Six rabbits were dumped in a pensioner’s shopping trolley outside an animal farm, while another pet was left at a block of flats with a for ‘free’ note pinned to his cage – as the animal welfare charity continues to deal with a shocking rise in abandonments this Rabbit Awareness Week.
They are the latest cases among many heartbreaking rabbit abandonments dealt with by RSPCA rescuers in recent months as the charity tackles a crisis. Its animal centres are packed with unwanted, while the number of rabbits being re-homed has sadly dropped too.
This Rabbit Awareness Week (June 26-30) the RSPCA is stressing how important it is that owners neuter their pets when they are young to prevent unwanted litters, which often lead to animals being given up by overwhelmed owners.
Inspector Dale Grant was called out to Kentish Town City Farm in London where the six rabbits (pictured above) were found abandoned on Friday, June 16. The bunnies, some of whom had health issues, were left outside the premises in a pull-along trolley next to some rubbish bins.
Two rabbits were taken by the inspector to RSPCA Finsbury Park Animal Hospital for treatment as they were struggling with rotting teeth. The others were transported to RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre, where there was room to accommodate them.
But for a growing number of rabbits that are given up by their owners, or abandoned, the charity is forking out the cost of housing them temporarily in private boarding establishments while they wait for spaces to free up at its animal centres.
Last year there was a whopping 199% rise in the numbers of rabbits being cared for by RSPCA branches for more than six months. During 2022 there was a 48% increase in the intake of rabbits to the charity’s branches and animal centres compared to 2021 – with over 3,000 unwanted rabbits arriving. This year so far (up to the end of May) RSPCA animal centres have taken in 307 rabbits and 378 have arrived at its branches.
In another abandonment case, animal rescue officer Naomi Sadoff went to a top-floor flat at Hanover Court in Cambridge, where the householder was caring for a rabbit that had been left in a cage on the ground floor on Monday, June 12.
Naomi said: “There was a sign attached to the cage saying ‘free’, which was so sad as he was such a friendly rabbit and no pet deserves to be dumped like this. Thankfully he was in a healthy condition, but it is such a shame people are abandoning rabbits in this way and it is happening quite a lot this summer.
“There is a misconception that they are easy pets to look after, but it isn’t the case. For example they need a lot more space to thrive in than people think.
“I put some ‘Found’ posters up in the area, but haven’t heard anything, so if anyone does have information then they can call the RSPCA appeal line in confidence on 0800 123 8018.”
The white albino rabbit, who has red eyes, was taken, initially, to private boarding accommodation in Peterborough and is now ready for rehoming.
Neutering is the theme for Rabbit Awareness Week 2023 and free resource packs have been provided for owners, rescue centres, vets and retailers.
