Animal charity warns against buying Easter bunnies

The Blue Cross has urged pet owners not to buy rabbits on a whim this Easter as bunny abandonment levels have soared by 65 per cent this spring, leaving many animal welfare groups hard pushed to care for the unprecedented number of unwanted pets.

The animal charity has reported that many pet insurance policy holders have abandoned their rabbits after a rise in unwanted litters has created a "bunny boom", leaving many pet owners overwhelmed by the number of rabbits in their care.

The charity has also reported that rising abandonment levels may be related to the recession, as pet owners struggle to find the funds to feed, insure and care for their animals.

In total, the animal welfare charity has taken in 79 unwanted rabbits between January and March this year. The Blue Cross took in just 48 bunnies over the same period last year.

Katie Stiles, an Blue Cross animal welfare assistant, told The Telegraph that parents should think twice before buying their child an Easter bunny this spring.

"This Spring," Stiles said, "we have seen a huge increase in unwanted bunnies being brought into our centres because people no longer want them or are unable to care for them properly.

"Owners often get the sex of their rabbits wrong and end up with an unwanted pregnancy and an unexpected litter of little mouths to feed. Neutering not only prevents this happening, but it usually makes your rabbit happier and healthier as it reduces the risk of disease."

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 09:49:00 GMT