IRRESPONSIBLE owners are leaving their pet rabbits to be eaten by foxes and other predators, according to a animal charity.
Hull Animal Welfare Trust, based in South Cave, is reporting record numbers of rabbits being found abandoned by owners who no longer want them.
Volunteer Linda Lawson, who has dedicated the past 20 years to caring for strays, said: "It's the worst I have ever known it. It's getting ridiculous.
"People think domestic rabbits can be set free to fend for themselves.
"In reality, if they do manage to find food, which is usually the case, they end up just becoming food for predators."
The charity's Sunnydene Animal Shelter recently took in two rabbits found in Brantingham.
Linda said: "A couple visiting the area from Nottingham found the rabbits near a wooded area.
"They're pretty thin looking and are clearly domestic animals."
Staff and volunteers have christened the pair Dale and Ella and both are undergoing veterinary treatment.
"It seems to be happening all the time," said Linda.
"People are buying rabbits for their children, but then, when the children get bored, the animals are being dumped.
"It's very unfair on the animals as they have done nothing wrong."
Hull Animal Welfare Trust has a policy of not putting down healthy animals.
However, Linda said it would be kinder to put down a rabbit than allow it to roam in the wild.
She said: "I imagine a vet would put a rabbit down if they were asked, but owners don't want that on their conscience.
"But it is cruel allowing them to fend for themselves. They're domestic animals and can't look after themselves."
At Easter, the charity took in two rabbits found on a mini roundabout in Sutton.
But Linda said most disappointing of all is when rehomed rabbits are returned.
"Last month, seven rabbits, three pairs and a single one, that we rehomed were returned to us," she said.
"It really is soul-destroying when you think we have found a long-term home for them and given all the advice we can.
"When they're returned, we have to start the process all over again.
"In nearly all cases, we get told that circumstances have changed and they're no longer able to look after their rabbit."
Currently, the shelter is looking after 25 rabbits, with another ten being cared for at the homes of staff or their supporters.
"We keeping telling people that rabbits require a lot of looking after," said Linda. "They can pick up all kinds of things.
"It's really a job for adults, not the children.
"But the message just doesn't seem to be sinking in."
Anyone serious about offering a home to a rabbit is asked to call Hull Animal Welfare Trust on 01430 423986.
