Plea to give chocolates not rabbits at Easter

A charity is urging people to give chocolates rather than rabbits for Easter after one was found abandoned on Dartmoor.

Woodside Animal Welfare Trust said the rabbit was recently found by a dog walker on the moor.

It said the animal, named Bluebell, was being cared for at its animal sanctuary in Devon where she was doing well despite her "traumatic experience".

Assistant supervisor Claire Newcombe said rabbits could live up to 10 to 12 years and "before anyone considers getting a rabbit, they need to do their research and consider what is involved in caring for them".

"Rabbits are a big commitment and are not the easiest pets to look after," she added.

The charity said it was concerned pet shops would see a rise in people looking to buy the animals as gifts and urged people to "give chocolates - not pets".

The charity said Bluebell, a lop rabbit, was one of a number of rabbits abandoned over the years.

Before any rabbit is rehomed, the charity said animals were spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, and careful checks were made to ensure a prospective home was suitable.

Ms Newcombe said the animals needed shelter, exercise, companionship, enrichment and the correct care.

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