Scottish SPCA launch rehoming appeal after bunny influx to care centres
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THE Scottish SPCA is seeking new homes for rabbits in their care as their centres deal with an influx of the animals.
The charity is currently caring for 62 rabbits across Scotland but has seen an overall increase in rabbits arriving into their care over the past few years.
In 2022, the number of rabbits arriving at the centres increased by five per cent from 2021 and was 48 per cent more than the number arriving in 2020. In total, since 2020, the charity has taken in 1629 bunnies, with around 86 per cent of those arriving needing some form of veterinary treatment. Sadly, 48 of those arriving into the Society’s care were abandoned by their owners.
Many of the rabbits who find themselves at the Scottish SPCA are also pregnant. Since 2020, the charity’s centres have welcomed 291 baby bunnies born in their care.
Sadly, although these animals quickly arrive at the centres, they are often difficult to rehome and remain in the charity’s care for a number of months. The average days in care for a rabbit at the Scottish SPCA is 108 as of 2023.
Scottish SPCA rehoming and fostering lead, Anna O’ Donnell, said, “We currently have a lot of bunnies in our care.
“It’s hard to say why so many of these animals end up at our centres. However, we suspect that often they seen as an ‘easy’ pet and purchased for a child.
“In reality, rabbits are incredibly complex and social animals who need a lot of care, exercise and enrichment to stay happy and healthy.
“We would encourage anyone thinking of bringing a rabbit into their home to consider adopting. We have so many to choose from that we’re sure we can find the right fit for most homes.
“We have lots of single rabbits, some of whom are neutered, who could be bonded to an existing rabbit. Anyone looking to adopt a rabbit as a companion should make sure they follow proper introductions and have space available if the pair don’t get along.
“If you’re a new rabbit owner, and daunted by the prospect of bonding rabbits, many of our rabbits are already bonded into pairs or trios.
“Anyone who is interested in adopting a rabbit but has questions or concerns should give their local centre a call on 03000 999 999 or pop into centre reception for a chat with our team.
“Terri and Tilly are some of our longest rabbit residents. They have been at our Aberdeenshire centre for over 150 days.
“We are looking a home who has experience with rabbits, as Tilly has a history of preferring people not to touch her belongings!
“That aside, these two are lovely and are just looking for someone to love and care for them. Both are learning to trust people more every day.
“The pair would require a large enclosure with enough space to stand up in and for zoomies and binkies when they are excited.
“These animals are so much more complex than many people give them credit for and have amazing personalities. We’d really love for them to find their forever homes.”
All rabbits available for adoption can be viewed and applied for on the Scottish SPCA website at https://bit.ly/4647FDe
