Rabbits and hares fall through gaps in animal law
Independent research and advocacy — UK and international
A rabbit’s legal protection depends on whether it is a pet, farmed for meat, used in research or living wild. We call that the category gap.
We find gaps in protection, document them and put the evidence before governments and regulators.
Founded by Mandi, Hop to Save Rabbits is a small, independent UK-based group.
We do not run a rescue centre, but we can point you towards organisations that may be able to help.
Help by signing a petition
One animal. Four rulebooks
Pet
Companion animal rules
Farmed
Meat-trade rules
Research
Laboratory rules
Wild
Wildlife rules
Hares face different rules again.
Why rabbits and hares need saving
ABANDONMENT
Pet rabbits can be abandoned, leaving them exposed to hunger, disease and danger.
HUNTING
Wild rabbits and hares suffer when chased, caught or killed.
FARMING
Rabbits are bred and slaughtered for meat, with fewer specific welfare protections than pigs and laying hens.
LABORATORIES
Rabbits are used in experiments that can cause pain, distress and suffering.
Different circumstances. The same capacity to suffer.
We want laws that reflect animals’ welfare needs, not simply how people use them
EVIDENCE OF OUR WORK
Our evidence is on the official record
Sentencing Council
We argued that suffering, injury and death caused by hare coursing should count as serious harm.
The Sentencing Council, which sets guidelines for courts in England and Wales, named and quoted Hop to Save Rabbits in its published response. Its final guideline places animal distress, injury and loss of life in Category 1, the highest harm category.
House of Commons
Three of our papers, on rabbit trade, labelling and farming, have been published in a parliamentary committee’s evidence record.
1. Rabbit trade — APH0243
2. Labelling — APH0269
3. Farming — APH0270
Competition and Markets Authority
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which investigates competition and consumer issues, published our submission on veterinary services in September 2026.
We called for rabbit services to be easier to find, clearer information for owners and better recognition of rabbits in veterinary reporting.
Over 30 submissions and representations across the UK and other countries.
We highlight selected submissions, published responses and confirmed outcomes, and note where a response has not yet been received.
In the news — BBC Wales
BBC Wales quoted Hop to Save Rabbits in July 2026 about rabbit welfare problems that can begin before purchase or adoption.
Chloe – one of our campaign managers
WHAT WE WORK ON
Five areas. One aim: close the gap.
PETS
We campaign for breeder controls, microchipping and clear welfare advice before a rabbit is sold.
WILD
We campaign to end cruel hunting and promote humane, non-lethal wildlife management.
FARMING
We aim to end rabbit farming, slaughter and the rabbit-meat trade, and press for stronger welfare standards until then.
RESEARCH
We campaign to replace animal experiments with reliable non-animal methods, and seek stronger safeguards while they continue.
VETERINARY CARE AND TRANSPORT
We seek better veterinary care, safer transport and clearer accountability when welfare standards are not met.
Our work serves longer-term goals. See where we’re heading →
Featured research
Recent HTSR research, submissions and campaign analysis spanning wild and domestic rabbits and hares.
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VARC 2026: Rabbits in Law and Policy — From the Meat Trade to Military Training
Dedicated to Sandy, 15 August 2019 – 17 March 2026, with love. I was honoured to speak at VARC 2026 on rabbits in law and policy. This presentation examined how…
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Overview: Ending the Era of Animal Testing
This report by Hop to Save Rabbits examines the legal, ethical, and scientific arguments against the continued use of animals in laboratory research. While millions of animals—including rabbits, dogs, and…
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Overview: Tackling the Rabbit Abandonment Crisis
Rabbit abandonment is a significant and growing welfare crisis across the UK. While the tireless work of rescue centres remains vital, long-term success depends on a “prevention-first” approach that addresses…
View all research and updates →
56,427 signatures. A government commitment.
A petition started by Chloe Dalton and shared by Hop to Save Rabbits, called for hares to be protected during their breeding season.
In its December 2025 Animal Welfare Strategy for England, the Government committed to working towards a close season for hares.
The law has not yet changed.
We do not claim the petition alone secured this commitment. We report what has happened, what remains unresolved and what needs to happen next.
See what happened to other petitions →
GET INVOLVED
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OUR AMBITION
Where we’re heading
We want to:
- End the hunting of wild rabbits and hares.
- End rabbit farming, slaughter and the rabbit-meat trade.
- Require rabbit breeders to be licensed and meet enforceable welfare standards.
- Replace harmful animal experiments with humane alternatives.
These are changes we campaign for, not changes already achieved.
Start with one signature.
Help us challenge commercial rabbit abattoirs in South Africa. Sign the petition and share it with others.