IT may be Easter but the RSPCA is seeing an influx of rabbits and other small pets coming into the charity’s care as their owners can no longer care for them.
Since January the charity has received reports of 150 abandoned rabbits, 78 dumped guinea pigs and 51 abandoned hamsters.
Nationally there have been 2,528 abandoned rabbits and other small pets reported to the RSPCA’s cruelty line since the lockdown began in March 2020.
With a huge surge in interest for pet ownership during the lockdown, the charity is concerned that some people may be buying pets on impulse.
There is typically a spike in families wanting to buy or re-home rabbits over Easter so the RSPCA is urging owners to do their research before committing to a pet.
Dr Jane Tyson, RSPCA rabbit and rodent expert, said: “This Easter and beyond we are urging people not to buy a rabbit, or any pet, on an impulse.
“Small doesn’t necessarily mean easy and we’re already beginning to see the impact of the lockdown with owners struggling to care for their small pets.”
