Rabbits 'not just for Easter' as animal charity 'overwhelmed' by bunnies

The Scottish SSPCA said a “rabbit is not just for Easter” and urged people not to buy the pets over the holiday season, given the usual rise in rabbit numbers it sees at its centres around May.

Welfare chiefs said there was an “overarching misconception” that rabbits are “starter pets “ for children, but that the animals' need for specialist care and companionship from their own kind means that owners can get overwhelmed by the needs of their new pet.

The animal welfare charity warned that choosing to buy or adopt a pet rabbit is a bigger responsibility than most realise, and that they can be expensive to keep.

Hayley McFarlane, assistant manager at the charity’s Glasgow rehoming centre, said: “Rescue centres across the country are currently overwhelmed with rabbits. Many of which arrive due to being abandoned or given up by owners who no longer have time for them, or who aren't willing to put in the time and effort that rabbits need.

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“The Easter season often leads to an increase in rabbits being purchased from pet shops, typically as gifts for children. These decisions are often made on impulse and are influenced by the festive association with rabbits, rather than a genuine understanding of the long-term responsibility which is involved in appropriately caring for rabbits. 

“Rabbits are complex animals with very specific needs, they require a large amount of space, specialised care and companionship from their own kind - requirements that are often underestimated or not fully understood at the time of purchase.

“Sadly, once the novelty wears off and the reality of their care becomes clear, many of these rabbits are relinquished and end up in rescue centres. 

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Ms McFarlane urged those wanting a rabbit to adopt one- or preferably two together - to reduce the number of bunnies in the charity’s care and to create a “positive impact” beyond the Easter period.

The average life expectancy of a rabbit is eight to 12 years, but they can live for longer.

Ms McFarlane said that potential animal owners should calculate the cost of food and bedding, and factor in vet bills.

“Rabbits are classed as exotic pets meaning that they can often require specialist vet treatment,” she added.

Rabbits in SSPCA care at present include Patatas, who arrived at the charity’s Glasgow centre in February. This “sweet senior rabbit” displays “typical female territorial behaviours” and will require spaying before bonding.

Patatas is described as a “very social” rabbit who enjoys human interaction, but she is accustomed to living outdoors and will require an appropriate setup, such as a shed with an attached run.

Meanwhile, Harry, a giant lop crossbreed who arrived in March, is “friendly and confident”, but currently unneutered and displaying hormonal behaviours. A calm, neutered companion would be ideal for Harry, the charity said.

The SSPCA has recently spoken of its struggle to cope with demands on its services, with the charity dealing with around 76,000 reports of animals in need a year.

Increasingly complex cases, from the growth in the “abhorrent” low welfare puppy and kitten trade to the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the wellbeing of people and their animals are now central to its work.

Last year, the work of the charity cost £23 million - or £63,000 a day - with it receiving zero government funding.