An online appeal has been launched to find the owner of a beautiful bunny found straying in East Kilbride.
The black and tan coloured rabbit was found hopping around the Whitehills area of the town on Monday and handed in to Taylor Veterinary Practice in Cathkin by a good Samaritan.
He is not neutered or microchipped and the vets have posted an appeal on their Facebook page –but the owner is yet to come forward.
The appeal comes as the Scottish SPCA issued a warning against buying rabbits as Easter gifts for fear of a surge in abandonments.
The charity are appealing to potential pet owners this week that a rabbit is for life, not just for Easter.
Last year the charity rescued a staggering 493 pet rabbits across Scotland and this year is proving to be challenging as well, with 116 rabbits already taken in.
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SSPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “There are lots of loving rabbit owners who treat their pets like one of the family – but sadly this isn’t true in all cases.
“The biggest issue is rabbits being put in a hutch and left at the bottom of the garden, with many enduring a life of solitude and boredom.
“We have come across many cases where rabbits have been left with horrifically overgrown teeth and nails. Rabbits need hay to gnaw on to keep their teeth in good condition, as well as regular nail trimming.
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“They also need plenty of toys and tunnels to keep them occupied and ideally, rabbits should be bonded with a companion but where this isn’t possible they’ll need enough human contact to keep them stimulated.”
Rabbits are highly intelligent and sociable animals who can make fantastic family pets, but parents are strongly advised that they, and not their children, need to take responsibility for their welfare.
Chief superintendent Flynn added: “People should not buy rabbits on impulse and should make an informed decision by learning about rabbit care first.
“Pets are not toys and should never be given on a whim or as a gift.”
If you believe this is your rabbit contact the practice during opening hours on 0141 634 3183.
