# International Rabbit Day and rabbit welfare advocacy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/international-rabbit-day-and-rabbit-welfare-advocacy
> Updated: 2026-09-26T05:31:23.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

International Rabbit Day, observed on the fourth Saturday of September, serves to promote biodiversity and animal welfare. The observance emphasizes the ecological role of rabbits in regulating vegetation and their position within food chains, while also addressing challenges such as habitat loss and the risks associated with releasing domestic rabbits into the wild.

In the United Kingdom, the RSPCA has utilized the occasion to highlight the issue of pet abandonment. The charity reported that between 2024 and 2025, it dealt with 896 abandoned rabbits. Furthermore, RSPCA national centres took in 10,943 rabbits rescued from cruelty and neglect between 2021 and 2025. To address these rising numbers, organizations like the RSPCA and the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund have advocated for a breeding amnesty.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: RSPCA seeks new home for rabbit trio on International Rabbit Day

On International Rabbit Day, the RSPCA is seeking a forever home for a trio of rabbits that have been in care for two years, highlighting ongoing challenges with rabbit neglect and abandonment in the UK.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rspca-seeks-new-home-for-rabbit-trio-on-international-rabbit-day

### 2026-09-25: International Rabbit Day promotes biodiversity and animal welfare

International Rabbit Day highlights the ecological importance of rabbits and promotes responsible pet ownership to combat rising abandonment rates and habitat loss.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/international-rabbit-day-promotes-biodiversity-and-animal-welfare

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Cite as: International Rabbit Day and rabbit welfare advocacy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/international-rabbit-day-and-rabbit-welfare-advocacy