Europe’s biggest small animal show proved a major attraction for animal enthusiasts as bumper crowds flocked to the event at Harrogate in North Yorkshire. The Bradford Excel Small Animal Show, which took place on January 24-25, lived up to its billing as the “Crufts of the small animal world” as animal lovers arrived en masse to celebrate rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice and more.

The event was sponsored by Burgess Pet Care, the country’s leading producer of small animal foods and makers of the no 1 veterinary recommended Excel range. More than 3000 pets from around the UK competed for the coveted ‘Best in Show’ prizes, while a host of fun and informative activities for young and old ensured a great atmosphere all weekend. Celebrity vet Matt Brash, star of TV’s Zoo Vet, gave talks and answered questions about pet care and nutrition at the Excel Discovery/Family Activity Area, while fellow TV vet Marc Abraham, star of It’s Me or the Dog and Animal Rescue Live, also made a guest appearance. Both were on hand to promote the Excel Feeding Plan, developed in partnership with vets to offer a nutritionally complete diet for pet rabbits.

Children were encouraged to learn more about small animals at the Discovery Area where there were rabbits and guinea pigs to pet and cuddle. On the Sunday there was a visit from some more unusual pets as Harrogate-based Noah’s Pet Parties brought snakes, lizards, marmosets and a tarantula. Paul Miley, managing director of Burgess Pet Care, said: “The Bradford Show has grown in popularity in the years we have been involved as sponsors and has become bigger, better and more fun for the whole family. It attracts a great mix of pet owners and animal enthusiasts and as a company which is committed to encouraging people to love and care for animals, we are proud to be involved.”

Paul explained that, for the first time, the show marked the launch of Burgess National Rabbit Week. “Burgess National Rabbit Week is all about promoting responsible rabbit ownership and offering advice on health and welfare. Rabbits are the third most popular furry pet in the UK but many owners do not understand, for example, that rabbits have complicated dietary needs - vets report that four out of five illnesses in pet rabbits they see can be linked directly to incorrect feeding. The Bradford Show is a great opportunity to meet pet owners and people interested in getting a small animal and talk about care and welfare, discuss the important issues and raise awareness, so it is a great place to kick off the Burgess National Rabbit Week.” Now in its third year, Burgess National Rabbit Week saw hundreds of vets across the UK offer free check-ups for pet rabbits and hold advice sessions for owners. The theme for the week was promoting the fact that rabbits are ‘fibrevores’ and need high amounts of fibre in their diet to maintain good dental, digestive and emotional well-being.