DESPERATE volunteers are being inundated with unwanted pet rabbits bought on impulse during lockdown.

Volunteers are consistently overrun with rabbits due to children losing interest and giving them up for adoption alongside fewer people looking to adopt. 

Claire Wood, from the RSPCA's Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire branch, said: “As soon as one of our ten rabbit pens becomes available, it's immediately filled - often the very same day - and this is a trend we’ve seen since the start of the year. 

“Our worry is that many pet rabbits may have been bought on impulse during the pandemic and are now being handed over for rehoming because children have lost interest. Coupled with the fact that our adoptions have slowed down, it’s a very concerning time.

Cyan Hulland, also from the RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire branch, said: “It’s more important than ever this Rabbit Awareness Week that we spread the message to people to do their research before taking a rabbit on.

"These animals can live for a long time and can be costly, they need much more than just a hutch at the end of the garden - they need space, companionship and enrichment to live happy and healthy lives.

“If you’re confident you can provide a suitable home then please adopt, don’t shop. Reputable rescue centres neuter, vaccinate and microchip rabbits before they are rehomed and also provide owners with a wealth of information and ongoing support.” 

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This year’s theme for Rabbit Awareness Week is ‘Room for Rabbits’.

It follows research that shows that 38 per cent of vets believe rabbits’ environment is the most neglected welfare issue, with over a quarter of the UK’s rabbits being kept in inadequate housing conditions and almost half of them living alone. 

The RSPCA believes typical rabbit hutches do not provide the amount of space needed to help meet the animals’ welfare requirements, and the charity encourages people to look at their guidelines on housing to ensure they can provide safe, stimulating and appropriately-sized accommodation.

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Rabbits still in needs of homes are Fluffy and Arlo, a brother and sister duo who could live with primary-aged children, David Hasslehop, a one-year-old male with "bags of character" and Casanova, The Holdings' longest staying rabbit who is a litter trained, indoor rabbit.

Click here to fill out a rehoming form to adopt one of these rabbits.