Garden Centre on Upland Road - why do they insist on keeping a neglected rabbit?

[PennyPitstop]

So the last rabbit recently died, now they have inflicted the suffering on a new one. Kept in a tiny hutch, with overgrown claws and no water provided. The man is very rude and clearly has no care for this rabbit so why do they have it? It shouldn't be allowed...

[dollydaydream]

Have you tried reporting the rabbit to the RSPCA.

[PennyPitstop]

Unfortunately the RSPCA wouldn't help in this instance as the rabbit is currently not in a bad enough state, and there aren't any rules about rabbits and how big their hutch should be. It would just be good if other people complained too and maybe they could give the rabbit to a family who would take better care of it.

[2degreesfrommadness]

Both rabbits are still alive but have swapped hutches. They have been at the owners home for the christmas and new year period and only returned to the garden centre two days ago. Which rabbit has died because both were in good health this morning with fresh water and food available . Both hutches were thoroughly cleaned and disinfected whilst the rabbits were on holiday. Their nails are freshly clipped and the water bowl is checked twice daily and filled accordingly.

Please pop in with any other queries regarding the welfare of these rabbits.

[pommie]

why do they have the rabbits at the garden centre?

[Toddinator]

PennyPitstop,

I have also noticed these rabbits before - and the hutches are so small. They should be let out every day and have grass to graze on, even if it's just in a smallish run. Having animals in small cages at garden centres is the kind of thing we all grew up with in the 80's, not really appropriate for this day and age.

[bubbachumps]

Yes I can't even bear to go into that garden centre as I find it upsetting to see the rabbits looking so bored in a tiny hutch. When I did go in once the service was good but I don't want to support a business which thinks its customers want rabbits kept like that.