By Alessandro Brunelli
The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is calling all animal lovers in Angus, Tayside and Fife to consider adopting a rabbit pet.
The appeal comes as a surge in abandoned bunnies was noticed over the winter months, with more than 20 rabbits now available at the Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre of Petterden, Dundee, which covers the Angus, Tayside and Fife areas.
The Centre’s animal room is now full to capacity and any adoption would help the Centre’s efforts to ensure no pet is abandoned.
Centre Manager Sharon Comrie said SPCA is after “committed and responsible people” to give these rabbits a new home.
Unwanted
She added: “All of the rabbits we are caring for are unwanted. Some were found abandoned outdoors while others have been handed in by their owners.
“Every fourth or fifth phone call is someone wanting to give up their rabbit and it’s heartbreaking.
“It’s the same old story every winter. Some people just can’t be bothered looking after their rabbit in the colder months. The thought of having to go outdoors and clean out a hutch in the wind and the rain is enough to make them give up on their pets altogether.
“Often it’s because the kids have lost interest or gone to college but we are trying to encourage people to realise that taking on a pet is a responsibility and a commitment and you can’t just dump your animal outdoors when you’ve had enough.”
Under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, anyone found guilty of abandoning an animal can face stiff penalties including up to six months in prison, a £5,000 fine and can be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.
