British Rabbit Council facts for kids
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BRC Logo
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| Abbreviation | BRC |
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| Formation | 1934 |
| Legal status | Non-Profit Organisation |
| Purpose | Rabbits in the UK |
| Location |
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Region served
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UK |
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Membership
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Rabbit Owners |
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Main organ
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Governing body |
The British Rabbit Council (BRC) is a special group for people in the United Kingdom who love rabbits. Did you know that rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK? The BRC helps rabbit owners and promotes the well-being of rabbits across the country.
Contents
The BRC's Story: How It Started
The British Rabbit Council started in 1934. It was formed when two other rabbit groups joined together. These were the British Rabbit Society and the National Rabbit Council of Great Britain.
Growing the Rabbit Community
In the 1940s, local rabbit clubs could join the BRC. This helped many rabbit enthusiasts connect. During the 1940s, it was tough for rabbit owners because of World War II. But the BRC leaders were hopeful. They said, "We are an optimistic crowd, and we will carry on!"
By 1952, there were over 500 judges. These judges wanted people to breed beautiful exhibition rabbits with lovely fur. Women were very active in helping the BRC. They supported meetings and provided refreshments. The organization also wanted more women to show their rabbits.
In the same year, the BRC started exams for rabbit keeping. The first special diplomas in Rabbit Husbandry were given out in 1953. This showed that people were becoming experts in caring for rabbits.
Helping Rabbit Owners with Housing
In the 1960s, the BRC worked to stop bans on keeping rabbits. Some council housing areas did not allow rabbits. The BRC suggested that a household could keep up to 12 rabbits.
Rabbits as a Food Source During Tough Times
In 1935, during the Great Depression, many people did not have jobs. The BRC gave rabbits to unemployed people. This helped them breed rabbits for food.
During Second World War in 1941, the BRC worked with the government. They encouraged people to keep rabbits as a food source. This helped the country have enough food during the war. By 1944, the BRC was ready to challenge any local rules that stopped people from keeping rabbits. They said it was important for the war effort.
After the war, the BRC kept encouraging people to use rabbits for food. In 1954, a BRC representative said that rabbit breeders had a duty to the nation. They could help turn food into meat. This would make the country less reliant on imported food.
In 1959, the BRC tried to encourage large-scale production of rabbit meat. The RSPCA did not agree with this idea. The BRC then set up the Commercial Rabbit Association for this project. In 1977, the BRC secretary said that just two or three female rabbits could produce enough meat for one family meal a week.
How Many Members Joined the BRC?
In 1946, the BRC had about 10,000 members. Another 250,000 people were part of clubs linked to the BRC. Their slogan was: "Grow more rabbit meat for home consumption, and Angora wool for export."
By January 1951, the BRC had 70,000 members. In March 1951, it was said to have more than 6,000 individual members. It also had 700 clubs connected to it.
Government Support for Rabbit Clubs
In 1951, the BRC received money from the government. This grant helped them support Rabbit Clubs. In 1953, they received another grant of £1,150. This money was for Domestic Food Production.
Protecting Rabbits from Diseases
Dealing with Myxomatosis
In the 1950s, the BRC warned people about a dangerous rabbit disease called myxomatosis. They surveyed rabbit owners to understand how the disease was affecting domestic rabbits. The BRC successfully worked to make vaccinations against myxomatosis available for pet rabbits. Members of the BRC helped deal with the disease among domestic rabbits. They also campaigned against people purposely spreading the disease.
Facing Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease
In 1992, the BRC temporarily stopped rabbit shows. This was because of another serious disease called rabbit hemorrhagic disease. The BRC worked to get vaccinations for rabbits against this disease too.
Rabbit Breeds Recognized by the BRC
The British Rabbit Council recognizes over 50 different breeds of rabbits. There are also more than 500 varieties within these breeds! These breeds are put into four main groups:
- Fancy (rabbits bred for their unique looks)
- Lop (rabbits with droopy ears)
- Normal Fur (rabbits with typical fur)
- Rex (rabbits with very soft, velvety fur)
Rabbit Shows and Competitions
To enter most rabbit shows, people must be BRC members. Their rabbits must also have a metal ring on one back leg. This ring is registered in the owner's name. In 1993, the BRC gave out 100,000 rings each year!
In breed classes, rabbits are judged based on special standards set by the BRC. The BRC gives out stars and certificates for winning. They also award diplomas and identify champion rabbits.
See also
- American Rabbit Breeders Association
- List of rabbit breeds
