Re-homing organisations across the country are suspending rabbit rehoming over Easter weekend for fears of impulse custom

With their floppy ears and fluffy tails, bunnies are the third most popular pet in the UK. Due to being historically recognised as symbols of fertility and rebirth, bunnies are associated with Spring and Easter with their popularity as pets soaring during these periods.

Subsequently, leading re-homing organisation Support Adoption For Pets, is suspending its re-homing of rabbits over the Easter bank holiday weekend, although it will still accept animals into its care. This preventative measure is being adopted by hundreds of rabbit and animal rescues across the UK to prevent impulsive rehoming.

Amy Wilson, Charity Manager at Support Adoption For Pets, the largest animal grant giving charity in the UK that regularly donates funds to rabbit rescues and supports specialists including the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund, said: “Rabbits are wonderful pets, and we don’t want to discourage people from giving a rabbit a home, but just like we know a dog is not just for Christmas, rabbits aren’t just for Easter.”

Amy added: “We are freezing the adoption of rabbits in all of our adoption centres, over 400 in total, to ensure a rabbit is not re-homed without careful consideration. There is a huge misconception that rabbits are easy to care for and they aren’t. They require as much, if not more care and attention as a dog or cat. Families tend to think carefully before adopting a puppy and this should be the case for choosing to add a rabbit to your family.”