Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column
SIZE matters. Especially to giant rabbits. These aren’t your normal size rabbits.
These are Continental Giant size rabbits. We had a giant rabbit live next door to us once. He escaped and got into a nearby garden. The resident dog couldn’t believe his eyes at what had landed on his lawn. Hillingdon RSPCA currently have four of these giant rabbits waiting for a home – a mum and her three babies.
All were found abandoned on a doorstep. They would like the rabbits to be homed in pairs, mum and daughter together and the two boys together. All the rabbits have been neutered. They are friendly and love to hop around but don’t like being picked up.
A giant rabbit can weigh from 5kg to 10kg or more. This is larger than many dogs. They may be over four feet long when stretched out so you need to think carefully before adopting them. The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) estimate that providing suitable accommodation for giant rabbits in, for example, a converted shed with a secure outdoor run attached could cost a minimum of £300.
If you are interested in homing two of these beauties see details at rspca.org.uk or call 01895 833417. You can see more of RWAF’s advice on keeping giant rabbits at rabbitwelfare.co.uk.
Now to news of Ealing Animals Fair where Hillingdon RSPCA will be amongst those having a stall – they can always be relied on to bring plenty of bargains to buy.
It’s great news that there are two welcome additions to the programme of speakers. Firstly, Michelle Clark who founded Dogs On The Streets (DOTS) will be talking about her work with rough sleepers. DOTS have a regular dog care station on The Strand plus a dog sanctuary, if needed.
Secondly, we are delighted that Sam March, will be giving a presentation. Sam volunteers as a paralegal for Advocates for Animals, a non-profit law firm and the first law firm in the UK to specialise in animal protection. Independently from this, he is a practicing criminal barrister. He will be talking about how Advocates for Animals uses the law to help animals.
At a conference, people would pay good money to hear these people speak but, at this Fair it is free. Also, for the first time ever, we have poet and novelist, Cheryl Moskowitz, providing a poetry element to the Fair.
The Ealing Animals Fair takes place on March 5 (10.30am to 4pm) at Hanwell Methodist Church, Church Road, W7 1DJ. See details at ealinganimalsfair.london.