A BURGEONING number of bunnies has led to an animal rescue centre being overwhelmed by a furry tide.

Staff at the RSPCA in Martlesham said so many pet rabbits are being handed in as unwanted, or by people with money worries, there are simply not enough new owners to look after them.

In fact, their numbers are multiplying like rabbits and all need new hutches to go to.

The team have hit crisis point with the sudden deluge of nearly 30 beautiful bunnies and are looking to find as many new homes for the adorable little creatures as possible.

Becky Fox, deputy manager of the Martlesham centre, said re-homing rabbits was always problematic.

“Sadly, we still have a high number of rabbits in our care,” she said.

“The rabbits keep coming in, either as a result of being abandoned or they have been given up by their owners, but there does come a point when we just can’t take any more in.”

She said that finding new homes for the pets was looking highly unlikely at the moment.

“Re-homing rabbits is slow for most charities. Because we have so many rabbits already it means we can’t help people with new situations. For some people money worries are to blame.

“At this time of year we struggle to re-home pets because so many people are off on holiday.”

Becky said there was also fear that the animals are not well cared for by owners, which has led the RSPCA to launch a new campaign called “What bugs a bunny?”

It outlines the key facts on the welfare of pet rabbits.

Rachel Roxburgh, RSPCA companion and scientist, is hoping it will bring attention to the dietary needs of rabbits.

“The RSPCA is trying to give rabbits Hay Fever! But not in a bad way – we want all pet rabbits to be eating hay as their main food,”

The ongoing campaign aims to boost the welfare of the popular family pet and to give owners the chance to engage with these issues and gain more understanding.

If you would like to be a new owner of one of the rabbits at the Martlesham centre contact the RSPCA on 01473 623280 or contact their website at www.ipswich-rspca.org.uk