Local RSPCA inundated with rabbits and guinea pigs needing new homes

Local RSPCA animal shelter Little Valley, which is based just outside Exeter by Pocombe Bridge on the road to Longdown, is desperately seeking new homes for an influx of fluffy bunnies and cute guinea pigs in their care. 2013 was a very bad year for rabbits and guinea pigs, with many more being abandoned or rescued from neglectful homes where they had been mistreated or left to breed unhindered and do what what bunnies and guinea piggies do! One influx of guinea pigs at least quadrupled in size with the arrival of lots of baby piggies!

New homes are needed for all these new stray and abandoned animals - instead of buying from a pet shop, can you help?

Little Valley rehome rabbits and guinea pigs in pairs or singly if they are to live with another of the same species. They do not rehome rabbits and guinea pigs to live together and would not encourage this, as they generally don't get on very well.

For rabbits, a minimum size hutch of 6ft with a run of at least 18 sq ft is required. This is because rabbits are the UK's most neglected pet - often left for long hours in tiny hutches, forgotten at the end of the garden. Rabbits are sociable creatures and require lots of interaction and stimulation, so the bigger the hutch and run the better for their well being. The adoption fee for rabbits is £15, reduced to £25 if adopting a pair.

Guinea pigs need a mimum size hutch of 4ft x 2ft with an attached run. The adoption fee for guinea pigs is £12, reduced to £20 if adopting a pair.

Remember that the fee you pay to Little Valley includes things such as vaccinations, worming, deflea treatment and general health checks. Adult rabbit are neutered prior to adoption and neutering vouchers will be issued for kittens. Guinea pigs are not usually neutered but can be on veterinary advice. Little Valley are always available on the end of the phone should you require any further advice or information about your newly adopted pet.

Please consider adopting a rescued animal rather than buying from a pet shop - make it your New Year's Resolution! Little Valley is open every day except Wednesday from 11am until 4pm. Tel: 01392 439898. Further animals can be viewed on the website at: http://www.rspca-littlevalley.org.uk