Owner has to give up pet bunny because it is too scary.

Be cautious when purchasing rabbits on sites like Gumtree, warns rescuer.

June 30th 2024.

Owner has to give up pet bunny because it is too scary.
A woman named Rachel Parsons, who works at Croydon Animal Samaritans, recently received a call from a distressed woman about her pet rabbit, Midge. The woman had purchased Midge, a 14-month-old Netherland Dwarf rabbit, from an ad on Gumtree, a popular website for buying and selling items. However, after six months of owning him, the woman became scared of Midge's aggressive behavior and reached out to Rachel for help.

Rachel is now warning others about the potential dangers of buying pets on sites like Gumtree. She explains that it's difficult to know the conditions the animals have been kept in and how they have been treated. In Midge's case, the owner mentioned that the breeder was unhelpful and did not want the rabbit back. Rachel tried to contact the breeder herself, but he was also uncooperative and even stated that he would dispose of any rabbits that were not up to his standards.

The breeder also mentioned that his rabbits were trained to be well-behaved and tidy, which raised concerns for Rachel. She believes that Midge's aggression could be due to being kept alone without a companion, as rabbits are social animals. The breeder, who is a part of the British Rabbit Council, has also been reported by Rachel to the council for his cruel practices. She explains that the council holds shows where rabbits are kept in cages and judged, which is outdated and inhumane.

Midge is currently in the care of a fosterer from a rabbit rescue group called Bunny Angels. Rachel says that he is showing improvement and has not shown any signs of aggression. She also mentions that it's essential for potential rabbit owners to research and understand the proper care for these animals, as well as the potential red flags to look out for when purchasing from sites like Gumtree.

A spokesperson from Gumtree assures that they take the welfare of animals listed on their site seriously and have guidelines in place for safe rehoming of pets. They have worked with animal welfare organizations to create these guidelines and urge potential buyers to read them before purchasing. They also encourage anyone with suspicions about a seller to contact their help desk immediately for assistance.

According to Croydon Animal Samaritans, there are currently over 100,000 rabbits in rescue centers across the UK. This highlights the importance of responsible and ethical pet ownership. It's crucial to thoroughly research and consider all factors before purchasing a pet. And if any red flags arise, it's best to reach out for help and support from organizations like Croydon Animal Samaritans.

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