Factors predicting owner attachment towards pet rabbits in Switzerland
Factors predicting owner attachment towards pet rabbits in Switzerland
In Switzerland rabbits have always been kept for economic and emotional reasons. In 1875 they were regarded as a boys’ hobby, later they were bred for meat, fur and research (Wiedmer, 1982). Since the 1950s, the popularity of pet rabbits has increased; evidenced by the variety of food and toys offered by the pet industry and the rising numbers cremated singly.
Attachment is a specific, enduring emotional relationship between two individuals inferred by particular behavioural responses (Cohen, 1974; Gubernick, 1981). Attachment to pets may be predicted by the quality of care or the location of the pet’s housing (Shore et al, 2006). Yet, pet rabbits are reported as being kept in inappropriate environments resulting in undesirable behaviours (Hollmann, 1998; McBride and Wickens, 1997), possibly indicating little attachment. But inadequate care or attention does not automatically signify a lack of attachment; owners’ feelings may not be consonant with their behaviours.
This study investigated the husbandry and behaviour of Swiss pet rabbits and relationship with owner attachment.
rabbit, husbandary, welfare
133-138
Association Vétérinaire de Zoopsychiatrie
McBride, E.A.
8f13b829-a141-4b67-b2d7-08f839972646
2009
McBride, E.A.
8f13b829-a141-4b67-b2d7-08f839972646
McBride, E.A.
(2009)
Factors predicting owner attachment towards pet rabbits in Switzerland.
Beata, C.
(ed.)
In Proceedings of Congrés Zoopsy Lyon 2009 L'Attachment De L'Animal á L'Humain, De L'Éthologie Á La Pathologie.
Association Vétérinaire de Zoopsychiatrie.
.
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Abstract
In Switzerland rabbits have always been kept for economic and emotional reasons. In 1875 they were regarded as a boys’ hobby, later they were bred for meat, fur and research (Wiedmer, 1982). Since the 1950s, the popularity of pet rabbits has increased; evidenced by the variety of food and toys offered by the pet industry and the rising numbers cremated singly.
Attachment is a specific, enduring emotional relationship between two individuals inferred by particular behavioural responses (Cohen, 1974; Gubernick, 1981). Attachment to pets may be predicted by the quality of care or the location of the pet’s housing (Shore et al, 2006). Yet, pet rabbits are reported as being kept in inappropriate environments resulting in undesirable behaviours (Hollmann, 1998; McBride and Wickens, 1997), possibly indicating little attachment. But inadequate care or attention does not automatically signify a lack of attachment; owners’ feelings may not be consonant with their behaviours.
This study investigated the husbandry and behaviour of Swiss pet rabbits and relationship with owner attachment.
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Published date: 2009
Keywords:
rabbit, husbandary, welfare
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Local EPrints ID: 146499
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/146499
PURE UUID: 249d54ec-1dd1-42f8-8b1c-d585eba68a58
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Date deposited: 21 Apr 2010 13:47
Last modified: 14 Mar 2024 00:55
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Editor:
C. Beata
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