Hop to Save Rabbits - law reform for rabbits and hares
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 rabbits continue to disappear between legal and policy categories, and why that leads to weaker protection across systems ranging from the meat trade to military…
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dogs, and primates—continue to suffer in experiments, the report highlights that these methods are often scientifically outdated and fail to accurately predict human outcomes. The Case for…
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 why rabbits are being abandoned in the first place. This report by Hop to Save Rabbits outlines the severe risks faced by abandoned domestic pets…
This report by Hop to Save Rabbits provides a critical analysis of the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Scotland) Regulations 2021. By reviewing Freedom of Information (FOI) responses from Scottish councils, the research identifies a significant “implementation gap” between statutory intent and the actual protection of rabbits. Key Findings Core Recommendations To address…
We’ve submitted our evidence-based response to Ireland’s Animal Welfare Strategy 2026–2030 consultation (2 Jan 2026). It calls for species-specific protections for rabbits and hares, closing legal gaps across pets, farming, wildlife management, rehabilitation and labs — and makes a reasoned case for ending rabbit meat farming and trade.
Introduction The deliberate use of catapults to target animals—known as catapult attacks on animals—is a growing welfare crisis in the UK. These acts cause unnecessary suffering, injury, and death, breaching national animal cruelty laws. Weapon-linked attacks on animals have risen sharply, with a reported 23% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year. While catapult…
Did you know that commercial rabbit breeding in the UK is largely unregulated? This is because the current lack of regulation leads directly to poor rabbit welfare standards. Therefore, the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F) has launched a crucial campaign to change this. They need your voice now. In short, it’s time to write…
On 27 September, campaigners gathered for a peaceful Pets at Home protest at Castle Marina, Nottingham. Protesters held signs saying “Stop Selling Animals” and “Adopt Don’t Shop” to call for the chain to end live animal sales. The Pets at Home protest at Castle Marina highlighted a national problem. Despite a rescue crisis, with over…
🚨 URGENT: Stop the Cruel Rabbit Meat Proposal – South Africa ! 🚨 Introduction South Africa is close to approving new Meat Safety Act regulations that could legalise the commercial killing of rabbits for meat. This proposal would normalise cruelty and redefine rabbits—sentient, intelligent animals—as livestock. Rabbits are the third most popular companion animal in…
A mother rabbit nestles her babies close, her tiny heart beating fast. She doesn’t know what their future holds—but we do. And today, we promise her and her family a life of safety, love, and protection. For too long, rabbits have been the forgotten victims of weak laws and outdated welfare standards. They have suffered…
