FRIGHT RABBIT

Easter alert on bunnies

RABBITS are a firm favourite at this time of year.

But the RSPCA has urged people to think carefully before adding one to their family.

Last year they i nvestigated complaints about the welfare of 14,787 rabbits and rescued 3,024.

Expert Dr Jane Tyson told us bunnies needed a large, secure enclosure, constant access to hay and water - and companionship.

She said: “Rabbits won’t thrive if left in a hutch at the bottom of the garden with no human interaction. They are very inquisitive, intelligent animals with their own personalities, and they can be a joy to look after.

“They can be litter-trained, clickertrained, and even taught to come when they’re called.”

If you are considering adopting a rabbit, the RSPCA has plenty waiting for a loving owner.

Four-year-olds Biscuit and Waffle have been at the Reading and Oxon OUR vet Brian Faulkner, from Petplan, has 16 years of experience and is a freelance working all over the country. Send your questions to Brian at: Petplan, Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9DX or via Petplan’s Facebook page facebook.com/ PetplanUK. Border branch for almost a year. The female Dutch-cross and male Dwarf lop lived as house rabbits but could go outdoors. Poor Waffle is very shy and an experienced owner would be helpful to build his confidence.

If you’re a first- time owner, Lionhead sisters Ruby and Pearl from Guildford in Surrey would be perfect. They are very friendly, calm, happy bunnies who love being stroked.

If you’re big on space, Ben, Jerry and Rambo would love an enclosure for all three of them. The trio, who are housed at the RSPCA’s Canterbury and District branch, are great with kids.

Betsy and Bella ended up at the Millbrook Centre, Surrey, when their owner could no longer care for them. The three-year-olds are very close and would like a new home together.

Or how about Mindy and Mork, a six-month-old sister and brother pair of New Zealand rabbits who arrived at the Walsall branch just seven weeks old? They were freezing, emaciated and covered in urine but have blossomed into friendly, gentle, bunnies.

Visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet to find yourself a rabbit. MY dog suddenly has a lot of dried mucus around his eyes. I’ve been cleaning it away but it keeps coming back – does he need treatment?