Can you give a home to a giant bunny?
GIANT rabbits rescued by the RSPCA from an overcrowded allotment in Northumberland are still looking for new homes.
They were among the 42 Flemish giant rabbits found living in dreadful conditions in cramped hutches - where they had been left to breed with each other. The RSPCA believes the Flemish giant rabbits removed from the allotment in Ashington were being bred for their meat.
Several of the charity’s centres, branches and licensed private boarding kennels, including those at RSPCA Great Ayton and RSPCA Northumberland West Branch, took in the rabbits while some were looked after by inspectors – as many RSPCA centres are sadly already full with unwanted rabbits.
Of all the rabbits rescued, the largest weighed in at more than 8kg (17.6lb), the weight of a medium-sized dog, and had ears that were seven inches long.
Rehoming co-ordinator at RSPCA Northumberland West Branch, John Billany, said: “We took 11 of the rabbits, mainly female ones, but we still have two young ones and two adults whom we are trying to find homes for.
“They are a big breed as their name suggests, so they are probably suited to the more experienced rabbit owner who has had giants before. They are nice rabbits, but they are just big and potential owners need to know what they are doing and how to meet their needs.”
RSPCA inspector Trevor Walker, who helped rescue the rabbits over several days in July, said: “Two or three of the rabbits were really big rabbits, while others were crossbreeds and were smaller in size. “They all went to various branches for rehoming apart from one who had to be put to sleep sadly as she was suffering from an eye infection. Despite their size they will make good companion animals and they
have a nice temperament. Sadly, rabbits are becoming an increasing problem across the RSPCA as we are seeing more and more coming into our care, many as a result of the cost of living crisis.”
All the branches’ rabbits will be neutered, microchipped and vaccinated before they are found new homes.
For enquiries for the Flemish giants and other rabbits at Northumberland West, ring 07872 041733 or 07519 876 789 and at Great Ayton contact 0300 123 0743.
Visit Find A Pet to see all the animals currently in RSPCA care who are looking for new homes.