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‘They need more than just a hutch and carrots!’ RSPCA York raises rabbit awareness

Ralphy, who has bonded with Cottontail, having a rest at home in York. - Picture credit: Meg Stewart

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Are you giving your pet rabbit the best possible care?

The RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch are on a mission to educate bunny owners with the help of Rabbit Awareness Week. They also hope to find new homes for rabbits staying with them at the moment.

Did you know there are an estimated 1.1 million pet rabbits in the UK? Despite being one of the nation’s favourite animals, there are still many misconceptions about the species and the proper ways to care for rabbits.

Looking for a home – Buster and Scruffy are brother and sister aged 2 years who are also very friendly but would be more suited to being house rabbits.

Lizzie Parry, Branch Fundraiser for the RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch, said “So many rabbits come to us from living in terrible conditions and cramped hutches which are far too small for them. We want to make sure that people understand their complex needs before becoming a bunny owner themselves.

“As well as neglected rabbits, we take in some perfectly healthy ones where owners simply decide they are too much work. An estimated 67,000 rabbits a year go through rescue centres like ours.”

Run and hop

They need a nice new home – Tricky and Presto are brothers, born 6th February 2021 and are very friendly.

Helen Limbert, animal care assistant at RSPCA York, said “Rabbit Awareness Week is a great way to educate people on the health and welfare of rabbits. It will help current and potential rabbit owners realise that rabbits need more than just a hutch and carrots!

“Rabbits need the correct environment, diet, companionship and vet care to keep them healthy and happy. We aim to educate people on ailments they can develop and how important vaccinations and teeth checks are.

“Here at the York Animal Home, we want to place a particular focus on rabbit accommodation and the minimum requirements you should meet.

“We always look for accommodation where the hutch is a minimum of 6ft with an attached run of a minimum 8ft. It is important for the rabbits to have this space, as it allows them to run rather than just hop.

“A hutch should never be the only source of accommodation for rabbits, and these requirements apply both indoors and outdoors.”

Find out more about rabbit welfare here.

There are currently a number of bunnies requiring loving homes. If you are interested in adopting please head to the RSPCA York, Harrogate & District’s website.