THE RSPCA saw an increase in demand for pets during 2020 - but today the charity is highlighting those animals in Merseyside that need special care and attention due to their difficult start in life.
The charity saw a 101 per cent increase in searches for small companion animals - rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters - on its website's 'FindAPet' search following the first year of the pandemic (March 2020 number 43,758 compared to Jan 2021 number 87,974.).
Despite this increase in demand there are still some rabbits and small furries waiting to find their perfect home in Merseyside.
RSPCA rabbit welfare expert Dr Jane Tyson said: "Rabbits and small furries are very misunderstood, they have complex needs and need a lot of care and attention.
"However, they are also very rewarding pets and given the right housing, socialising, diet and care they can become much loved members of the family.
"Adopting may take more time than just buying but it is more rewarding as often you are rescuing that animal from a history of mistreatment of neglect.
"It also means we are freeing up space in our centres so more needy animals can move in to receive the care they need.
"We have lots of information on our website to help support new owners and we also have the newly created The Good Practice Code for the Welfare of Rabbits.
"It's really positive to see so many people are now searching for rescue animals as they become more aware this is an option and hopefully we can help find those less popular animals in our care the right home too."
Animals needing homes today
Tillie and Ava:
Tillie and Ava are medium sized cross breed bunnies. Ava is the cream-coloured girl and is around five years old and Tillie is the black girl, around four years old.
An RSPCA spokesperson said: "Tillie and Ava have had a sad but all too common past. This pair of buns have been passed from home to home living in a very small and unsuitable hutch with little room to move.
"They both had muscle wastage when they arrived due to living in a small space but this has improved lots over time. Tillie especially loves having the space to play with toys, her favourite is a ball with a bell inside. Ava was extremely overweight when she arrived but she is now a healthy weight although she still has a big dewlap.
"They have been in the care of the RSPCA Cheshire (Altrincham) branch for over a year now and loving all the new space they have, however they would really like to find their forever home soon.
"Tillie and Ava have a wonderful relationship with each other and they are very close so are looking for a home together with an experienced rabbit owner. Tillie and Ava are fully litter trained and are looking for a calm home where they can be adored! Whoever adopts this pair will be very lucky with two very lovely bunnies to care for.
"For more information or to rehome Tille and Ava contact the RSPCA Cheshire (Altrincham) branch on 01612 862503 or rspca.altrincham.cheshire@googlemail.com"
Patch and Smudge
Patch and Smudge are a male and female pair of two-year-old rabbits who came into the care of the RSPCA Cheshire (Altrincham) branch along with 18 of their babies! Sadly, their needs were not being met and they were being fed a diet of takeaway leftovers and meat.
An RSPCA spokesperson said: "Smudge can be a little shy but loves her treats which is the best way to win her round. Patch is a gentle boy and loves attention. Due to their history Patch and Smudge are looking for an experienced rabbit home with access to a good rabbit savvy vet, full vet history will be provided to the new owner.
"They are both active buns who like lots of interactive toys to keep them occupied. They are both great hay eaters and are good with using their litter tray. They are looking for their forever home together and could live with a family with children.
"Please contact RSPCA Cheshire (Altrincham) branch for more information on 01612 862503 or rspca.altrincham.cheshire@googlemail.com"
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit the website or call its donation line on 0300 123 8181.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here