Advocates For Rabbit Welfare

Please note, as of May 2023 we officially dissolved our charity via OSCR and are no longer an active organisation.

The following pages will remain as a source of information towards the betterment of (domestic) rabbit welfare.

Formed in Sept 2012 under the name Rabbits Require Rights (Scotland) and obtained Charitable Status in 2013, it is our aims to raise awareness and provide education alongside offering advice and support towards the betterment of (pet) rabbit welfare by promoting RWAF beliefs, standards and educational information.

When Rabbits Require Rights (Scotland) first formed, we never dreamed we’d come as far as we have with our aims to improve upon Rabbit Welfare, let alone achieving Charitable status; however what we have noticed over this time is by simply having the word ‘Rights’ within our name it does often reflect badly on us as the title is often misconstrued as an Animal Rights type organisation, rather than a Rabbit Welfare Charity who wishes to not only improve upon, but also seek reform for our most neglected pets.

It is still within our constitution and aims to press for legislative reform in addition to raising awareness and educating others into good husbandry and welfare practices. The only difference now will be our name. We hope you not only approve of our decision to change the name of our organisation, but continue to support our work.

Advocates For Rabbit Welfare

In addition to raising awareness towards improved welfare for domestic rabbits, we actively pursue reform via Scottish Parliament, with the support and input from other concerned welfare groups and individuals, in the hope of obtaining legislative protection for companion Rabbits.

Whilst we recognise improved awareness and access to education is of course key to improving the lives of our most neglected pets, we strongly believe however, that more stringent controls are urgently required to govern the sale of, and breeding of domestic rabbits, alongside other areas such as setting minimum welfare recommended living accommodation.

The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund, and many others, have concluded via studies that in order for two rabbits to live comfortably, they require, as a minimum, a warm, secure shelter/bedroom area of at least 6x2x2ft which is securely attached, and accessible to, a large outdoor/exercise area of at least 10ft. Indoor living rabbits should also be given a similar sized living environment also.

During our time we have also come to provide permanent sanctuary for several bunnies, all from various neglected backgrounds, who all suffer from various health issues and therefore not suitable for re-homing.

Between out current active members we have 30 rabbits in our care. We are not a rescue, but will of course assist wherever possible for the many buns in need via to try and find them a good home, temporary or permanent.

Through this we hope to not only improve the lives of the rabbits and owners taking part, by offering support, advice and information on rabbit welfare, accommodation and other areas of concern, but the scheme will also assist towards training the rabbit-savvy vets of the future.