After some recent chat on here about breeding I thought it would be good to establish what are generally accepted breeding practices for rabbits for those of us who don't know.
As an example, in the standard poodle club, the code of ethics states among other things that...
To ensure that both sire and dam are of a suitable temperament and type; currently have SA normal reports, are in sound health and construction; and seek to establish a mode of inheritance of diseases (testing wherever possible under the existing schemes) to preserve, safeguard and improve the characteristics of the breed.
To ensure both parents are registered with the Kennel Club.
To breed only with consideration for the breed's welfare and not for commercial remuneration.
To keep puppies in the precinct of their home environment, or securely protected until the age of eight weeks, or fully inoculated.
To ensure all purchasers of puppies are fully aware of the characteristics of the Standard Poodle: paying speciel attention to grooming, clipping, cost, exercise and feeding and to never leave it on its own all day.
To provide each purchaser with a diet sheet, worming certificate and pedigree and official welfare leaflet available from the club. (Making use of the Kennel Club endorsement scheme where appropriate)
To be responsible for all dogs/puppies bred by them, taking them back if necessary and contacting the breed rescue when help in re-housing Is required.
Never to mate or breed from a ***** under the age of two years, or over eight years of age. Bitches to be limited to four litters in their breeding lifespan, with a rest of at least one season between matings.
Not to breed a litter unless care and attention can be assured for the *****'s welfare at all times, with proper facilities for health and security for both ***** and puppies.[A person with a full time occupation is not in a suitable position to breed).
Not to knowingly sell a Standard Poodle to a commercial dealer; nor to knowingly export dogs to Japan or the Far East; and not to any country that does not have legislation for the protection of animals from cruelty similar to such laws as the UK, and who do not have a reciprocal agreement with the English Kennel Club.
Now I think this is a great code of ethics to have. There are more rules about stud dogs etc, but I think you get the idea. I assume each rabbit breeding club would have similar codes to ensure the welfare of the rabbits? What are the generally accepted good practices for rabbit breeding? (And yes, before you say it, i know rabbits will breed differently to dogs, but there must be a set of good practices for rabbits too).
As an example, in the standard poodle club, the code of ethics states among other things that...
To ensure that both sire and dam are of a suitable temperament and type; currently have SA normal reports, are in sound health and construction; and seek to establish a mode of inheritance of diseases (testing wherever possible under the existing schemes) to preserve, safeguard and improve the characteristics of the breed.
To ensure both parents are registered with the Kennel Club.
To breed only with consideration for the breed's welfare and not for commercial remuneration.
To keep puppies in the precinct of their home environment, or securely protected until the age of eight weeks, or fully inoculated.
To ensure all purchasers of puppies are fully aware of the characteristics of the Standard Poodle: paying speciel attention to grooming, clipping, cost, exercise and feeding and to never leave it on its own all day.
To provide each purchaser with a diet sheet, worming certificate and pedigree and official welfare leaflet available from the club. (Making use of the Kennel Club endorsement scheme where appropriate)
To be responsible for all dogs/puppies bred by them, taking them back if necessary and contacting the breed rescue when help in re-housing Is required.
Never to mate or breed from a ***** under the age of two years, or over eight years of age. Bitches to be limited to four litters in their breeding lifespan, with a rest of at least one season between matings.
Not to breed a litter unless care and attention can be assured for the *****'s welfare at all times, with proper facilities for health and security for both ***** and puppies.[A person with a full time occupation is not in a suitable position to breed).
Not to knowingly sell a Standard Poodle to a commercial dealer; nor to knowingly export dogs to Japan or the Far East; and not to any country that does not have legislation for the protection of animals from cruelty similar to such laws as the UK, and who do not have a reciprocal agreement with the English Kennel Club.
Now I think this is a great code of ethics to have. There are more rules about stud dogs etc, but I think you get the idea. I assume each rabbit breeding club would have similar codes to ensure the welfare of the rabbits? What are the generally accepted good practices for rabbit breeding? (And yes, before you say it, i know rabbits will breed differently to dogs, but there must be a set of good practices for rabbits too).