RSPCA centres in the east are trying to find homes for hundreds of rabbits after a rise in the numbers abandoned. The rescue centres have taken in more than 500 rabbits so far this winter and are now trying to re-house them.
An RSPCA spokeswoman said winter was a popular time for handing in rabbits, but this year was worse than normal.
"I think it's because the weather gets colder and people lose interest in going outside to look after their rabbits," she added.
Sophie Wilkinson, from the RSPCA said there have been so many unwanted rabbits that some centres have set-up waiting lists so the animals are adopted in order.
She said: "This year is definitely worse than normal, most of our centres say they have never had such a large amount of rabbits before.
"It's a problem trying to find people who can look after them because we have so much competition from pet shops and garden centres."
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 