What is the House Rabbit Society (HRS)?

The House Rabbit Society (HRS), founded in the United States in 1988, is one of the world's largest non-profit organizations dedicated to rabbit rescue and education.

This organization is a pioneer in spreading the concept of "house rabbits," which involves properly raising rabbits indoors as members of the family, and its activities have had a significant impact on rabbit welfare in Japan.

The two main pillars of the House Rabbit Society

HRS's activities are primarily comprised of the following two missions:

• Education and Awareness: We provide scientifically-based information on "proper rabbit care," including rabbit behavior, diet (primarily hay-based), creating a safe indoor environment, and the importance of spaying and neutering.

• Protection and Rescue: We support activities to protect rabbits that have been abandoned, abused, or neglected, and find them new families (foster parents).

Five key points of "rabbit welfare" advocated by the House Rabbit Society

1. Indoor Rabbit Keeping: Rabbits should live indoors with humans in a safe environment, rather than in an outdoor hutch.

2. Recommended spaying/neutering: Essential for preventing reproductive system diseases and preventing the collapse of multi-animal hoarding situations.

3. Proper diet: An environment where they have access to fresh water and high-quality timothy hay at all times.

4. Medical care: Regular checkups by a veterinarian with specialized knowledge to treat rabbits.

5. Respect as a companion: Treating rabbits not merely as ornamental animals or subjects of "school care," but as emotionally rich companion animals.