RWAF release new figures

The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) has released new figures which show that the number of unwanted rabbits has almost doubled in recent years. The result of the most recent survey conducted indicates there are well over 67,000 abandoned rabbits, compared with 35,000 in a previous survey.

In the survey, almost all the rescue homes said that the problem is getting worse, with more and more people wanting to rehome their pet rabbits. Many said they are only able to take in around 10% of the requests they receive, with most having waiting lists of 2-6 months. Many owners will not wait that long, and take their own steps to dispose of the animal.

The charity, which is dedicated to improving the lives of pet rabbits, highlights that countless unwanted pet rabbits are sold for next to nothing through classified ads both in newspapers and online, as well as at livestock auctions. It is understood that many of these are bought as meat.

RWAF Veterinary Expert Advisor, Richard Saunders, said: "What is really worrying is that this number only reflects the cases where the rabbits have made it into rescue. We can't possibly quantify how many more are dumped in the wild and left to fend for themselves, which leads to almost certain death, by the way. Then there are those who, when the novelty has worn off, are simply neglected and left often in a hutch with no access to exercise space and almost no attention except for a handful of food now and again."

The charity is trying to convey the message that rabbits are not the cheap and easy children's pet that they are often mistaken as being. They are as big a commitment as a cat or dog, and people should think long and hard, and do their research before taking them on.