Scottish SPCA rescue centres 'overwhelmed' with rabbits ahead of Easter weekend

An animal charity has said its rescue centres across Scotland are “overwhelmed” with rabbits, as it urged families not to gift bunnies as pets over Easter weekend.

The Scottish SPCA said “impulse” purchases at pet shops during the spring often lead to rabbits being gifted to children, influenced by the Christian holiday.

It added that rabbits often live to eight to 12 years of age and can often be a bigger commitment and responsiblity than people realise and require specialist veterinary treatment, meaning they are classed as exotic pets.

Rabbit (bunny) at petting zoo Adobe Stock

The animal charity said it is currently “overwhelmed” by rabbits at its rescue centres, which are often abandoned or given up by owners who are unprepared for the cost and work of caring for the animals.

Hayley McFarlane, assistant manager at the charity’s Glasgow rehoming centre, said: “Rescue centres across the country are currently overwhelmed with rabbits. Many of which arrive due to being abandoned or given up by owners who no longer have time for them, or who aren’t willing to put in the time and effort that rabbits need.

“The Easter season often leads to an increase in rabbits being purchased from pet shops, typically as gifts for children. These decisions are often made on impulse and are influenced by the festive association with rabbits, rather than a genuine understanding of the long-term responsibility which is involved in appropriately caring for rabbits.”

Hayley added that rabbits make wonderful pets but require a lot of work to care for their specific needs, and that families looking to add a rabbit to their family should consider adoption instead.

She said: “Rabbits are complex animals with very specific needs, the require a large amount of space (3m x 2m x 1m), specialised care and companionship from their own kind – requirements that are often underestimated or not fully understood at the time of purchase. Sadly, once the novelty wears off and the reality of their care becomes clear, many of these rabbits are relinquished and end up in rescue centres. 

“This Easter, we encourage you to support the rabbits already in our care who are waiting to find their forever home and refrain from purchasing a rabbit as an Easter gift. By making this choice, you can help reduce the number of unwanted rabbits in rescue centres and create a positive impact well beyond the Easter period.”