A group of giant rabbits is recovering well after being rescued by the RSPCA.
The Flemish giant rabbits were found in small hutches on an allotment in Ashington, Northumberland, earlier this month.
They were in cramped and dirty conditions and had been left to breed with each other.
The largest rabbit weighed more than 8kg – the same as a medium-sized dog such as a Jack Russell or King Charles spaniel.
Its ears were 7in (almost 18cm) long.
Flemish giant rabbits are popular pets but they are also still bred for their fur and their meat.
The RSPCA said it is believed these rabbits were being bred to be eaten.
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Around half of them were adults and half were babies – two of the adults were of average size but their litters were crossed with the giant rabbits, so the babies (or kits) are likely to grow into large rabbits.
‘We hope they will soon find loving homes’
Inspector Trevor Walker, who helped to rescue the rabbits, said: “These poor rabbits were living in cramped and dirty conditions which would have been very unpleasant for them especially in the heat.
“Luckily a vet found they are all in good condition, although one is on medication for weepy eyes and a wound on the back of his neck, but we hope they will soon find loving homes.”
Anyone interested in adopting the rabbits can look on the RSPCA’s website for the Find A Pet section.
Mr Walker said: “They will make good companion animals, as they have nice temperaments.”
Pet owners struggling with cost-of-living crisis
The RSPCA is seeing an increase in rabbits needing rescue and adoption, with some pet owners unable to care for them due to the increasing demands of the cost-of-living crisis.
Mr Walker said: “We would really urge people to do their research before taking on a pet, and also to make sure you get your pet neutered at an early opportunity to prevent unwanted litters of animals.
“All of these rabbits will be neutered, micro-chipped and vaccinated before finding new homes.”
