Analysis of factors relating to pet rabbits relinquished to two UK re-homing centres

Rabbits are a common companion animal in the UK and some reports suggest that large numbers are relinquished to re-homing centres each year. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of rabbits relinquished to two UK re-homing centres and explore reasons given for relinquishment. The centres contributed data for all rabbits that entered their centre during 2013 (n=205). Most rabbits (59.5%) were relinquished by an owner. A similar number of males to females were relinquished and a larger number of rabbits were not neutered (72.4%) and adults (56%). Most rabbits were healthy on arrival (61.5%). The most common reasons for relinquishment were: too many rabbits / unplanned litters (30.3%) and housing problems (23.8%). Rabbit related reasons accounted for 12.2% of rabbits relinquished. Reasons for relinquishment were associated with one of the recorded rabbit characteristics. Further detailed studies are needed to explore the dynamics of pet rabbit ownership and factors that affect the breakdown of rabbit-owner relationships in the UK