As Rabbit Awareness Week celebrates its 20th anniversary, RSPCA Devon’s Little Valley Animal Shelter is marking the occasion by sharing progress on The Warren, an ambitious new rabbit rescue and rehoming centre in Exeter, inspired by the campaign’s call for better rabbit welfare.
Last year, Rabbit Awareness Week focused on creating “Happy Hoppy Homes”, encouraging owners to provide rabbits with the space, companionship and environment they need to thrive. At Little Valley, that message struck a chord.
Rather than simply talking about better rabbit housing, the charity decided to build it.
Now, one year later, The Warren is nearing completion and promises to become a flagship centre for rabbit rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming in the South West.
The project represents one of the most significant investments in rabbit welfare in RSPCA Little Valley’s 35-year history and reflects a growing understanding of the complex needs of one of Britain’s most misunderstood pets.
Despite being one of the UK’s most popular companion animals, rabbits continue to be among the most overlooked when it comes to welfare. Many still live in accommodation that is too small, lack the companionship of other rabbits, or do not receive the diet, enrichment and exercise they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
Designed around modern welfare standards, The Warren will provide rescued rabbits with spacious accommodation, outdoor access, enrichment opportunities and specialist care areas, allowing them to express natural behaviours while they wait for loving new homes.
Hugh Lowson, Chief Executive of RSPCA Little Valley, said:
“Last year’s Rabbit Awareness Week challenged people to think differently about what rabbits need to live happy and healthy lives. We took that message to heart.
“The Warren is our commitment to the future of rabbit welfare. It represents everything we’ve learned about rabbits over the years and our determination to provide the very best care possible for every rabbit that comes through our doors.
“This isn’t simply a new building. It is an investment in the future of rabbit welfare across Devon and a statement about the standards we believe rabbits deserve.
“As Rabbit Awareness Week celebrates its twentieth anniversary, we’re incredibly proud to be creating something that will benefit rabbits for many years to come.
“Whether someone chooses to sponsor a brick, organise a fundraiser, make a donation or simply help us spread the word, every contribution is helping build something truly special for animals in need.”
Assistant Shelter Manager and Vet Admin – Fiona Wyatt, who helps care for rabbits at the shelter, says the project reflects how understanding of rabbit welfare has evolved.
“People are often surprised to learn just how much space rabbits need. They’re active, intelligent and highly social animals that love to run, explore, dig and interact with other rabbits.
“The idea of rabbits spending most of their lives in a small hutch simply doesn’t reflect modern welfare standards or what we now know about good rabbit care.
“When we designed The Warren, we wanted to create something that reflected everything we’ve learned about rabbit welfare. We’ve gone beyond the minimum requirements because we believe rabbits deserve the very best while they wait for their forever families.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see the project taking shape because we know the difference it will make for rabbits across Devon.”
The Warren forms part of a wider programme of investment at Little Valley and comes as the charity prepares to celebrate 35 years of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals across Devon. It also coincides with the approaching 185th anniversary of RSPCA work in the county.
As construction enters its final stages, the charity is inviting the public to play a part in bringing the project to life.
Through the Buy a Brick campaign, supporters can sponsor a brick within The Warren and have the name of a loved one, family member, cherished pet or organisation permanently recognised as part of the new facility.
Local businesses, schools, community groups and fundraising organisations are also being encouraged to support the project through fundraising activities, sponsorship opportunities and donations.
To mark Rabbit Awareness Week, RSPCA Little Valley is inviting journalists, broadcasters and media organisations to visit the shelter, learn more about rabbit welfare and see first-hand how The Warren is taking shape ahead of its completion.
Members of the media interested in arranging a visit, interview or feature are encouraged to contact:
George Hill
Communications Manager
ghill@rspca-littlevalley.org.uk
01392 439898
