RSPCA Urging People To Rehome A Pet Rather Than Buy One

The number of people searching for rabbits for sale on Google tripled nationally in July compared to last year.

It's raised concerns for the RSPCA, which has issued a warning about animal neglect.

Last year they dealt with 9,277 incidents involving small furries* - around 25 a day.

This includes 95 incidents involving small furry pets - including rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters - in West Sussex last year.

However, nationally, figures for people searching on Google for small pets to buy during lockdown soared compared to the year before, with searches for 'rabbits for sale' more than tripling from 18,000 in July 2019 to 65, 0000 in July 2020.

Searches for 'hamsters for sale' tripled from 10,000 in July 2019 to 30,000 in July 2020 and 'guinea pigs for sale' doubled from 19,000 to 40,000.

This has lead to concerns by the RSPCA that many more animals will suffer from cruelty, neglect and abandonment this year.

Already, the RSPCA rescue teams have taken nearly 240 rabbits into care during lockdown (23 March- 31 August).

The charity is releasing the stats as it shines a light on small furries during the final week of Adoptober - a rehoming drive encouraging animal-lovers to adopt, don't shop.

Dr Jane Tyson, from the RSPCA's Companion Animals Department, said:

"Small furries can be fantastic pets to have, however they have a reputation as a good 'starter pet' for children as there is a misconception that they are easy to look after, but they actually have quite complex needs.

"For example, rabbits need to live in pairs as they are sociable animals - and need a much bigger space to explore and exercise in than just a hutch.

"During lockdown there seems to have been an increase in interest for starter pets, which may be because parents were at home with their children and so thought it was a good time to bring a new pet into the family.

"While we believe many people buy a rabbit, guinea pig, hamster or other small furry with good intentions, and many will also do their research, there is a risk that not enough research is being done and we are concerned that this could lead to an increase in neglect of small furries in the months to come.

"Adopting small furries from the RSPCA, either from our national centres or any of our branches around the country, will mean you will have all the information and advice you need to ensure your new pets are happy and healthy."

The RSPCA has hundreds of small furries currently looking for new homes, including:

Name: Gerbils
Age: Various
Where: Patcham Animal Centre, Brighton 
A bit about: Dozens of gerbils were rescued after a house fire this summer. Many have already found new homes but there are some left looking to find new families. 
Ideal home: Gerbils are active and intelligent so need an enclosure with lots of enrichment. They also live in social groups in the wild so need company. 
Why they're special: They've already overcome a lot and are beginning to come out of their shells so would love new homes where they can thrive. 
More information: Find out more about the gerbils online or contact Patcham on 01273 554218.

Under the current Covid rehoming protocols anyone interested in fostering or adopting an animal from the RSPCA should visit the website to see which animals are available near you and should check with their local centre for the current process applicable in that area.   

Due to the amount of interest they've been receiving and the impact of Covid on our staffing levels, centres are currently very busy at this time.

To find out more please visit www.rspca.org.uk/coronavirus. 

To offer an RSPCA rescue small furry a new home please visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet 

If you're not in a position to give a pet a home this October, you can still help thousands of animals in their care by donating at www.rspca.org.uk/adoptober, sponsoring a dog kennel or cat pod for just £1.50 a week, or supporting the work of your local RSPCA here