A Welsh politician has proposed that prospective pet rabbit owners should be required to complete a training course before acquiring a rabbit, as part of broader animal welfare reforms. Mike Hedges, the Welsh Labour party’s culture spokesman, introduced the suggestion during discussions on improving standards for animal care.

Hedges argued that many rabbits are obtained without adequate knowledge of their specific needs, contributing to welfare concerns. The proposal aims to ensure that people considering rabbits as pets are better prepared to provide proper care.

The idea received support from animal welfare organizations, including the charity Hop to Save Rabbits, which highlighted the ease with which rabbits can currently be acquired without sufficient understanding. A spokesperson for the charity stated that current access to rabbits is "too easy," resulting in inadequate care for many animals.

However, critics from the Conservative Party dismissed the proposal as unnecessary, with some labeling it "hare-brained." They questioned whether mandatory training courses for small pet ownership would be practical or effective.

The discussion on rabbit care is part of a wider conversation in Wales about improving standards for animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. No formal legislation has yet been proposed, and it remains to be seen whether training requirements for rabbit owners will advance.