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Anyone wanting to bring the Easter Bunny to life by adopting a rabbit is being asked to think again – as charity bosses warn they are among the most neglected types of pet in Britain.

Hundreds of thousands are left pining and miserable in hutches which are far too small, and are given unsuitable food.

Now the PDSA is pleading with would-be owners to consider the consequences of getting an animal they may not care for properly.

The warning coincides with the cinema release of Peter Rabbit, the children’s film based on the tales of Beatrix Potter about cute bunnies living in a veg garden.

(Image: Moment Open)

Meanwhile Pets at Home is suspending sales of rabbits in its 440 stores over Easter and instead running educational workshops on how to look after them.

Charities and vets say the scale of neglect of rabbits is reaching crisis point.

PDSA vet Olivia Anderson-Nathan said: “Sadly, we see the consequences of too many rabbits simply being ignored.

“Hundreds of thousands of bored and lonely bunnies live in unsuitable conditions, being fed inappropriate diets. This is resulting in serious health problems.”

Rabbits were popularised in the 1970s by Watership Down, the book which inspired a film of the same name.

But research from the annual PDSA Animal Wellbeing Report shows 35% are inadequately housed and 56% live alone despite being highly social creatures.

The report found 50% of household rabbits have not been vaccinated against deadly disease and 92% of owners have underestimated the cost of keeping them.

Olivia added: “Our annual report has shown us repeatedly that one of the top rabbit concerns of professionals is a complete lack of care.”

Advice on caring for bunnies includes providing fresh hay and greens every day. Items high in sugar, such as apples and carrots, should be given in small amounts.

Hutches or pens should be big enough to run and hop around, at least 10ft wide by 6ft long and 3ft high.