Crisis as pets breed like rabbits

The number of dumped rabbits has doubled in Lincoln

Fast-breeding pairs of rabbits are adding to a crowding crisis at a Lincolnshire animal shelter.

Nearly 100 unwanted pet rabbits have been occupying cages at a shelter run by Lincoln's RSPCA branch.

The charity has stopped taking in more rabbits and says there is only enough funding to care for those already housed for two more months.

It says part of the problem is that pet shops are selling people breeding couples, instead of same-sex pairs.

The RSPCA has urged people to come forward to offer homes for the pets.

Waiting list

Marion Lee, who runs the Lincoln shelter said some families did not realise the amount of care the animals needed.

She said: "I think we've had a lot more in this year because people haven't put a lot of thought into it before they bought them.

"It could also be down to pet shops and farms giving away mixed sex pairs, instead of two boys or two girls."

The RSPCA has now put a waiting list system in place for new cases.