People living in Coventry and Warwickshire are being urged not buy pet rabbits as Easter presents as animal centres are being swamped by an influx of bunnies.

The RSPCA’s branch in Coundon Wedge Drive, Allesley has been inundated with unwanted rabbits in the last few weeks.

And officers are worried that if people buy bunnies as Easter presents even more unwanted pets could appear.

RSPCA Superintendent Tom Austin said:

“Some people do not realise what a commitment it is to look after a rabbit. They can live up to eight years and need daily care and attention.

“They cannot just be into a hutch in the back garden and forgotten about.”

Rabbit care experts are warning would-be owners that certain rabbits have specialist care requirements. Long-hair rabbits have to be groomed for up to an hour a day, for example.

Linda Dykes of the British House Rabbit Association said: “If a long-haired rabbit is not groomed properly than it can run into serious health problems.

“Owners must think very carefully about whether they have the time and commitment to look after a rabbit properly.”

RSCPA animal centres are desperate for loving new homes for the rabbits in their care. The Coventry branch can be contacted on 024 7633 6616.