Pets at home neutering and vaccine scheme

Re: Pets at home neutering and vaccine scheme

Jill Macdonald — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:32:56 GMT

[quote user="Ju_xx"]I've had an email today to say this scheme is "being ceased and that no further rabbits will be imported to be sold in PAH stores." that is from the Rabbit welfare association who were concerned about this trial.

[/quote]

Thank goodness for that!

This rather sounded like a scheme to increase profits by mass 'production' of 'ready for sale' rabbits. Attention was diverted from this by discussion of the benefits of vaccination and early neutering. It would have been telling to have seen the actual conditions that these rabbits were bred and 'prepared for sale' under. I'd also have like to have seen the figures for how many of these young rabbits survived the journey. On another note, the problem with a large retailer such as PAH is that vast numbers of animals are bred and transported, and without being too imaginative, I should think not under ideal conditions. Whilst there is a lot of media attention regarding puppy farms, we shouldn't forget rabbits, guinea-pigs, hamsters, etc, and of course exotic species, that must also be somewhat mass-produced in order to satisfy the market.

Re: Pets at home neutering and vaccine scheme

shropshirelass_1987 — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 11:31:35 GMT

Don't get me wrong I think this is a great idea but I also feel mixed with the neutering them soo young & being transported from abroad at such a young age, after just being neutered. Yes if it works & responsible owners / buyers go & get their pets vaccinated again then great & we know these animals have no chance of producing offspring.

However we already have such high numbers of rescue animals & breeders in the UK as it is, so why not use young rabbits from rescue centres in the UK & do the same to them - perhaps neutering a little older, instead of adding to the Uk's current rabbit population, as I'm sure Pets at home run a rescue & rehabilitated pets scheme or something as I saw rescue pets in my local store up for rehoming xx

Re: Pets at home neutering and vaccine scheme

chanel clydesdale — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:33:53 GMT

Yeah i received an email update today also, the kick up from rawf and various rabbits clubs was immense, I'm amazed how much people have spoke up about it. I can understand the worry with bringing them over when they are so young and vulnerable but the concept of it all is there. Perhaps they would be better sending them off to new homes with neutering/vaccine vouchers and info instead.

Re: Pets at home neutering and vaccine scheme

Ju_xx — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 22:43:33 GMT

I've had an email today to say this scheme is "being ceased and that no further rabbits will be imported to be sold in PAH stores." that is from the Rabbit welfare association who were concerned about this trial.

Re: Pets at home neutering and vaccine scheme

Gillian Mostyn — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:28:07 GMT

Hopefully it means that they will be much more expensive to buy, meaning more thought will go into deciding to get one.

I also have a few reservations but feel the risk of early GA and surgery should be outweighed by the health and social benefits. I just wish they were bred in the UK rather than having to be transported at such a young age when stress can be a major problem. However, if the business plan is successful then breeders in the UK will no doubt take it on.

I suspect 'Joe Public' will decide they are too expensive and just go to their local pet shop where they can get a single, lonely bunny for a tenner.

Re: Pets at home neutering and vaccine scheme

Julie-Anne Wilson — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 11:33:59 GMT

I know the whole neutering-when-they're-young thing is controversial for some and I still wonder whether neutering animals at such a young age has any detrimental effects on their growth. Surely it must have?

I like the fact that they're making sure people are getting their animals neutered and vaccinated but it also all depends on whether they're informing people that boosters must be given every year.

Add another mixed opinion into this one.

Re: Pets at home neutering and vaccine scheme

Mark Hedberg — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 11:16:18 GMT

Well, if it works, they're geniuses, if it doesn't, they're not. I suppose I feel a touch mixed, mainly because if I read this right, they are neutering VERY young rabbits, and I have to wonder if really young animals have an immune system that will respond properly to vaccination. The datasheet on the myxo vaccine (according to the NOAH website) says that myxo should be vaccinated after 6 weeks of age, so if they're vaccinated some time after the neuter, should be fine, I guess.

Re: Pets at home neutering and vaccine scheme

Sal the 1st — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 10:06:14 GMT

I think it is being responsible to be providing neutered and vaccinated and microchipped rabbits yes - that bit I am happy about so long as owners realise that the vaccine isnt a one off and needs to be repeated. Importing neutered rabbits from another country at such a young age I am not so happy about. I would maybe be happier if they paid their rabbit vet to do a stint of neutering over here and were selling native born rabbits . I understand this is only a trial but something doesnt quite sit right. So in short - mixed feelings.