Investigator: Helaina Cressy, Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine
Supervisor: Dr Charlotte Burn, Associate Professor in Animal Welfare and Behaviour Science
As the British Rabbit Council and rabbit exhibitors face increasing scrutiny over the welfare of exhibition rabbits, this study aims to provide evidence to the discussion of whether any common handling techniques used by judges are a significant cause of stress. If there is a significant increase in behavioural stress signs in rabbits who were handled via certain techniques, it will be concluded that these techniques are detrimental to rabbit welfare and should not be utilised by BRC judges. The data produced by this project could form a foundation for a new, evidence-based guidebook on how BRC judges should handle rabbits to minimise stress while still allowing for a thorough examination. It will also allow for and encourage informed opinions when discussing the welfare of exhibition rabbits.
As both a veterinary medicine student and a trainee judge for the BRC, I want to use my unique position to conduct the first research into the welfare of exhibition rabbits. The criticism received by the BRC particularly focuses on the show pens rabbits are kept in, and the way they are handled by judges. I wish to investigate if this scrutiny is supported by behavioural evidence, to provide guidelines to rabbit judges for optimised welfare. There are many similarities between a vet’s clinical examination and a judge’s physical examination, therefore guidelines produced for BRC judges will also be of use to vets. As many existing resources provide conflicting recommendations, these guidelines will encourage welfare-based rabbit handling during a clinical examination.
Funding for the 2025 student grants was made possible thanks to a large grant from the Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards.