AN ANIMAL re-homing centre in Martlesham has today called for people to adopt a rabbit following the latest RSPCA East region figures.

AN ANIMAL re-homing centre in Martlesham has today called for people to adopt a rabbit following the latest RSPCA East region figures.

The statistics revealed that there were a total of 1,141 complaints about rabbits in 2007, compared to 1,075 the previous year.

Rabbits are still one of the most abused and neglected pets, and are often left alone in hutches at the bottom of the garden, without food, water or exercise.

There are currently 15 rabbits at the RSPCA centre in Mill Lane, all of which need homes.

Becky Fox, deputy manager at the centre, said: “People often cannot look after them and they give them to us. There is not as many people wanting rabbits around Easter time as there were a few years ago. I think people realise that we don't let pets be re-homed just for Easter or Christmas.”

RSPCA East Regional Manager Suzie Graham said: “The message about caring for rabbits just does not seem to be getting through. “Rabbits are often bought on impulse or as presents for children and, if their owners tire of looking after them, they are left alone in a tiny, dirty hutch or they are abandoned.

“Rabbits are sociable animals which should always have the company of other rabbits, but they often live miserable, lonely lives. A huge amount of distress and suffering would be prevented if potential owners researched what rabbits need before they get them.”

If you would like to re-home a rabbit, call the centre on 01473 623280.

Do you know of any abandoned animals? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk