Rabbit rehoming campaign launched for Easter (From Worcester News)

Rabbit rehoming campaign launched for Easter

12:50pm Thursday 21st March 2013 in News

A RABBIT is for life, not just for Easter.

That’s the message from the RSPCA branch that covers Droitwich Spa ahead of a major rehoming campaign.

The RSPCA Worcester and Mid Worcestershire branch wants to find homes for a host of rabbits in its care.

Last year the group managed to rehome 165 rabbits and now has 32 that are looking for new owners.

Anne Rees, from the RSPCA Worcester and Mid Worcestershire branch, said: “Rabbits are the third most popular pet in Britain but sadly one of the most neglected. They make super pets but are quite high maintenance.

“On average, they live for seven to 10 years, so if you can’t commit to looking after them properly for the whole of their lives, please don’t take them on.

“As we say, ‘A rabbit is for life, not just Easter.’ It’s lovely to be outside during the nice weather but not so nice having to clean out hutches in the pouring rain and bitter cold.

“One of the saddest sights we come across is a rabbit on its own in a tiny hutch at the bottom of the garden. A hutch is not enough. Permanently caging rabbits condemns them to a life of boredom. Rabbits like to run, jump and dig.

“We get lots of rabbits brought to us with really overgrown teeth, curling over and digging into their gums, causing them extreme pain. Some people give up their rabbits because they can’t afford to pay for veterinary treatment,” she added.

“Rabbits come into our care for all sorts of reasons. The most common is that the children get bored with them when the novelty wears off.”

Anyone interested in giving a new home to a rabbit should contact Margaret Layland on 01905 421849.

Some of the available rabbits can be seen at rspca-worcester.co.uk