Neglected or abandoned rabbits are in desperate need of loving homes 

They look so utterly, fluffily irresistible it’s almost impossible to believe anyone could bear to part with these rabbits.

Sadly, all those pictured here were abandoned or neglected and, as Easter approaches, are in desperate need of loving homes.

Their plight highlights a littleknown crisis facing animal rescue centres. Around 1.5 million rabbits are kept as pets in the UK, making them the nation’s third-favourite domestic animal after cats and dogs.

But despite that popularity, around 67,000 rabbits end up in rescue centres in the UK every year, according to the Rabbit Welfare Association.

Nearly two-thirds of them have been surrendered within six months of their original owners buying them — often either because they felt ill-prepared for their new pet or were bought for children who lost interest.

There’s no doubt they need to be well cared for with a goodsized living area, and vet’s bills can stretch to £750 a year.

But they are charming and highly sociable. So hop to it — and bag a real Easter bunny.

A little grey lady: Comet is a crossbreed looking for a home with her four-year-old partner, Casper. Comet, also four, can be shy meeting new people but loves tasty treats. She’s at the Blue Cross centre, Burford

A basket full of joy: Chloe (far left) and Mamma are a mother-and-daughter crossbreed pair who need a home together. Chloe, aged one year 11 months, and Mamma, two years five months, have sweet natures and love being outside on the grass. They’re at the Blue Cross centre in Herts

A basket full of joy: Chloe (far left) and Mamma are a mother-and-daughter crossbreed pair who need a home together. Chloe, aged one year 11 months, and Mamma, two years five months, have sweet natures and love being outside on the grass. They’re at the Blue Cross centre in Herts

Cuteness overload: Floppy (left) and Sprite are a gorgeous sister pair at the Blue Cross Centre, Hertfordshire. Aged four years, seven months, the crossbreed/ dwarf lop bunnies lived in a home with children and would make wonderful family pets

Cuteness overload: Floppy (left) and Sprite are a gorgeous sister pair at the Blue Cross Centre, Hertfordshire. Aged four years, seven months, the crossbreed/ dwarf lop bunnies lived in a home with children and would make wonderful family pets

We’re all ears: Scarlet (left) and brother Red are four-monthold crossbreeds who will be rehoused as a pair from the Wood Green charity, Cambridgeshire. Easy to handle and friendly

We’re all ears: Scarlet (left) and brother Red are four-monthold crossbreeds who will be rehoused as a pair from the Wood Green charity, Cambridgeshire. Easy to handle and friendly

The RSPCA’s Steph Sinden with Apricot, who was a stray. She can be wary of new people and needs access to an outside run. Apricot is at the South Godstone centre in Surrey

The RSPCA’s Steph Sinden with Apricot, who was a stray. She can be wary of new people and needs access to an outside run. Apricot is at the South Godstone centre in Surrey

Sitting pretty: Pip (left) is a male cross aged five years three months while Sparkle is a Netherland Dwarf aged three years three months. They are inseparable and a little timid, but good natured, and prefer to be inside in the warm. See them at Wood Green charity, Cambridgeshire

Sitting pretty: Pip (left) is a male cross aged five years three months while Sparkle is a Netherland Dwarf aged three years three months. They are inseparable and a little timid, but good natured, and prefer to be inside in the warm. See them at Wood Green charity, Cambridgeshire

We’re best buddies: Three-year-old continental rabbit Suzie (left) and lop-eared Frankie, also three, are pals. Suzie will need lots of space in her new home, but the pair love to cuddle, hop around and enjoy attention. Contact the Blue Cross centre in Burford

We’re best buddies: Three-year-old continental rabbit Suzie (left) and lop-eared Frankie, also three, are pals. Suzie will need lots of space in her new home, but the pair love to cuddle, hop around and enjoy attention. Contact the Blue Cross centre in Burford

I’m bound to please: Carmon is a two-year-old Rex female rabbit at the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Burford, Oxfordshire. Her previous owner had a change in circumstances and could not keep her. Carmon is a relaxed rabbit who needs a calm environment

I’m bound to please: Carmon is a two-year-old Rex female rabbit at the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Burford, Oxfordshire. Her previous owner had a change in circumstances and could not keep her. Carmon is a relaxed rabbit who needs a calm environment

When it comes to the crunch . . . I need love: Hattie, three, is an inquisitive sort who likes hiding places to investigate and toys to play with. She was handed in to the Blue Cross centre in Burford

When it comes to the crunch . . . I need love: Hattie, three, is an inquisitive sort who likes hiding places to investigate and toys to play with. She was handed in to the Blue Cross centre in Burford

Meet Bertie the bunny: A threeyear- old lionhead with a taste for exploring outside, this friendly fellow is at the Blue Cross centre in Oxfordshire

Meet Bertie the bunny: A threeyear- old lionhead with a taste for exploring outside, this friendly fellow is at the Blue Cross centre in Oxfordshire

A bundle of fun: One-year-old Domino responds to stroking but can be a little unsure about being picked up. A friendly rabbit ideal for a home with children aged eight or over. Domino is at the RSPCA South Godstone Animal Centre

A bundle of fun: One-year-old Domino responds to stroking but can be a little unsure about being picked up. A friendly rabbit ideal for a home with children aged eight or over. Domino is at the RSPCA South Godstone Animal Centre

THESE ARE THE NUMBERS FOR READERS TO CALL: 

RSPCA: 0300 123 0741.

Blue Cross centres: 0300 777 1570.

Wood Green Animals Charity, Godmanchester, Cambs: 0300 303 9333

 

 



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