The local RSPCA branch has issued a stark appeal after seeing a surge in abandoned rabbits across Milton Keynes and North Buckinghamshire. Staff say rescue spaces are full and that almost all the rabbits currently under their care arrived as strays.
Shelter at capacity as rescues see rising numbers
A spokesperson for RSPCA Milton Keynes and North Buckinghamshire said the branch is confronting what it described as a national rabbit welfare crisis reflected locally. They reported that around 90% of rabbits in their care are strays who have been abandoned, and that there are not enough suitable homes or rescue spaces for animals needing help.
“The UK is currently facing a rabbit welfare crisis, and sadly we’re seeing the devastating impact every single day here… At the moment, our rabbit accommodation is completely full.”
Staff emphasise that rabbits require long‑term commitment and care. The charity warned they are not suitable as “starter pets” for young children and that a hutch alone does not meet their welfare needs.
What a rescue says rabbits need
The branch set out practical requirements for keeping rabbits, underlining the difference between common assumptions and the animals’ actual needs. They offered advice to anyone considering bringing a rabbit into their home, and encouraged adoption or fostering where possible to relieve pressure on the shelter.
- A bonded rabbit companion
- A large, enriching living space beyond a simple hutch
- A healthy, balanced diet
- Regular veterinary care
- Daily interaction and mental stimulation
- A lifelong commitment (rabbits can live for 8–12 years)
| Issue | Local impact |
|---|---|
| Abandonment | Majority of current intakes are strays |
| Capacity | Rabbit accommodation currently full |
| Support requested | Adoptions, fostering and sharing social posts |
How residents can help
The RSPCA branch urged local people to consider several ways to assist while the shelter remains at capacity. They are offering free, friendly advice to those thinking about getting a rabbit and asked the public to share social media posts to widen the appeal for homes. Adoption and fostering were highlighted as the most direct ways to free up rescue space.
For anyone unsure about whether a rabbit is the right pet, the charity said it will help prospective owners assess their suitability and needs. The branch repeated its request for community support to ensure
