A new industry-linked postgraduate research project at Hartpury University is set to provide valuable insight into rabbit ownership and welfare.
With an estimated 100,000 rabbits being given up to rehoming charities every year, and thousands more not having their welfare needs met in homes, understanding more about the early stages of ownership aims to enable better outcomes for pet rabbits.
Melissa Knight, an MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare student, is undertaking a research project in collaboration with Woodgreen Pets Charity to investigate what factors influence owners’ decisions on where they acquire pet rabbits.
While previous research has identified the most common sources of pet rabbits, including pet shops, rescue centres and breeders, there is currently little understanding of why owners choose these different routes. This study aims to address that gap, providing evidence that could support improved rehoming strategies and help tackle the number of rabbits in rescue centres across the UK.
By exploring the motivations behind acquisition choices, the project will also examine whether these decisions are linked to variations in rabbit care and welfare outcomes. Melissa’s research forms part of Hartpury’s continued commitment to applied, industry-relevant study, working in partnership with organisations to address real-world challenges in animal welfare.
Alison Wills, a Senior Lecturer in Research at Hartpury University, is supervising the project and said: “It is great to be supervising a postgraduate research project with direct industry relevance. This project has utilised existing research links with Woodgreen to answer a key research question which will help to improve rabbit welfare.”
Natalie Powdrill-Wells, Woodgreen’s Senior Research and Insights Lead who is advising on the project, said: “The level of effort and financial expense involved in caring for rabbits often surprises people, and these hidden challenges can mean they end up being given to rescue centres like Woodgreen or not having their welfare needs fulfilled. This is a really important project in helping us to understand more about the early stages of rabbit ownership, and how we might be able to work with acquisition sources to set rabbits and their people up for happy, healthy lives together.”
The findings from the study are expected to contribute to the wider evidence base around companion animal welfare and may inform future guidance for both prospective owners and animal welfare organisations. The findings will be released in due course.
