I went to our local Range with my daughter today - the first time in a long long time. There were several members of staff fussing over a couple of rabbit hutches in the main part of the shop, trying to decide where to place the ornamental rabbits that were to decorate them. I can only assume they were being promoted as we are on the run up to Easter when rabbits are likely to be bought on a whim.
The hutches are part of the Lazy Bones range and are woefully inadequate as far as size goes.
http://www.therange.co.uk/lazy-bones-hutch-and-run/cages/the-range/fcp-product/44465 The run is 4ft by 3ft. This is the one that was in store. The rest on the website, look even smaller
Knowing that I was ******* into the wind I did decide to voice my concerns and the pet stock manager was fetched. I mentioned the RSPCA and RWAF guidelines for hutch sizes. To my disbelief the manager pronounced that she was perfectly aware of the Hutch Is Not Enough Campaign being a member of the RWAF, had rescue rabbits herself but was perfectly happy to sell these hutches. She told me that a rabbit would be better off in one of these being looked after than in a rescue particularly as these hutches were better than others for sale elsewhere. She said that she recommended to people buying them that it was just a base and that the rabbit should have 3 hours a day in another run to stretch it's legs.
I pointed out that rabbits are best living in pairs and that no reputable rescue would re-home a rabbit to a hutch this size let alone a pair and that I was extremely disappointed and concerned that these were felt adequate. I did say I would also follow this up with their head office.
Whilst I appreciate this manager has no say as to what is stocked in the store, I am speechless as to some of her comments.
I have contacted the RWAF, who have been trying to engage them in discussion but the Range are refusing to co-operate.
If you are able please email them at Customerservice@therange.co.uk
Maybe, just maybe if enough of us contact them it may make them think again.
The hutches are part of the Lazy Bones range and are woefully inadequate as far as size goes.
http://www.therange.co.uk/lazy-bones-hutch-and-run/cages/the-range/fcp-product/44465 The run is 4ft by 3ft. This is the one that was in store. The rest on the website, look even smaller
Knowing that I was ******* into the wind I did decide to voice my concerns and the pet stock manager was fetched. I mentioned the RSPCA and RWAF guidelines for hutch sizes. To my disbelief the manager pronounced that she was perfectly aware of the Hutch Is Not Enough Campaign being a member of the RWAF, had rescue rabbits herself but was perfectly happy to sell these hutches. She told me that a rabbit would be better off in one of these being looked after than in a rescue particularly as these hutches were better than others for sale elsewhere. She said that she recommended to people buying them that it was just a base and that the rabbit should have 3 hours a day in another run to stretch it's legs.
I pointed out that rabbits are best living in pairs and that no reputable rescue would re-home a rabbit to a hutch this size let alone a pair and that I was extremely disappointed and concerned that these were felt adequate. I did say I would also follow this up with their head office.
Whilst I appreciate this manager has no say as to what is stocked in the store, I am speechless as to some of her comments.
I have contacted the RWAF, who have been trying to engage them in discussion but the Range are refusing to co-operate.
If you are able please email them at Customerservice@therange.co.uk
Maybe, just maybe if enough of us contact them it may make them think again.
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