Ban on adopting Easter bunnies

With their floppy ears and fluffy tails, bunnies are the third most popular pet in the UK.

Due to being historically recognised as symbols of fertility and rebirth, bunnies are associated with spring and Easter with their popularity as pets soaring during these periods.

Support Adoption For Pets which has centres across Lanarkshire is among those suspending its rehoming of rabbits over the Easter bank holiday weekend, although it will still accept animals into its care.

Amy Wilson, charity manager at Support Adoption For Pets, said: “Rabbits are wonderful pets, and we don’t want to discourage people from giving a rabbit a home, but just like we know a dog is not just for Christmas, rabbits aren’t just for Easter.

“We are freezing the adoption of rabbits in all of our adoption centres, over 400 in total, to ensure a rabbit is not re-homed without careful consideration.

“There is a huge misconception that rabbits are easy to care for and they aren’t. They require as much, if not more care and attention as a dog or cat.

“Families tend to think carefully before adopting a puppy and this should be the case for choosing to add a rabbit to your family.”