With Easter now just a month away one Dalmellington resident is calling on people to not purchase a rabbit for the holiday.

Marny Murphy, an ex nurse, says that if people must buy a rabbit, buy a toy one instead.

Pet ownership has gone up during lockdown with many people taking advantage of the extra time at home to care for them. But Marny was keen to warn of the extra responsibilities having a rabbit brings

She said: “Sadly during the last lockdown not just rabbits were purchased, but when restrictions were lifted, a lot of these animals were sent to rescues as people just didn’t have the same time for them any more.”

If anybody would know what it takes to care for a rabbit, it’s Marny, who owns 23 of the critters, many of them taken in from rescue centres and Crossriggs Vets in Cumnock.

She said: “A lot of people have this idea that you put rabbits in a cage and you leave it to it. But there’s so much more to it than that. I’d ask people to not buy a rabbit for Easter, but if any parents are considering buying a rabbit for their kids, they need to know that they are responsible for it, the child is not responsible for the rabbits welfare, it’s up to the parents to clean after it and make sure it’s healthy.”

Crossriggs vet Ian Senior said: “Rabbits make great pets. They are very social animals and enjoy being kept with other rabbits. Rabbits can live for ten years. They need plenty of space to hop around, a good diet, which should be mostly hay, and toys and games to keep them entertained. Pet rabbits should be vaccinated annually, ideally in the spring, against diseases such as myxomatosis. Please don’t buy a pet rabbit for Easter without first considering whether you can provide all of the above.”