Animal lovers are being urged to hop to a north-east rehoming centre to find out more about bunnies during rabbit awareness week.
The team Scottish SPCA’s rescue and rehoming centre at Drumoak currently have eight bunnies in their care, and are appealing for anyone interested in finding a fluffy friend to go and see them.
The awareness week runs until Sunday, and staff are appealing for families with young children in particular to consider a visit, and learn about the responsibilities of pet ownership.
Since the Drumoak centre opened in 2011, more than 350 rabbits have been rehomed.
Now the team want to make people aware of the commitment of taking on a rabbit – or any other pet – as many of the bunnies they have taken in have been abandoned or given up.
Mike Flynn, chief superintendent at the charity, said: “One of the most common excuses we hear is that the children in the family, who asked for the rabbit in the first place, have become fed up now that the novelty of the new pet has worn off.”
Graeme Innes, manager of the centre, added: “A large number of the rabbits we rescue are found straying and never reclaimed.
“Unfortunately very few are ever micro-chipped which is a shame as this is the easiest way of reuniting pets with their owners if they do run away.
“Sometimes people tell us they simply don’t have the time for their rabbit anymore, which is why it’s really important to think carefully before taking on any pet.
“Anyone thinking of taking on a rabbit is encouraged to get in touch once they have done their research and ensure they have the time, commitment and financial ability to provide these wonderful pets with a happy and healthy life.”
To find out more about the rabbits currently at the centre, drop in between 10am-4pm or call 03000 999 999.