A rise in interest of ‘starter pets’ during lockdown could lead to an increase in neglect due to their complex needs, the RSPCA has warned.
The message comes as the RSPCA reveals it dealt with 28 incidents involving small furry pets – including rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters – on the Isle of Wight last year.
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 65,000 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.
The RSPCA rescue teams also took nearly 240 rabbits into its care during lockdown (23rd March – 31st August) due to cruelty, neglect and abandonment.
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.
Last year, the RSPCA dealt with 9,277 incidents involving small furries – around 25 a day. This includes 28 incidents in the Isle of Wight.
The RSPCA has hundreds of small furries currently looking for new homes, including…
Names: Iris and Ciara
Age: Iris is a 2 1/2 yr old English Spot cross and Ciara is a 2yr old crossbreed
Where: RSPCA Isle of Wight Godshill Animal Centre
Why are they so special: They are mother and daughter and came into care as the previous owner could no longer care for them.
A bit about:. Ciara is an inquisitive rabbit and will come over to you for a piece of veg. Both bunnies are nervous when being touched, so will need someone who can give them the space to settle. Iris is the more shy of the two and will often avoid human interaction. Both bunnies get along well most of the time. They do have the occasional argument so do require a fair amount of space so they can have some time away from each other when needed. For this reason we would like them to have a fair size accommodation of no less than a 6ft x 4 ft shed / hutch area with an outside run attached of a similar size that they can have constant access to.
More information: To find out more about how to adopt Iris and Ciara please visit their page
Breed: Four adult male Degus
Where: RSPCA Isle of Wight Godshill Animal Centre
Why are they so special: They are looking for a home together as they adore each other’s company and are always snuggling up together.
A bit about:. They arrived at the centre from the mainland, where a large group of Degus needed rehoming.
More information: To find out more about how to adopt the boys please visit their page.
To offer an RSPCA rescue small furry a new home please visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet to find your perfect match.
