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Egton woman's concern at Easter rabbits sale
AN Egton Bridge woman who runs a retreat for rabbits is pleading with Whitby people to end their sale as Easter presents.
The UK Make Mine Chocolate campaign aims to raise awareness of the sad plight of the thousands of pet rabbits bought as presents at Easter and then abandoned months if not weeks later.
Halina Varga, of The Rabbit Retreat at Southside Farm in Egton Bridge, said: "The idea of buying a cute fluffy pet rabbit for a child is never more appealing than Easter.
"However, many impulse purchases of rabbits end up in tragedy with new figures revealing that over 35,000 rabbits are currently abandoned into rescue centres.
"If not abandoned, many suffer a life of solitary confinement at the bottom of the garden as the owner becomes bored with their purchase.
"The campaign warns against the impulse buying of rabbits as pets and is encouraging an alternative Easter gift this year – a chocolate or toy rabbit instead.
"Rabbits are a big commitment and require as much time, effort and love as cats and dogs.
''A well cared for, healthy rabbit can live for 10 years or more providing it has the correct diet, housing, health checks and space for exercise. The campaign encourages people to buy chocolate or cuddly bunnies instead of impulse-buying the real thing.
"For those who are aready owners, the campaign will help them to understand more about what is needed to care for a rabbit.
"The campaign is backed by the RSPCA. Please help to spread the message and ensure rabbits have a happy Easter this year, too.
Make Mine Chocolate is working hard to spread the message that 'chocolate is a treat, rabbits are a commitment'.
''A long-term campaign to end the sale of rabbits as Easter presents suggests buying coloured bunny badges will help to raise money to highlight the plight of Easter bunnies everywhere.
''Just like a real rabbit, the badge will still be with you in 10 years time.''
Visit The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund's website to find information to decide if rabbits are right for you and your family, or to find out what you need to do to ensure your rabbits have a happy and healthy life.
Located in Egton Bridge, the Rabbit Retreat offers boarding for pet rabbits and guinea pigs.
Accommodation consists of outdoor hutches with access to large outside runs, weather permitting.
Further information at www.makeminechocolate.co.uk
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Weather for Whitby
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -5 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
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Temperature: -3 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
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