'Don't forget about your pet rabbit'

Cute, doe-eyed and cuddly, bunnies are hard to resist as pets.

But according to the RSPCA, they have become one of the most neglected and forgotten pets in the region.

RSPCA officers have come across horrific cases where the animals have been kept in cramped, filthy cages, starved to death, denied access to water and vital veterinary treatment and generally abandoned and ignored.

It is now launching a campaign in a bid to raise standards of care.

Last year, the north region, which includes East Yorkshire, received a total of 1,402 calls relating to incidents of rabbit cruelty, neglect or abandonment, including 59 calls about rabbits being unlawfully killed and 38 calls to report rabbits being attacked.

Alan Wolinski, RSPCA north regional manager, said: "These figures are worrying and show the neglect and abuse suffered by hundreds of rabbits across the north.

"With proper space, companionship, exercise and daily care, a rabbit can have a good quality of life and be a loving pet.

"Sadly, many are kept in small hutches out of sight where they all too easily become forgotten pets."

Pet owners in East Yorkshire were among those taken to court after neglecting rabbits.

A Hornsea couple let their sick rabbit die rather than seek veterinary treatment.

The rabbit weighed only 1.7kg, almost 2kg under the average weight for a healthy rabbit of its size.

They were banned from keeping rabbits for a year.

A Hull woman allowed her pet rabbit to starve to death in a hutch in her back garden.

She was banned from keeping animals for five years.

RSPCA branches in East Yorkshire will be holding events during Rabbit Action Week to educate pet owners.

Running from Saturday, March 28, to Sunday, April 5, the week aims to encourage people to find out more about what taking on a rabbit involves. Free health checks, micro-chipping and neutering vouchers will be available.

*The Hull and East Riding branch event will take place at Pets At Home, St Andrew's Quay, Hull, on Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm.

*The Bridlington and District branch event will be at Bridlington North Library in Martongate on Saturday, April 4, from 1.30pm to 4pm.

*The Goole and District branch event will take place at the Scout Hut, Dunhill Road, Goole, on Saturday, April 4, from 1pm to 3pm.