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24/05/2011 - RSPCA offers low cost neutering as rabbits get a RAW deal!
RSPCA Bristol and District Branch are joining forces with other welfare organisations next week (23 to 29 May) for national Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) promoting the welfare needs of pet rabbits. Rabbits are the third most popular pet in this country but sadly the needs of rabbits are often poorly understood, having a negative impact on rabbit welfare.
Since 2007, over 11,000 rabbits have been abandoned or signed over to the RSPCA centres alone. The charity hopes that by increasing awareness and understanding of rabbits’ welfare needs, it will see a long-term reduction in the number of rabbits coming through its doors at rescue centres. It also wants to educate potential new owners so they are fully aware of the commitment they are making before bringing a new pet home.
As part of Rabbit Awareness Week, the RSPCA Bristol Clinic is offering ½ price rabbit neutering throughout June to those on benefits or a low income that are eligible to receive RSPCA veterinary assistance.
Mandy Stone, Veterinary Manager at the RSPCA Bristol Clinic said, “Neutering your rabbit is one of the most important steps you can take to help your pet enjoy a long, healthy and happy life.”
“Rabbits are very social animals and so neutering your pet not only enables you to keep more than one rabbit without them fighting or breeding, but they will also be less aggressive and territorial, and are more easily litter-trained if you want to keep your pet indoors as a house-rabbit.”
“Neutering also has significant health implications. Up to 80% of unspayed female rabbits develop uterine cancer by 5 years of age. Females who are not spayed may also develop pyometra (uterine infection) later in life. Neutering female rabbits when they are young and healthy is so much better than risking them developing these often fatal diseases.”
“As a very rough guide, you could normally expect to pay £50-80 for a male rabbit to be castrated and £60-100 to spay a female. Here at the RSPCA Bristol Clinic we will be offering our own very special prices as part of RAW - £15 for a castration and £20 for a spay, for pet owners on low incomes. But hurry, there will be limited availability, so call the clinic today to find out if you are eligible and book an appointment to avoid disappointment.”
RSPCA Bristol Branch is made up of the RSPCA Bristol Animal Clinic and Bristol Dogs and Cats Home. Together they provide thousands of sick, injured and unwanted animals with food, shelter, veterinary care and a rehoming service – giving animals in need a second chance for a happy life, free from pain or neglect.
With so many animals to care for the charity’s annual running costs exceed £1.6 million. Both the RSPCA Clinic and the Dogs & Cats Home are independent from the National RSPCA and receives no funding from the National Charity, Government or the Lottery. They therefore rely on the support from the community through donations, legacies and fundraising events to continue their important work
RAW is organised by Burgess Pet Care and this year the RSPCA is one of the official supporting partners. The other official partners of RAW include the PDSA, the Blue Cross, Wood Green Animal Shelters, Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF), Burgess Excel, Panacur Rabbit and Petplan Insurance.
Mandy added, “Don’t forget, if you are considering taking on a rabbit, please visit Bristol Dogs and Cats Home as we have many unwanted bunnies and small animals looking for happy new homes.”
For more information on client eligibility or to book your rabbit’s neutering appointment, please contact the Clinic on 0117 9724567
