Following Labour MS Mike Hedges' call for prospective rabbit owners to complete a training course before being allowed to own a rabbit, Burgess Pet Care has issued a response… 

Deputy Managing Director Suzanne Moyes said: “Burgess Pet Care supports any measures that encourage responsible animal ownership and promote high standards of animal welfare. 

“We strongly believe rabbit ownership should always reflect the welfare needs of these highly social animals. Ensuring owners understand rabbits’ requirements, from companionship and housing to nutrition and enrichment, is essential to helping them live healthy, happy lives – initiatives such as Rabbit Awareness Week help to support this.

“However, we believe the most effective way to improve rabbit welfare is by making accurate, practical information readily available at every stage of the ownership journey, particularly at the point when people acquire rabbits, rather than through mandatory training or testing.

“Our recent Small Animal Census found that more than half of rabbits are now being acquired through rescue centres, where prospective owners are often already receiving high-quality guidance and support. Introducing formal tests or additional barriers could unintentionally make rehoming more difficult and may not deliver the intended welfare benefits.

“Instead, greater focus should be placed on education, accessible resources and ongoing support for owners - empowering people to make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for their rabbits.”