Fears over growing numbers of unwanted 'lockdown rabbits'

Animal centres in Worcester and Burton upon Trent are currently full to capacity with nearly 60 rabbits on their waiting lists between them. 

Centre staff think some of the rabbits may have been bought as pets for children during the recent Covid-19 lockdowns and are now being relinquished because children have lost interest.

With an average stay in rescue of between two and four months, RSPCA staff have said that sadly, rehoming them is not always easy or straightforward.

Sprout and Claus, who are at a rehoming centre run by the Worcester and Mid Worcestershire branch of the RSPCA, have been waiting over two months to be chosen.

They are two of eight rabbits at the centre, which has limited facilities for small animals, with a further 22 bunnies waiting to come in.  

RSPCA Worcester branch volunteer Claire Wood said: “We are seeing more and more rabbits coming into our care and we are braced for this situation to continue now that Covid restrictions are coming to an end.

"Rabbits are often seen as an easy, low-cost starter pet for young children and we think many may have been bought on impulse during the pandemic by people who may not realise how complex they are to look after.

Rabbits up for adoption in Worcester

“We find lone male rabbits usually take the longest to rehome, while pairs tend to get chosen more quickly.

"But it can take us about eight to 12 weeks, sometimes longer, to find one of our rabbits a new home, so it’s not a quick process and we have a waiting list which seems to be getting longer and longer.”

Sprout and Klaus are at a rehoming centre in Kempsey, Worcester. 

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: "Little Sprout is just 22 weeks old and not only is he as cute as can be, he also has an incredibly sweet nature.

"This handsome lionhead bunny has bags of energy, loves to run and is always on the go.

Sprout the bunny

"One of his favourite things is his treat ball, which he will push around endlessly.

"This super nosy and confident rabbit is into everything but is getting rather frustrated at the centre and needs a new home where he will be able to explore to his heart’s content.

"He isn't overly keen on being handled, but will allow staff to give him the occasional nose rub.

"Claus is a six-year-old neutered lionhead cross who is a firm favourite with everyone at the centre.
Claus the bunny

"He’s described as one of the friendliest, cuddliest rabbits ever and he’s smart too, so puzzle feeders and lots of enrichment will be a must in his new home. 

"He weighs in at a rather large 2.8kg (6.2lb), so his paw-fect match would be a similar sized lady bun.

"He is so confident and friendly that staff think he would be okay in a home with a rabbit-friendly dog or cat, and he would also be fine to live with children."