Ratty Haven
Banned
hiya all,
I have recieved a booklet from the RSPCA today about the prosped new animal welfare bill.
They propose to have code of practice sheets for all animals which owners have to adhear to or face charges (i think), although do in a way agree with the sample one for rabbits I am very concered that for one I myself as a rescue would not be able to take in rabbits anymore and I am sure many rescue will face the same thing. I also believe that is it will lead to 1000's upon 1000's of rabbits being PTS over this.
I know many BRC members will be put out (not all but I know some still keep rabbits in tiny caging).
The sample states:
"Enclosure Space, The Keeper should provide an enclosure that has a minimum floor area that is equal or larger than 2.75m2 when keeping a single rabbit and 5.5m2 for paired rabbits. The minimum height of the enclosure should be 76cm.
The enclosure should contain a sleeping area of approximately 20% of the whole and adequate bedding in the form of hay or straw must be provided."
I myself have 5 rabbits that live in a 6'x4' shed with a 6'x6' avairy attached and they have free range in this, according to this bill I would only be able to have 3 rabbits max in this space so 2 would have to be PTS. With the accomadation in the rescue I was already replacing my 4ft hutches with 8ft which would mean I will have to reduce numbers in the rescue by 3 which is a lot when you think that I could home more rabbits per year. I would love to give them 5.5m2 pens but I don't have the space to build one in my garden so would have to give up rescuing rabbits.
What do you all think about this, in a way I am really pleased but also very cross as I just don't think people will do it if you understand what I am trying to say. Just so you all have a better idea for two rabbits the pen would have to be nearly 8'x'8 or 2.75mx2.75m
Your comments please
I have recieved a booklet from the RSPCA today about the prosped new animal welfare bill.
They propose to have code of practice sheets for all animals which owners have to adhear to or face charges (i think), although do in a way agree with the sample one for rabbits I am very concered that for one I myself as a rescue would not be able to take in rabbits anymore and I am sure many rescue will face the same thing. I also believe that is it will lead to 1000's upon 1000's of rabbits being PTS over this.
I know many BRC members will be put out (not all but I know some still keep rabbits in tiny caging).
The sample states:
"Enclosure Space, The Keeper should provide an enclosure that has a minimum floor area that is equal or larger than 2.75m2 when keeping a single rabbit and 5.5m2 for paired rabbits. The minimum height of the enclosure should be 76cm.
The enclosure should contain a sleeping area of approximately 20% of the whole and adequate bedding in the form of hay or straw must be provided."
I myself have 5 rabbits that live in a 6'x4' shed with a 6'x6' avairy attached and they have free range in this, according to this bill I would only be able to have 3 rabbits max in this space so 2 would have to be PTS. With the accomadation in the rescue I was already replacing my 4ft hutches with 8ft which would mean I will have to reduce numbers in the rescue by 3 which is a lot when you think that I could home more rabbits per year. I would love to give them 5.5m2 pens but I don't have the space to build one in my garden so would have to give up rescuing rabbits.
What do you all think about this, in a way I am really pleased but also very cross as I just don't think people will do it if you understand what I am trying to say. Just so you all have a better idea for two rabbits the pen would have to be nearly 8'x'8 or 2.75mx2.75m
Your comments please