The Five Freedoms are set out in the Animal Welfare Act of 2006 and apply to all animals including rabbits...
The Five Freedoms are set out in the Animal Welfare Act of 2006 and apply to all animals including rabbits. They are as follows:-
1. Freedom from hunger and thirst - by providing fresh water and the right type and amount of food to keep them fit
2. Freedom from discomfort - by making sure that animals have the right kind of environment including shelter and somewhere comfortable to rest
3. Freedom from pain, injury and disease - by preventing them from getting ill or injured and by making sure animals are diagnosed and treated rapidly if they do
4. Freedom to behave normally - by making sure animals have enough space, proper facilities and the company of other animals of their own kind
5. Freedom from fear and stress - by making sure their condition and treatment avoid mental suffering
Of course, any responsible pet owner would keep to these freedoms naturally while providing the correct care to their pet and The Five Freedoms are most useful as a means of assessing a breeder or supplier of pet rabbits. For example, some petshops make a point of saying where they get their rabbits from and whether their supplier adheres to The Five Freedoms.
