The animal welfare charity is urging people to consider the responsibility and cost associated with a pet rabbit.
The Scottish SPCA is reminding people this Easter of the responsibility of owning a pet rabbit. The annual celebration can lead to an increase in rabbits being purchased from pet shops as a gift for children. There is an overarching misconception that rabbits are ‘starter’ pets for children – and this is not the case.
Specialist care, companionship and expensive to keep
They require specialist care and companionship from their own kind for them to stay happy and healthy, and an adult should always oversee their welfare. That is why it is recommended to adopt two or more together.
The animal welfare charity has also warned that choosing to buy or adopt a pet rabbit is a bigger responsibility than most realise, and they can be expensive to keep. The average life expectancy of a rabbit is eight to 12 years, but they can live for longer. On top of the initial cost or adoption fee, and their accommodation, anyone looking to get a rabbit should calculate the cost beforehand for food, bedding and enrichment, as well as any veterinary or additional treatment the animal may require. Rabbits are classed as exotic pets meaning that they can often require specialist vet treatment.
Adopt a rabbit, rather than buy
The Scottish SPCA is encouraging people to adopt a rabbit where they can rather than buy, due to centres up and down the country experiencing an overwhelming number of them.
Hayley McFarlane, Assistant Manager at the charity’s Glasgow rehoming centre, said: “Rescue centres across the country are currently overwhelmed with rabbits. Many of which arrive due to being abandoned or given up by owners who no longer have time for them, or who aren’t willing to put in the time and effort that rabbits need.
“The Easter season often leads to an increase in rabbits being purchased from pet shops, typically as gifts for children. These decisions are often made on impulse and are influenced by the festive association with rabbits, rather than a genuine understanding of the long-term responsibility which is involved in appropriately caring for rabbits.
Rabbits are complex animals
“Rabbits are complex animals with very specific needs, the require a large amount of space (3m x 2m x 1m), specialised care and companionship from their own kind – requirements that are often underestimated or not fully understood at the time of purchase. Sadly, once the novelty wears off and the reality of their care becomes clear, many of these rabbits are relinquished and end up in rescue centres.
“This Easter, we encourage you to support the rabbits already in our care who are waiting to find their forever home and refrain from purchasing a rabbit as an Easter gift. By making this choice, you can help reduce the number of unwanted rabbits in rescue centres and create a positive impact well beyond the Easter period.”
The Scottish SPCA is encouraging people to adopt, don’t shop. Here are some rabbits currently in our care:
Patatas – Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre
Patatas arrived at the centre in February. She is a sweet senior rabbit who displays typical female territorial behaviours and will require spaying before bonding. She is very social, enjoys human interaction, and makes good use of enrichment and space. She is accustomed to living outdoors and will require an appropriate setup, such as a shed with an attached run, with a minimum space of 3m x 2m. Due to her dominant nature, she would be best suited to a home with a neutered male companion. She could live with children of all ages. Find a rescue pet in need of adoption in Scotland
Harry – Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre
Harry is a giant lop crossbreed who arrived in March. He is friendly and confident, but currently unneutered and displaying hormonal behaviours. He will need to be neutered before being bonded with another rabbit. A calm, neutered companion would be ideal. He could live with children, with introductions recommended after neutering. Harry enjoys outdoor living and will require access to a suitable outdoor space. Find a rescue pet in need of adoption in Scotland
To find out more information about rabbits and what to expect, visit read our rabbit advice page.
The Scottish SPCA’s key mission is to safeguard the welfare of all of Scotland’s animals, and we are tirelessly working to also make this a top priority for parliamentarians. Our recently published Manifesto outlines four key asks which will help ensure Scotland is at the forefront of animal welfare. Delivering on these asks is crucial to prevent future harm and tackle repeat offending, which will help achieve our mission to make Scotland the best place for an animal to call home. Read our full Manifesto and sign our petition to show your support.
To report a concern of cruelty, please visit our Report a Concern page.
