Abandoned rabbits that need rehoming are reaching ‘crisis’ point in Manchester, according to the RSPCA – and most of those living in homes are living ‘miserable’ lives.
There are 1.7million rabbits kept as pets in the UK – often because they are seen as a cheap and easy pet – yet most are not getting the attention they deserve.
Often living for 10 years, the Manchester and Salford RSPCA are warning that rabbits can cost £11,500 to keep and are intelligent animals that may need to travel up to five miles a day.
This has prompted the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) to launch their ‘a hutch is not enough’ campaign.
Susie Hughes Branch Manager at Manchester and Salford RSPCA, has also voiced her concerns regarding the amount of rabbits they have seem coming through their doors recently.
“There are so many rabbits being abandoned, neglected or simply no longer being able to be looked after so they come to us,” she said.
“It is simply a crisis the sheer volume we see coming in. People don’t realise that owning a rabbit is a life commitment. Sadly, many people simply get bored of them.
“Many children get them as pets then get bored very easily with them. Children also tend to pick rabbits up which they don’t like the rabbit then kicks and scratches which the children then don’t like and therefore don’t want the rabbit anymore.”
Britain’s largest organisation for rabbit lovers, the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF), run the ‘A Hutch is not Enough’ campaign on their website.
Susie agrees with this, pointing out that a rabbit is an animal that should have a lot of space and either live indoors or a large enclosure outside – but avoiding a hutch.
Dr Jane Tyson, scientific officer at the RSPCA, explained that one of the main reasons for people giving up rabbits was that they mistakenly thought they were a good pet for children.
“There are misconceptions that they make good pets for children, but rabbits have complex needs and are not easy to look after well,” she said.
“Rabbits need plenty of space to exercise. They are also naturally sociable and normally enjoy living with another friendly rabbit – a good combination is a neutered male and neutered female.
“They are inquisitive animals and need an interesting environment that helps keep them mentally and physically stimulated.”
She pointed out that no animal is ‘low maintenance’ and that people must do more research before buying a pet.
“There are plenty of animals in our care that need homes so we would also encourage people to rehome an animal instead of buying one,” she urged.
Sanctuary Fundraiser Laura Messenger from Society for Abandoned Animals (SAA) also agrees that the idea of a child being able to pick up a rabbit is not correct.
She said: “People think of rabbits as very cuddly – but actually most rabbits panic when their feet leave the floor – as prey animals they think they’re about to become lunch!
“Sadly, many rabbits arrive at the SAA because their owners haven’t understood one basic rule – ultimately, a rabbit is your responsibility as the adult.”
However Laura does point out that for those who are aware of the commitments, rabbits can be a fun and rewarding pet.
“For people who understand the responsibility involved, they also know how rabbits can make loyal, loving and entertaining pets,” she said.
“Each has their own unique personality and quirks and getting to know them is wonderful.”
An RSPCA spokesman said: “Owning and caring for a rabbit is great fun and very rewarding, but it is a big responsibility and a long-term commitment in terms of care and finances.
“If you own or are responsible for a rabbit, even on a temporary basis, you are required under the Animal Welfare Act to care for him/her properly.”
If you are interested in getting a rabbit and would like to know more, then the Society for Abandoned Animal (SAA) is holding a Rabbit Care Day event on Sunday September 7 at the sanctuary.
During the event you can get advice about all aspects regarding bunny care, including hutches, grooming, feeding and bonding.
Also existing rabbit owners can bring their rabbits along for low cost vaccinations, claw clipping and free health checks.
To book your bunny in for an appointment, please visit the Society for Abandoned Animals (SAA) website for more information at www.saarescue.co.uk.
Image courtesy of Tonx, with thanks.
