Irresponsible breeders are contributing to a surge in unwanted rabbits that have left RSPCA animal centres swamped – with a 48% rise in rabbits being taken in last year.

The animal charity is calling on people to prevent the growth of unwanted litters by neutering and promptly sexing their pets.

Rabbits breed quickly and RSPCA animal centres are full of abandoned and unwanted animals. While at the same time, many owners have found their rabbits breeding out of control, sometimes because they have been sold missexed pairs.

In the last year, RSPCA said its officers have tackled horrendous cases of neglect, which illustrate the problem of those who disregard the welfare of rabbits with wayward breeding practices.

In 2022, 1,090 rabbits arrived at animal centres and 1,942 were rescued by RSPCA branches.

So far this year the numbers have dropped compared to a similar period last year, but many RSPCA centres are now full to capacity and cannot accommodate any more rabbits.

 In the first five months of this year (up to the end of May), 307 rabbits were brought into RSPCA animal centres and 308 arrived at RSPCA branches. While 93 wild rabbits were also brought to the charity’s four wildlife centres.