A recent survey by the RSPCA found that rabbits
are the most abused pets in the UK, with more than 35,000 abandoned every
year.
The Royal Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals (RSCPA) uncovered an alarming
trend of abuse and neglect among pet owner sin the
United Kingdom. The animal charity said a survey found that 70% of rescued rabbits had been kept hutched 24 hours a
day and 40% of them had had no food, with 50% being
kept in "filthy conditions".
On average, owners of abandoned rabbits had given up after just 3 months.
The report cited that rabbits were
frequently the subject of neglect because owners
frequently lost interest. On average, owners of
abandoned rabbits had given up after just 3 months,
with many being simply "released" on the
street or in woodlands.
The UK's Rabbit Welfare Association warned that
parents need to take more responsibility. It is
still common for rabbits to be considered a
"good pet for children", with parents
often being unaware that rabbits can easily live for
8 years and cost several thousand dollars in their
lifetime when housing, feeding and veterinary care
are considered.
