The RSPCA in Essex has seen an influx of rabbits and small pets whose owners can no longer care for them - and urges people not to buy pets on impulse this Easter.

Riana the gerbil, pictured here, was found abandoned and is now being cared for by the local RSPCA.

The tiny pet is one of 45 small animals to arrive at the charity's Danaher animal home in Essex since the start of March.

Creatures to arrive at the Essex branch in Braintree during March include rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, gerbils, rats, hamsters and chinchillas. Many of these came into the charity's care because they were abandoned or as their owners could no longer care for them.

Craig Horsler, animal care manager at the RSPCA Danaher Animal Home, said: "We're not sure why we've seen a bit of an influx of rabbits and small furries coming into our care over the last month or so.

"We do find that these pets can often be bought as a 'starter pet' for children and particularly with there being such a demand for pets in lockdown, we are concerned that some families may have bought them on impulse and have found that now the kids have gone back to school perhaps the novelty has worn off or they're struggling to cope."

With a huge surge in interest for pet ownership during the lockdown, the charity is concerned that spring will worsen the situation. There is typically a spike in families wanting to buy or rehome rabbits over Easter so the RSPCA is urging owners to do their research before committing to a pet.

Dr Jane Tyson, RSPCA rabbit and rodent expert, said: "This Easter and beyond we are urging people not to buy a rabbit, or any pet, on an impulse as sadly many people may not realise what is involved in caring for them. Small doesn't necessarily mean easy and we're already beginning to see the impact of the lockdown with owners struggling to care for their small pets. We'd always ask prospective owners to please do their research and make sure they have the time, money and resources to be able to care for that animal for the rest of their lives."

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Google searches nationally for 'Rabbits for sale' rose from 23,000 in April 2019 to 40,000 in April 2020. Searches for 'Guinea Pigs for sale' rose by 233 per cent from January to July 2020 and 'Hamsters for sale' saw a 200 per cent increase in July 2020 compared to the previous year.