RSPCA expecting surge in pet abandonment across Oxfordshire after Easter
“The Easter Bunny symbol can lead to a surge in demand for rabbits as pets”
The RSPCA are warning people against impulsively buying small pets, such as rabbits, as they expect to see a surge in abandonments across Oxfordshire following Easter.
The charity is urging people to properly research the needs of a pet before buying, as abandonments can lead to the animal dying in severe cases.
“Many of them will end up dead or abandoned”
Dominika Jagoda is a small animal expert at the RSPCA, she said: “Impulse purchases are not unheard of during the Easter period.
“Unfortunately, if people purchase animals without researching how the pets will fit into their lifestyle long term, they are often not prepared to face the responsibilities of pet ownership."
Ms Jagoda says also explains that “the Easter Bunny symbol can lead to a surge in demand for rabbits as pets”.
“This leads to inadequate care or even abandonment in some situations, and this is this is a very common issue we see with rabbits during the Easter periods. Many of them will end up dead or abandoned due to lack of appropriate care or knowledge.”
She added: “Despite rabbits often being perceived as an ideal pet for young children, they actually have very complex needs and are one of the most neglected pets in the UK.”
Ms Jagoda also has advice for anyone who has purchased a rabbit or other animals and are starting to struggle with looking after them.
She says, “we would advise them to reach out to family and friends for some help, or animal welfare charities including the RSPCA.
“Never abandon an animal because this can severely compromise their welfare, leading to ill health or even death in severe cases.”