Specific guidance for rabbits when conducting minor procedures without anaesthesia

Rabbits are especially susceptible to the effects of stress and are easily injured by careless handling. They are usually non-aggressive animals, but when frightened they may make violent attempts to escape. Occasionally an aggressive individual that attacks the handler and attempts to bite or scratch will be encountered. Such animals are generally easily controlled by applying the restraint techniques described below rapidly and firmly. Rabbits have powerful hind legs equipped with sharp claws which can produce painful scratches.