Content area
Full text
THERE are currently a number of different methods for identifying rabbits within a variety of contexts. However, despite the domestic rabbit being a popular pet (one million within the UK [ Pet Food Manufacturers Association 2015 ]) and being widely used for laboratory work, there is limited up-to-date research and statistics associated with the advantages and disadvantages of each method and how methods vary between contexts.
Tattooing (usually on the inside of the external ear) is a method that has been frequently used in the past and is still used today. Tattooing is likely to cause pain during application, although it has been shown that anaesthetic cream can reduce pain in rabbits ( Keating and others 2012 ). Tattooing is difficult to apply if a rabbit moves/struggles during applications, and the compliance of the rabbit and the individual tattooist's experience may influence the legibility of the tattoo ( Companion Animal Welfare Council 2002 ). Furthermore, tattoos can fade and become illegible with time; they can be altered and there is also the possibility of infection ( Companion Animal Welfare Council 2002 , Dahlborn and others 2013 ).
Closed ringing is a commonly used method...