The RSPCA saw an increase in demand for pets during 2020 – but today the charity is highlighting those animals in Herefordshire and Worcestershire that need special care and attention due to their difficult start in life.
The charity saw a 101 per cent increase in searches for small companion animals – rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters – on its website’s ‘FindAPet’ search following the first year of the pandemic (March 2020 numbered 43,758; compared to Jan 2021’s 87,974).
This increase in demand has meant 25 rabbits in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and 33 other small animals, were found loving new homes by the RSPCA in 2020. However some are still waiting to find their perfect home.
RSPCA rabbit welfare expert Dr Jane Tyson said: “Rabbits and small furries are very misunderstood, they have complex needs and need a lot of care and attention. However, they are also very rewarding pets and given the right housing, socialising, diet and care they can become much loved members of the family.
“Adopting may take more time than just buying but it is more rewarding as often you are rescuing that animal from a history of mistreatment of neglect. It also means we are freeing up space in our centres so more needy animals can move in to receive the care they need.
“We have lots of information on our website to help support new owners and we also have the newly created The Good Practice Code for the Welfare of Rabbits.
“It’s really positive to see so many people are now searching for rescue animals as they become more aware this is an option and hopefully we can help find those less popular animals in our care the right home too.”
Small furry animals in Herefordshire and Worcestershire needing homes today:
Potter is a very shy two-year-old female rabbit in the care of the RSPCA Worcester & Mid-Worcestershire Branch. Potter was brought into the Branch’s rescue centre through no fault of her own. Her previous owner felt they couldn’t look after her and she had been shut away on her own meaning she has had very little socialisation.
When she first arrived at the centre she would hide away, extremely scared of everything but, with lots of time and patience, Potter is slowly coming out of her shell. She has recently even started to allow centre staff to stroke her gently and now feel the time is right for her to find her forever home.
Potter is ideally looking for a quiet home and one that already has a resident bunny – female or male (if male they must be neutered). Potter may be able to live with older children as long as they are calm and gentle with her. This rabbit really deserves a second chance and the opportunity to blossom – and anyone interested in adopting Potter can complete the RSPCA’s ‘Perfect Match’ form and email it to animalcentrestaff@rspcaworcester.org.uk. More information on Potter is available online.
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.
