In This Issue
Watchdog upholds complaint against pet website
Animal Focused Alliance shortlisted for national award
PATS 2026 launches elite Hosted Buyer Programme
Pedigree Wholesale strengthens distribution network
Rabbit Awareness Week marks 20 years in June
The Innocent Hound swaps tubs for pouches
Direct4Pet to launch new products with HayDay
Treat firm warns not all ice creams are safe for dogs
Direct4Pet supports Allergy Awareness Week
TV cat behaviourist becomes 'Agony Aunt' for feline lovers
Pedigree Wholesale expands Animal Instincts range
What do oysters have to do with pet food? New Purina pet-friendly pop-up has the answers
Get your own copy of Pet Trade Xtra
Image released of woman wanted in connection with Pets at Home theft
New online tool to help businesses make sustainable livestock choices
Pet food industry urged to support ‘No Empty Bowls’
One in seven pet owners now asking AI about symptoms
Johnson's expands popular joint health range
CSJ sponsor Bodfari Sheepdog Trials
The best of last edition of Pet Trade Xtra
Business as usual for pet retailer rescued from administration
Jollyes Pets on the hunt for over 160 new locations
Tickets on sale for Business of Pets Conference 2026
DogsInYellow awareness walk marks turning point
Flotation devices reshape dog accessories category
Award-winning treat turns into bestseller
CONTACT US NOW

Find out how Pet Trade Xtra can help to promote your business and products.

Editorial: neil@pottingshedpress.co.uk

Advertising: alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk


Rabbit Awareness Week marks 20 years in June

 

Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW), the UK’s leading campaign dedicated to rabbit welfare, is celebrating a major milestone this year as it marks its 20th anniversary. Returning from Monday 22nd June to Friday 26th June with the 2026 theme ‘Feeding Bunnies Better’, the campaign will shine a spotlight on how far rabbit care has come over the past two decades – while setting a new standard for the future. 

 

For 20 years, Rabbit Awareness Week has played a vital role in improving the lives of rabbits across the UK, bringing together veterinary professionals, charities, retailers and owners to champion better understanding and care. Now, as it enters its 20th year, the campaign is building on that trusted legacy to tackle one of the most important aspects of rabbit health: nutrition. 

 

This year’s campaign aims to reset the nation’s understanding of what a healthy rabbit diet looks like. From encouraging owners to move away from muesli-style mixes to embracing colourful, fibre-first feeding and a diet that includes feeding hay as 85-90% of their daily food intake - RAW will provide clear, practical guidance to help rabbits live healthier, happier lives. 

 

Rabbit Awareness Week continues to be driven by a coalition of leading welfare organisations and industry experts, including Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund, Burgess Excel, Blue Cross, Woodgreen Pets Charity, Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare and RSPCA, all working together to improve rabbit welfare nationwide. 

 

Alongside the milestone anniversary, RAW is also unveiling a refreshed look and feel. The updated logo now features two rabbits, reflecting the importance of companionship and the need for rabbits to live in compatible pairs. 

 

Beloved mascots Hayley and Binky have also been reimagined, appearing in more realistic, everyday care scenarios to help bring key welfare messages to life in a relatable and engaging way. Supporting this visual update, all rabbit care guides have been refreshed to ensure they align with current welfare standards and best practice advice. 

 

Burgess Excel Senior Brand Manager, Annabel Coleman said: “Rabbit Awareness Week has become a trusted and influential campaign over the past 20 years, and we’re incredibly proud of the role it has played in improving rabbit welfare across the UK.  

 

“Reaching this milestone is not just about celebrating progress, but about using that legacy to drive even greater change. This year, Feeding Bunnies Better is all about giving owners the confidence and knowledge to make the right nutritional choices – from moving away from muesli mixes to embracing a fibre-first approach that truly supports rabbit health.” 

 

Suzanne Moyes, Deputy Managing Director and In-house Vet at Burgess Pet Care, said: “While rabbit welfare has improved significantly over the last two decades, diet remains one of the most common areas of misunderstanding among owners. Rabbits have very specific nutritional needs, and getting this right is fundamental to their overall health and wellbeing. 

 

“Through this year’s campaign, we want to simplify what ‘good’ looks like, to help owners build healthier, more natural diets that support everything from dental health to digestion and behaviour.” 

 

At the heart of the campaign is a simple mission: to help owners give their rabbits the nutrition they deserve and support their overall happiness, wellbeing and health. Every element of this year’s activity, from educational resources to social content, is designed to support that goal. 

 

Follow Rabbit Awareness Week on Facebook and Instagram, and find out more about how you can support Feeding Bunnies Better at: https://rabbitawarenessactiongroup.co.uk/ 

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn