As suggested by the PDSA and RWAF the minimum size for most rabbits is 6ft x 2ft x 2ft high, which allows rabbits some room to move, stand on their hind legs and enough space for the food, toilet and sleeping areas to be kept apart, although this still is often inadequate and unsuitable. Kennelgate sell hutches of 4ft x 2ft x 2ft, which they describe as "spacious". I cannot even begin to explain the cruelty and neglect of the animals needs this provokes, an animal that in the wild have a home territory the size of 30 tennis courts, restricted to a 4x2x2 hutch, and will in most cases never come out of this, never have the freedom to run freely, explore and live. As a result of these small hutches, the rabbit can suffer through, boredom, depression, obesity, osteoporosis, urine scalds and are at extreme risk of flystrike. Due to frustration and boredom of a small hutch, aggression is often seen and due to this these rabbits often find themselves in rehoming centres or simply being left at the bottom of the garden without attention or love, as they have become 'difficult to handle'. Without the knowledge of the extreme importance of correct care including essential correct living conditions, this will continue. Please take a minute to sign this petition to encourage Kennelgate to remove this from their shelves!
