RSPCA: Rabbits looking for forever homes!
RSPCA appealing for help to rehome 400 rabbits
The animal welfare charity is asking for people to find a little space in their hearts for pairs of bunnies desperately looking for a new home.
Some of the rabbits have been in our care for over a year while others have been victims or neglect or abandonment; and all deserve loving new homes.
“We desperately need to raise awareness about the number of rabbits we have that need rehoming. Our rabbits get the best care we can give them but it’s no substitute for a loving permanent home and family,” said RSPCA rabbit campaigner Paul Reed.
“Looking after just one rabbit costs around £4 a day, so when you take in to account all the RSPCA branches and centres – we spend over £500,000 a year caring for these animals”, he added.
Rabbits are happiest in pairs, usually a neutered male with a neutered female, so here are just some of the couples looking for forever homes:
Macclesfield branch
Dandy & Beano
Beano & Dandy came into our care after being dumped at a service station at just a few weeks old, with their three sisters. Their sisters have now found homes, but these two little lads remain with us, looking for a home. They will be neutered shortly, now they are almost old enough, and are vaccinated. They will also be microchipped prior to rehoming. Beano & Dandy aren't suited to a household with young children as unsurprisingly after their ordeal, they are quite timid.
Bedfordshire South branch
Polly & Rosie
Polly & Rosie have been with us well over a year now and are really in need of a loving new home. They are lovely bunnies but a little shy. They need somebody who has the time and patience and who wants to make a difference to animal’s life.
Bridlington branch
Peter & Pepper
Peter is now our longest stay rabbit and has been in RSPCA care for almost 2 years. He is friendly and has been paired up with Pepper – who lived in very poor conditions and is still shy. They are looking for a home together with no dogs or young children. Peter likes to dig so they will need a secure large area where they can run around.
Cornwall branch animal centre
Ripley & Bailey
Ripley is a male adult English rabbit and Bailey is a domestic female adult rabbit. They are easy to handle and are looking for a loving home. This cute pair can live with children 10 years of age or older.
York branch animal centre
Bluebell & Nimbus
Bluebell is a Grey Netherland Dwarf and Nimbus is a White Dwarf X. Nimbus came in as a stray and Bluebell came in as her owner could no longer take care of her. They have been waiting for a long time to find their forever family and continue to wait patiently
Manchester & Salford branch
Sky & Bluebell
Sky and Bluebell have come from a home that was over-run with lots of
animals. They are both girls who have a strong bond and since being neutered whilst in our care we have every reason to believe they will stay strongly bonded with each other. We've seen quite a transformation in them since we've had them. They were initially wary
of everything but in just two weeks they are proving to be inquisitive and quietly confident. The girls would enjoy living in spacious accommodation where they can take their time getting to know you and their new home. The girls would be best suited to live in a quieter
home.
To see all of the rabbits available for rehoming across the country, go to: http://www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/rehoming/rabbit
– Ends –
The RSPCA would recommend anyone thinking of taking on a rabbit to consider everything a rabbit requires:
• Companionship – to be with other rabbits or humans. The widespread practice of keeping rabbits and guinea pigs together is not recommended.
• A mixed diet of grass, rabbit pellets, apples, carrots, dandelions and a good quantity of hay.
• A constant supply of fresh, clean drinking water in a drip feed bottle with metal spout.
• A large weatherproof home off the ground, out of direct sunlight and strong winds. Move to an indoor area or porch in cold weather. Many homes sold in pet shops are too small.
• A separate covered sleeping area for each animal.
• A clean layer of wood shavings and plenty of hay or shredded paper for bedding.
• Daily exercise in a large, safe grassy area.
• Rabbits burrow, so ensure the enclosure is sunk into the ground, escape-proof and safe from predators.
• Their home to be cleaned every day and bedding changed weekly.
• A gnawing block to wear down long teeth.
• To be brushed every day if they have a long coat.
• To be neutered at an early age. Ask your vet.
• Injections to prevent serious diseases.
• To be taken to a vet if they are ill or injured.
• To be looked after when you are on holiday.
RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk
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http://blogs.rspca.org.uk/insights/2013/01/03/meeting-your-dogs-welfare-needs/
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