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The GSPCA is reporting that rabbits in its care is at all-time high, with more than 60 removed from one address in recent years and is calling on the community for support during rabbit awareness week.
It said rabbits are often found in poor living conditions in homes, sheds, outbuildings and greenhouses, often being called out to properties with active breeding occurring.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said the charity is now more inundated with rabbits to rehome than cats and dogs combined.
"In recent years the GSPCA have removed more than 60 rabbits from one address more than 30 from another and are often called to addresses where there is multiple rabbits and breeding taking place," he said.
“We have an amazing area called Bunny Hop Hill where the rabbits have lots of space inside and out with a fabulous view.
“We have also had to the increase capacity due to numbers of rabbits and last year opened our first ever Small Animal Department which is nearly entirely dedicated to rabbits and often has to find overflow space in other areas due to the numbers needing our help.
“We often have 30 to 50 rabbits looking for homes at any one time compared to one or two dogs or 15 to 25 cats ready for homes and we can see up to 500 rabbits coming through our doors in one year for a variety of reasons, from stray to sick and injured.”
Mr Byrne said less than two decades ago the number of rabbits in its care would be around five at any one time.
Part of the problem is people buy the animals impulsively for children as pets but neglect their welfare, and a lack of legal controls on the breeding of small domestic animals, he added.
“You could own hundreds and as long as their welfare needs are met there is little can be done to help improve the lives of the animals that are often kept in small enclosures with very little enrichment.”
He called on the public for support, not only to rehome the animals, but also to donate as the new small animal unit cost around £100,000.
Pictured: Some of the rabbits in the GSPCA's care.
Lorna Chadwick, GSPCA Animal Welfare Manager, said the most common concerns with rabbits in care are “inappropriate diet, a lack of healthcare and grooming, or that they are not being given the opportunity to simply ‘be rabbits’ and enjoy time out of their hutch in a run.
“In most cases we can advise and support owners so they can improve the quality of life of their animals but there are situations where the best outcome is for the rabbit to be taken to the shelter for rehoming.”
“It is so important for owners to understand their legal responsibilities."
Mr Byrne added that many are responsible owners and those who choose to adopt give the animals “incredible lives”.
He said it’s also difficult to predict how many people actively breed rabbits locally, and raised concerns that proposed reforms to animals welfare laws have skirted over some animals.
“While the current legislation does provide them some protection, sadly it is often difficult to apply.
“The States of Guernsey have recently advertised a new post for an Animal Health & Welfare Officer this week to add to their team to help investigate the animal welfare complaints in Guernsey and we have no doubt rabbits and other small domestic animals will be sadly a regular concern raised.”
You can view rabbits available HERE.
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