The charity is cautioning potential owners about the rise in ‘starter

pets’ during lockdown, which often lead to an increase in neglect due to theircomplex needs

The RSPCA has issued a warning over the interest in ‘starter pets’ duringlockdown, which often lead to an increase in neglect due to their complexneeds.

Google searches for small pets to buy during lockdown soared compared to theyear before, with ‘rabbits for sale’ searches more than tripling from 18,000in July 2019 to 65,000 in July 2020.

The charity said its rescue teams took nearly 240 rabbits into its care duringlockdown due to cruelty, neglect and abandonment.

Dr. Jane Tyson, from the RSPCA’s Companion Animals Department, said: “Smallfurries can be fantastic pets to have, however they have a reputation as agood ‘starter pet’ for children as there’s a misconception that they’re easyto look after, but they actually have quite complex needs.

“For example, rabbits need to live in pairs as they’re sociable animals – andneed a much bigger space to explore and exercise in than just a hutch.”

She added: “During lockdown there seems to have been an increase in interestfor starter pets, which may be because parents were at home with theirchildren and so thought it was a good time to bring a new pet into thefamily.”

Source:Patrick O’Donnell UK Pet Gazette

Image: Bigstock

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