Abandoned rabbits rescued and rehomed

Two rabbits are among a growing number of pets being abandoned at Blue Cross doors this year.

Lop-eared bunnies Honey and Bee were found outside our Hammersmith animal hospital in London before being transferred to our central 24-hour facility nearby in Victoria.

Speaking after they were found in January, Amanda Rumball, London Welfare Officer, says: “They are both friendly and inquisitive but highlight a problem in animals being abandoned.

“This year, so far, we have had nine abandoned animals left in carriers outside the hospitals or found in bins and other places.

“Last year in the same time frame, we hadn't taken in any abandoned animals.”

Rabbits must be kept in pairs or groups to be happy, need plenty of space, and have complex needs during lifespans of up to 10 years. 

Sadly, many owners don’t realise the long-term commitment that caring for these pets entails. And Blue Cross is seeing increasing numbers abandoned around the country.

“Rabbits sadly are very misunderstood. We are always trying to get the message out that a hutch is not enough and companionship is important,” explains Amanda.

While in the care of our vet team, inseparable Honey and Bee – who are thought to be sisters and aged around one – were neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated, and received all the other routine treatment they needed, like flea and worm prevention.

Honey also needed clipping due to matted fur around her back end, reflecting the need for regular grooming to avoid knots, infections, and deadly flystrike.

Both rabbits also needed dental attention. Overgrown teeth can be caused by a poor diet which, for rabbits, should comprise of at least 85 per cent hay. 

But because lop-eared rabbits like Honey and Bee are a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, they are more prone to several health issues, including dental problems.

Amanda continues: “Initially, Honey and Bee were wary and stressed, which is to be expected. But, after having time to settle, they would hop up to you when you went into their kennel, have a little sniff, and hop off again. 

“They were happy to be around people. And they were very good for the treatments they had whilst with us.”

Once they had received all the vet treatment they needed, Honey and Bee were transferred to our Burford rehoming centre which started the search for their new home. They were adopted as a pair two weeks later.