Rabbits & Small Animals
Rabbits
There are estimated to be around 1.7 million rabbits kept as pets in the UK, making them the No.3
most popular pet after cats and dogs
Sadly, Rabbits are the No.1 most neglected pet!
Typically, rabbits should live for 8-12 years, and some may live even longer
The average life of a pet rabbit is 1 YEAR because they are so difficult to look after properly.
Rabbits are no longer considered good pets for children
Rabbit Neutering
To help to reduce the numbers of unwanted or unexpected litters and the numbers of rabbits in shelters we offer subsidised neutering vouchers to people on a means tested benefit (excluding tax credits) or in receipt of a State Pension.
Male & Female rabbit neutering vouchers £35 each
The vouchers can be used at the following vets: J A C Kew, Vets4pets & Walton Lodge.
PARENTS PLEASE READ THIS
More pet rabbits are sold at the start of the summer holidays than at any other time of year. Sadly, many of these are mistakenly taken on as cheap, easy pets.
In many cases the care of these rabbits is left primarily in the hands of young children.
They are no longer considered the ideal pet for small children and should be viewed as a family pet with the parents taking ultimate responsibility for all aspects of their care and welfare.
Modern welfare organisations are now in agreement that rabbits have complex needs when cared for properly.
We urge parents not to take on pet rabbits for their children unless they too have a genuine interest in their welfare and having them as pets. There is advice for parents considering rabbits as pets for children on this website: www.campnibble.com/children.html
For families hoping to provide a great home to some rabbits the care guides below from the Rabbit Welfare Association and RSPCA are essential reading.
There may be more work & expense involved in caring for rabbits properly than you realise: http://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/pdfs/RWAbrochuremaster.pdf
…and if you are thinking of offering a home to rabbits, with thousands being handed in to UK rescue shelters each year Please always adopt, don’t shop
Thank you!
There are several UK rescues currently in urgent need of help with ongoing or emergency situations.
In 2012 our survey results showed 67,000 rabbits going into rescues every year.
By adopting health checked, neutered and vaccinated rabbits from rescues you are easing their burden, freeing up space for more rabbits in need and not supporting the trade in rabbits. Please always adopt, don’t shop
Your duty to care
Owning and caring for a rabbit is great fun and very rewarding, but it is a big responsibility and a long-term commitment in terms of care and finances.
Rabbits are very time consuming and difficult to look after.
They need lots of space and large homes that can be expensive to buy or create.
Many rabbits do not like to be picked up or cuddled.
Rabbits require special care and can live for up to ten years or more.
Rabbits do not make good pets for young children.
If you own or are responsible for a rabbit, even on a temporary basis, you are required by law to care for him/her properly.
Read about what rabbit requirements are here; >RSPCA website rabbit welfare advice<
Remember – a pet needs your time and interest for the rest of its life.
Before getting any pet, please think very hard about whether you can provide everything it needs.
This branch does not take in unwanted rabbits and guinea pigs
If you wish to rehome your rabbit please go to the main RSPCA website to find your nearest branch which does help rabbits www.rspca.org.uk alternatively try www.rabbitrehome.org.uk
Our two nearest animal shelters are;
RSPCA Danaher Animal Home for Essex, http://www.rspcaessex.org.uk/
Thorley Farm, Hedingham Road, Nr. Braintree, Essex CM7 4EQ – 0300 111 4321
RSPCA Southridge Animal Shelter, http://www.rspca.org.uk/local/southridge-animal-centre/
Packhorse Lane, Ridge, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 3LZ – 0300 123 0704