Request from Caroline

Caroline, who runs Rabbit Residence Rescue, has asked us to spread this message to parents who are thinking of buying a rabbit as a pet for their children:

"I have been running a rescue centre for unwanted pet rabbits for 14 years now. I started caring for 30 rabbits at any one time. In 2002 it was recorded that over 33,000 rabbits were abandoned each year in this country. This has sadly got worse and in 2005 The Rabbit Residence Rescue had to increase its space to care for 60 rabbits at any one time. Now in 2008 we have had to make space for 100 rabbits.

I am at my wit’s end with parents ringing me up asking me to take pet rabbits in because the children are no longer caring for them; the children have grown out of them or are bored of them. Rabbits can live for 10 years or more. They are not toys and if you are not interested in them as the parent DO NOT PURCHASE THEM. We are not here to pick up your pieces and should not be part of the equation when buying a rabbit."

Rabbits are now the third most popular pet (after cats and dogs), but they get a very raw deal because people do not properly appreciate their needs and how much work is needed to look after them correctly. Always remember that they are not "pocket pets" — a rabbit is as big as a cat or small dog and has similar needs in terms of exercise and mental stimulation.