THE hunt is on for caring animal lovers to give a home to a rabbit after several domestic ones were found running wild on a Worcestershire common by RSPCA officers.

The Worcester and Mid- Worcestershire branch of the animal charity is currently looking after 20 rabbits, as well as many other small animals, including rats and guinea pigs.

Their latest appeal comes after officers picked up nine domestic rabbits on a common near Bredon Hill in the south of the county All of the rabbits had received injuries, which the vet believes were inflicted by wild rabbits.

Most of the rabbits come into the care of the branch through RSPCA inspectors as being neglected or unwanted and others are dumped by owners who no longer want to look after them.

One rabbit in the care of the branch and needing a home is Humphrey, who has a lame leg, the result of his previous owner not taking him to the vet for treatment.

Martyn Hubbard, regional superintendent for the RSPCA, said: While there are many caring and responsible rabbit owners, many take on a rabbit on a whim and are ignorant to the animal's needs and requirements.

"Rabbits are regularly purchased by parents as a children's pet, yet children often become bored and the pet is forgotten like an unwanted toy.

Pets need owners who will stay interested in them and committed to care for them throughout their lifetime."

Anyone who is interested in giving a home to Humphrey, or any of the other rabbits or small animals being cared for by the Worcester and Mid- Worcestershire branch, is invited to call Penny West on 07732 938 255, or to pay a visit to www.rspcaworcester.co.uk