Beware of Easter bunnies

The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Southampton is warning residents to think twice before getting a rabbit this Easter.

Kellie Brook, Blue Cross centre manager said: “Taking on a pet at any time of year needs serious thought and animals should never be bought on a whim or as a result of pleas from a youngster. Children sometimes get bored of their new pets and parents should think carefully about how much time and commitment is needed to keep an animal. The Blue Cross regularly takes in animals that are no longer wanted or because their previous owners underestimated the care involved.”

A rabbit called Shamus was taken to The Blue Cross in Southampton after being found abandoned in a car park dustbin. Staff at the adoption centre neutered him and introduced him to his new partner, Hazel. They were both happily rehomed together but there are still many more rabbits like Shamus waiting for new homes.

In the last year Blue Cross animal adoption centres around the country took in 145 rabbits and a total of 131 were found new homes. Blue Cross rabbits are always rehomed in pairs and only after staff have talked to the new owners to make sure they understand their needs.

The Blue Cross is always available to give support and advice to pet owners and a wide range of leaflets on different aspects of pet ownership are available at www.allaboutpets.org.uk.

Media contact: Louise Lee
Direct line: 0207 932 4066
Mobile: 07880 781637

Shaumus

Notes to editors
The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

Southampton animal adoption centre is based on a boarding kennel site formerly known as Goose Green, and has been there since 1991. Catteries were built thereafter, and the centre now serves communities across Hampshire, rehoming dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. In total, the centre has space for 40 dogs and 60 cats. Hundreds of animals are successfully rehomed every year.

To contact the animal adoption centre in Southampton please call 023 8069 2894. Opening hours: 11am - 4pm: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Closed: Thursday. 11am - 2pm: Sundays and Bank Holidays.