Argos comes under scrutiny
Detail:
The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) has launched a campaign asking high street retailer Argos to reconsider the sizes of all its hutches.
One of the hutches on sale, the Pent Rabbit Hutch, has an internal length of only 77cm (external measure of 92cm), yet is described as suitable for one rabbit or guinea pig, allowing them to stretch up on hind legs and run freely in the hutch. Argos has also advertised as an on-line exclusive a plastic hutch with an external size of 91cm.
This despite the mounting evidence that rabbits are social animals and are, therefore, ideally kept in pairs. The PDSA and RWAF have also both on numerous occasions said that the minimum recommended size for a rabbit hutch is 6ft (180cm) by 2ft by 2ft.
Up to now, Argos has not taken any of the telephone calls the RWAF has made, although it has responded to individuals who have made complaints. And apparently Argos has contacted the RSPCA for advice.
I, for one, hope that Argos removes these hutches. Apart from the psychological stress and impact of being housed in isolation, such hutches just cannot let a rabbit exercise properly. And this, as we all know, can contribute to obesity and other health issues. These hutches just cannot cater adequately to the welfare needs of rabbits.
It can be truly frustrating for pet retailers who have the best interests of pets at heart, who choose not to sell a number of products because of concerns for animal welfare, yet these products are available for sale elsewhere. Indeed, I know of a number of retailers who will sell only the largest hutches or cages available.
Such practices are damaging for the animals concerned and ultimately the pet trade in general. A trade in which the majority are constantly raising their standards and putting the welfare of the animal uppermost.
If the pet trade were to suddenly decide to sell bicycles, conservatories or even children’s toys, I bet all manner of noise would be made.
There’s a reason the independent pet retailer is considered a specialist, and sometimes it’s best to let the independent trade carry on doing what it does best, without interference from external sources.
One of the hutches on sale, the Pent Rabbit Hutch, has an internal length of only 77cm (external measure of 92cm), yet is described as suitable for one rabbit or guinea pig, allowing them to stretch up on hind legs and run freely in the hutch. Argos has also advertised as an on-line exclusive a plastic hutch with an external size of 91cm.
This despite the mounting evidence that rabbits are social animals and are, therefore, ideally kept in pairs. The PDSA and RWAF have also both on numerous occasions said that the minimum recommended size for a rabbit hutch is 6ft (180cm) by 2ft by 2ft.
Up to now, Argos has not taken any of the telephone calls the RWAF has made, although it has responded to individuals who have made complaints. And apparently Argos has contacted the RSPCA for advice.
I, for one, hope that Argos removes these hutches. Apart from the psychological stress and impact of being housed in isolation, such hutches just cannot let a rabbit exercise properly. And this, as we all know, can contribute to obesity and other health issues. These hutches just cannot cater adequately to the welfare needs of rabbits.
It can be truly frustrating for pet retailers who have the best interests of pets at heart, who choose not to sell a number of products because of concerns for animal welfare, yet these products are available for sale elsewhere. Indeed, I know of a number of retailers who will sell only the largest hutches or cages available.
Such practices are damaging for the animals concerned and ultimately the pet trade in general. A trade in which the majority are constantly raising their standards and putting the welfare of the animal uppermost.
If the pet trade were to suddenly decide to sell bicycles, conservatories or even children’s toys, I bet all manner of noise would be made.
There’s a reason the independent pet retailer is considered a specialist, and sometimes it’s best to let the independent trade carry on doing what it does best, without interference from external sources.
By:
Sandra
Date/time :
01/06/2010
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