Nearly half of UK pet rabbits live alone

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Posted: 11th July 2023

Nearly half of UK pet rabbits live alone

530,000 rabbits are not having their companion needs met.

PDSA estimates 530,000 rabbits are not having companionship needs met.

A report has revealed that 42 per cent of rabbits live alone, despite veterinary advice that rabbits have compatible companions.

The 2023 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report also showed that five per cent lived with different animals. The PDSA estimates 530,000 rabbits are not having their companion needs met.

Catherine Burke, a PDSA veterinary surgeon, said: “If rabbits live alone, they can feel socially isolated and become bored, frustrated, anxious, and destructive. They need fellow bunny companionship, as it offers them warmth, comfort and company. This minimises boredom, and reduces their anxiety and stress.”

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025.

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24th October 2025

CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.