Rabbit Control in the UK – Why It Matters

Rabbits may look harmless, but Rabbit Control UK remains a critical issue for farmers, landowners, and public spaces. Although many people think of them as pets, rabbits were never native to the UK.

A Brief History of Rabbits in Britain

Rabbits were first introduced by the Romans in the 2nd century as a farmed food source. Initially kept in enclosures, they quickly escaped and spread across the countryside. Over centuries, their population exploded. As trade expanded, rabbits reached nearly every continent, thriving due to rapid breeding and adaptability.

The Pest Act 1954 and Legal Duties

By the 1950s, rabbit numbers had caused huge agricultural losses. To address this, the government passed the Pests Act 1954, declaring the whole country a rabbit clearance area. To this day, landowners remain legally responsible for their own Rabbit Control in the UK.

Control methods include fencing, trapping, ferreting, shooting, and, where permitted, gassing. If landowners fail to act, the Secretary of State can enforce control or prosecute, making Rabbit Control in the UK essential.

Why Rabbit Control UK is Essential for Landowners

Uncontrolled rabbits create significant problems:

• Just seven rabbits eat as much grass as one sheep.
• Agricultural damage costs hundreds of millions of pounds each year.
• Livestock risk injury from burrows, sometimes leading to euthanasia.
• Sports pitches and parks become unsafe due to holes and scrapes.
• Rabbits chew cables and wires, causing outages and costly repairs.

In short, without effective rabbit control in the UK, landowners face financial loss and safety hazards.

The Pest Act 1954 and Legal Duties

By the 1950s, rabbit numbers had caused huge agricultural losses. To address this, the government passed the Pests Act 1954, declaring the whole country a rabbit clearance area. To this day, landowners remain legally responsible for keeping rabbit populations under control.

You can read the official guidance on UK Government rabbit control responsibilities for further detail.

Professional Rabbit Control UK Services

At Sky Raiders, we run a Rabbit Management Scheme designed for long-term protection. Our technicians provide regular ferreting and shooting services, keeping populations down humanely and effectively.

Unlike hobby shooters, who often leave enough rabbits to hunt again, our professional approach prevents regrowth and protects your land year-round.

Talk to the Experts

📞 Contact Sky Raiders today. Our cost-effective Rabbit Control UK service saves money, protects property, and keeps land safe. For more details on our wider services, see our Pest Management page or explore Case Studies from across the UK.