether respondents planned to neuter their rabbit(s) and provide them with an appropriate companion. The attribution of secondary emotions to rabbits was associated with plans to feed a mix-type diet. The majority of owners had carried out prior research into pet rabbits, but owners had a limited knowledge of the needs of rabbits, particularly with respect to their diet and social needs. Respondents who had decided to purchase a rabbit on the day were less likely to intend to get their rabbit neutered than those who had taken more time to decide to buy a rabbit.
Since the 1940s, perceived companion animal overpopulation in the United States has been an important issue to the animal welfare community (Moulton, Wright, & Rinky, 1991). This surplus of animals has resulted in millions of dogs and cats being euthanized annually in animal shelters across the country. The nature and scope of this problem have been notoriously difficult to characterize. The number of animal shelters in the United Stares, the demographics of the population of animals passing through them, and the characteristics of per owners relinquishing animals are poorly understood. What portion of these animals are adopted or euthanized, why they are relinquished, and their source of acquisition are all questions for which there have been little data. Consequently, we are no closer to answering the fundamental question of how and why many animals are destroyed each year in shelters (Arkow, 1994).
Introduction: Problem behaviour in pet rabbits may be related to inappropriate environments (McBride et al, 2004). Laboratory studies, e.g. Chi et al (2004) have shown a causal connection between management and behaviour change. The present study surveyed Swiss rabbit owners to investigate the relationship between husbandry and rabbit behaviour. Methodology: Questionnaire data of housing, social grouping, feeding, exercise, interaction with owners and owner attachment (Zasloff, 1996) was collected. 21 Likert scale questions, such as ‘does your rabbit bite when being caressed?’ gave data of destructive, marking, affiliative and aggressive behaviour towards people and conspecifcs. 280 questionnaires were distributed to pet owners via veterinary surgeries in Switzerland. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: 80 questionnaires were suitable for analysis. 98.8% of the pet rabbits were provided with hay, 96% with objects to chew. Most housing systems contained enrichment objects in addition to water or food bowls. 45% of the rabbits were kept inside the house or apartment, 55% outside. House rabbits were more frequently kept as single animals, the mean size of their housing systems was smaller, interactions with people were longer and consisted of more play and caressing. All respondents rated rabbit behaviour equally. Rabbit attachment behaviours scored high (mean=3.1918, std.deviation=1.070) and were positively correlated with owner attachment [r=0.389, p=0.002]. Intraspecific aggression (mean=1.2667, std.deviation=0.55132) and aggression towards owners (mean=1.6315, std.deviation= 0.46795) scored low; these were not predicted by environmental conditions. Destructive behaviours (mean=1.7817, std.deviation=0.73428) showed weak positive correlations with the rabbits’ social environment. Conclusions: Overall, the rabbits of this study appear to be kept under adequate conditions and scored low in aggressive or destructive behaviour. This suggests that improving housing conditions could prevent these behaviours in pet rabbits. However, rabbit behaviour was scored by a group of self-elected, highly attached rabbits owners, thus more studies are necessary.
Pet rabbits are reported as being kept in housing systems that neither offer adequate space, nor appropriate environmental or social stimuli. The incapacity to cope with these environments would lead to physical and psychological changes, resulting in increased aggression, destruction, or repetitive behaviours. In industrially kept rabbits, a causal connection between inadequate management conditions and physical or psychological changes has been proven. The purpose of this study was to investigate the husbandry and the behaviour of pet rabbits in Switzerland, and to examine how factors like housing conditions, social environment or activities relate to the behaviour of pet rabbits.
Methodology
A questionnaire survey was used to collect data about pet rabbit owners and the husbandry, management and behaviour of their rabbits. 280 questionnaires were distributed to pet owners mainly in veterinary practices/clinics and to privately recruited owners in Switzerland. Questionnaire data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).
Results
80 questionnaires were suitable for analysis. 98.8% of the pet rabbits were provided with hay, 96% with objects to gnaw. Most housing systems contained enrichment objects besides the basic furniture of water or food bowls. 45% of the pet rabbits were kept inside the house or apartment, 55% outside. House rabbits were kept more frequently as single animals and had less stimulation from the company of other household pets. The mean size of housing systems was smaller for inside rabbits, but was compensated by free runs inside or stays outside. Interactions for inside rabbits were longer and consisted of more play and caress. All respondents of the study rated rabbit behaviour equally. Rabbit attachment behaviours scored rather high (mean = 3.1918, std. deviation = 1.070) and were highly positively correlated with owner attachment. Owner attachment did not vary with the different factors. Aggressive behaviours during manipulations by the owners scored low (mean = 1.6315, std. deviation = 0.46795), these behaviours were not predicted by husbandry or housing conditions. Destructive behaviours (mean = 1.7817, std. deviation = 0.73428) showed weak positive correlations with the rabbits’ social environment.
Conclusions
Concerns regarding inadequate management and housing conditions of pet rabbits in Switzerland have not been confirmed. However, behaviour was rated by a self-selecting group of generally highly attached owners, thus the husbandry conditions of this sample may not give a true picture of the husbandry and care of pet rabbits in Switzerland in general. The scores for behaviour were not the result of scientific observations under defined and reproducible conditions. Further studies are necessary to evaluate management and housing condition of pet rabbits in Switzerland and in other countries.
Although companion animal management practices used by caregivers can influence the welfare of the companion animals, there is little existing information about the ways in which people attempt to meet their companion animals' needs. A representative sample of rabbit guardians (n = 93, representing 63,000 people) and bird guardians (n = 203, representing 157,000 people) in Victoria, Australia, completed an online survey. Items were related to the environmental, diet/exercise, behavioral, social, and health management practices used by guardians. Guardians sometimes meet their companion animals' welfare needs, but they do not always engage in best practices. Most (79%) bird guardians reported that they interacted with their birds daily, but only 68% of rabbit guardians did the same. Likewise, 32% of rabbit guardians and 55% of bird guardians never had their companion animals vaccinated. These results may be used for educational campaigns for improving companion animal welfare.
Laboratory rabbits, descendents of the European wild rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, along with other rabbits, hares, and pikas, are classified as the members of the order Rodentia or rodents. However, instead of the four incisor or chisel teeth characteristic of rodents, rabbits have six. The additional pair is reduced in size and placed directly behind the large pair in the upper jaw. These little teeth are rounded and lack a cutting edge. The order Lagomorpha comprises two major families, the Ochotonidae and Leporidae, with many genera and species native to all parts of the world. The pikas, sometimes called rock rabbits or mouse hares, are small, tailless members with short, broad, rounded ears, chunky bodies, and short legs. The front pair of legs is a little shorter than the rear pair. This chapter discusses the genetic features of rabbits. Rabbits could produce hemolysins and agglutinins against red blood cells of other rabbits. On the basis of this work, rabbits are classified into four blood types. Rabbits may be inbred by a number of different breeding systems; the simplest is the brother–sister inbreeding. In this system, it is possible to intersperse father–daughter or mother–son matings with no change in the theoretical rate of inbreeding provided that no one animal is used more than two generations and that these generations are consecutive. Animals may be inbred by half sib mating, although the rate of change is somewhat slower.
Between 1820 and 1870, middle-class Americans became convinced of the role nonhuman animals could play in socializing children. Companion animals in and around the household were the medium for training children into self-consciousness about, and abhorrence of, causing pain to other creatures including, ultimately, other people. In an age where the formation of character was perceived as an act of conscious choice and self-control, middle-class Americans understood cruelty to animals as a problem both of individual or familial deficiency and of good and evil. Training children to be self-conscious about kindness became an important task of parenting. Domestic advisors also argued that learning kindness was critical for boys who were developmentally prone to cruelty and whose youthful cruelty had implications both for the future of family life and for the body politic. The practice of pet keeping, where children became stewards of companion animals who were then able to teach young humans such virtues as gratitude and fidelity, became a socially meaningful act.
Discussions on the popularity of pet animals in present day Japan tend to stress the position of pets in a family as resembling that of human family members. In this paper, I investigate this claim by analyzing the meanings that have been attributed to animal burial and pet graves in modern history. This paper presents data on the emergence of animals as modern pets during the early twentieth century and the way their position in the family was expressed, by looking at inscriptions on pet tombstones and at the structure of posthumous care for dogs and cats. These animals used to have a strong spiritual connotation in pre-modern Japanese society, and spiritual vengeance by animal spirits was warded off by performing memorial services for these animals, which resembled rituals for untimely human death (also considered a potential source of spiritual harm). Field data from two pet cemeteries established in the early twentieth century suggest that these rituals gradually changed to the pet funerals that are common today, but still the motivations and interpretations that underlie pet funerals and memorial services in Japan are diverse. Although pet funerals nowadays are very similar to human funeral ritual, spiritual elements in the attitude towards animals have not entirely disappeared. Rapid urbanization after World War II brought along a surge in demand for pet cemeteries, requiring pet cemeteries to adopt new strategies in the form of locker-style ossuaries to efficiently store large amounts of pet remains in a limited space. Commercialization of pet funerals in the urban environment has gone hand in hand with a tendency towards shorter mourning cycles for the owners, suggesting that the significance of animal funerals in Japan has shifted from prayer for the animal soul to a way of expressing grief by the pet owner.
Scholarly work on the nonhuman animal shelter population has widely focused on cats and dogs. As a result, little is known about the population dynamics of domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in shelters. The records from 4 companion animal shelters in Massachusetts and Rhode Island were analyzed to describe these dynamics. A majority of the rabbits at the 4 shelters were surrendered by their caregivers, were between 1 and 6 years old, and were unaltered at the time of intake. The most common reasons for surrender were the caregivers' inability to care for the rabbits or a lack of interest in doing so. Over half of the total rabbit population was subsequently adopted and the overall live release rate (percentage of rabbits leaving the shelter alive) was 75.54%. In some cases, the use of a foster care system was correlated with a decrease in the euthanasia rate. The results from this study will help the sheltering field clarify the scope of the problem of homeless rabbits.
One million pet rabbits are kept in The Netherlands, but there are no data available on their behaviour and welfare. This study seeks to assess the welfare of pet rabbits in Dutch households and is a first step in the development of a welfare assessment system. In an internet survey, housing systems, general up-keep and behaviour of pet rabbits were reported by their owners. The answers of 912 respondents were analysed with behavioural observations carried out on 66 rabbits in as many households. The rabbits were observed in their home cage and during three fear-related tests: a contact test, a handling test and an open-field test. The survey revealed that the average lifespan of the rabbits is approximately 4.2 years (the maximum potential lifespan is 13 years) and solitary housing appears to reduce lifespan. Close to half of respondents subjected their rabbit(s) to solitary housing and the majority housed them in relatively small cages (< 5,000 cm2). Health risks may arise from a failure to inoculate rabbits and via inappropriate diet. During the contact test, solitary-housed rabbits made more contacts with a human than group-housed rabbits and rabbits in a small housing system made more contacts than those in a large system. Observations in the home cage differed greatly compared with the natural time budget of rabbits, ie displaying increased stereotypic behaviour and decreased foraging and, in solitary-housed rabbits, a complete lack of social behaviour. Nearly 25% of rabbits displayed strong resistance to being picked up, indicating socialisation problems. During the open-field test, solitary-housed rabbits sat up more than social-housed rabbits suggesting increased fearfulness. These findings indicate that the conditions in which pet rabbits are kept often have a negative impact on their welfare, further underlining the need to study this in greater detail
One hundred and two pet rabbits were examined and their husbandry, health and welfare were reviewed. The most common breed was the dwarf lop (n = 38). The most common problem was dental disease, which affected 30 rabbits although only six of their owners were aware of the problem, which was significantly associated with feeding a rabbit mix. All the rabbits were housed in ;hutches' at some stage, but 89 had access to the outside and 47 came inside the home at times. Hutches bought at pet shops were significantly smaller than home-made hutches. Forty-five of the rabbits were housed alone; the relationships between rabbits with rabbit companions were described by their owners as ;very friendly' for 84 per cent of them and ;quite friendly' for the rest.
The behaviour and personality of 102 pet rabbits and their interactions with their owners were assessed in their home environment. Information was obtained by interviews with the owner and by direct observation, and the owners were asked to describe the personality of their rabbit. A 10-minute assessment of the rabbit's behaviour in its normal environment was then carried out. Owners who were confident in handling their rabbit handled them more frequently and rabbits that were handled more frequently struggled less when they were being handled. Rabbits observed with a companion spent the largest proportion of their time engaged in social behaviour, and rabbits observed out of a hutch spent significantly more time grazing, hopping and playing. Owners used a wide range of adjectives to describe their rabbits' personalities with the most common term being ;friendly'.
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