International Rabbit Day: Care and Protection of Rabbits
International Rabbit Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the care and protection of domestic and wild rabbits. Observed annually on the last Saturday of September, it brings together animal welfare organisations, shelters, and rabbit owners around the world to advocate for better living conditions for one of the most commonly misunderstood pets.
The event was founded in 1998 by Rabbit Charity, a UK-based organisation focused on improving the welfare of rabbits. The initiative highlights the need for proper care and permanent shelter for rabbits that are abandoned or unprotected — an issue that affects tens of thousands of animals each year across Europe and North America alone.
Rabbits face numerous challenges including vulnerability to viral diseases and predation. In Australia, where rabbits were introduced in 1788, they have become one of the most damaging invasive species in recorded ecological history, prompting extensive control efforts and strict legal restrictions.
Date and Purpose of International Rabbit Day
International Rabbit Day is observed every year on the last Saturday of September. Established in 1998 by the UK-based Rabbit Charity, the day is dedicated to promoting the care and protection of both domestic and wild rabbits. The primary aim is to ensure that rabbits receive proper care and access to permanent shelter — particularly those that have been abandoned or left without protection.
As animal welfare advocates consistently note: rabbits are the third most surrendered pet in many Western countries, yet they are frequently underestimated in terms of their social, dietary, and medical needs. International Rabbit Day exists precisely to close that knowledge gap.
The observance encourages pet owners, rescue organisations, and policymakers to reflect on the full range of responsibilities involved in rabbit care — from appropriate housing and nutrition to veterinary access and legal protections.
The Rabbit Problem in Australia: History and Control Measures
Rabbits were introduced to Australia by the British in 1788 with the First Fleet. However, the true population explosion began in 1859, when pastoralist Thomas Austin released just 24 wild European rabbits into Barwon Park near Winchelsea, Victoria, for sport hunting. That seemingly small act triggered one of the fastest mammalian population expansions in history — within decades, the rabbit population had grown to an estimated several billion, spreading across the continent and causing catastrophic ecological damage.
Ecological Impact
Wild rabbits became the primary threat to over 300 native plant and animal species by destroying their natural habitats through overgrazing and burrowing. The scale of destruction prompted government intervention at multiple levels:
- In 1875, South Australia became the first state to pass legislation requiring farmers to actively destroy rabbits.
- In 1901, Western Australia began constructing the Rabbit-Proof Fence — stretching 1,870 kilometres — to stop eastward rabbit migration.
- A second, even longer fence of over 3,200 kilometres was built in the early 20th century across the same state.
Biological Control Methods
Australia pioneered the use of biological agents to manage invasive rabbit populations:
- Myxoma virus — Introduced by the government in the 1950s, this virus initially killed up to 99% of infected rabbits in some areas, though populations gradually developed resistance.
- Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) — Also known as calicivirus, this was officially deployed in subsequent decades and spreads naturally through insect vectors, providing ongoing population suppression.
To disrupt the warren networks that allow rabbit colonies to persist, a technique called “ripping” is employed — using heavy machinery to collapse underground tunnels and destroy the infrastructure of established colonies.
Legal Restrictions on Keeping Rabbits
| State / Territory | Restriction | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Queensland | Keeping rabbits as pets is completely prohibited | Up to AUD 83,400 |
| Australia-wide | Releasing or harbouring wild rabbits is illegal | Tens of thousands of AUD |
| All states | Domestic rabbits require vaccination against RHDV | N/A (veterinary requirement) |
Notably, domestic rabbits in Australia must be regularly vaccinated against the very viruses the government uses to control wild populations — a stark illustration of the dual and often contradictory relationship between rabbit protection and rabbit control in the country.
Cultural Response: The Easter Bilby
Cultural adaptations have also emerged in response to rabbit-related ecological damage. In several Australian states, the traditional Easter rabbit has been replaced by the “Easter Bilby” — a native marsupial — to raise awareness about protecting indigenous wildlife from invasive species like the European rabbit. The bilby, itself an endangered species, has become a symbol of Australia’s broader effort to prioritise native fauna conservation.
Why Rabbits Remain Vulnerable: Key Threats
Whether kept as pets or living in the wild, rabbits face a range of serious threats that make awareness and protective measures essential:
- Viral diseases: Rabbits are highly susceptible to illnesses such as myxomatosis and RHDV, both of which can spread rapidly and are frequently fatal without vaccination.
- Predation: As prey animals, rabbits are targeted by foxes, birds of prey, domestic cats, and dogs, making them especially vulnerable in unprotected outdoor environments.
- Abandonment: Rabbits are frequently purchased as low-maintenance pets and later surrendered or released — often with fatal consequences, since domestic rabbits lack the survival instincts of their wild counterparts.
- Inadequate housing: Many rabbits kept as pets suffer from insufficient space, poor diet, and lack of social companionship, leading to chronic stress and shortened lifespans.
These combined vulnerabilities reinforce the importance of International Rabbit Day — not only as a celebration of rabbits, but as an annual call to action for more informed, responsible, and compassionate treatment of one of the world’s most widely kept yet frequently misunderstood animals.
