Scotland's animal welfare charity is hosting its very first Rabbit Awareness Day on Saturday, July 24.

People are invited to come along to its local animal rescue and rehoming centre at Balerno, Edinburgh, to learn more about rabbit care and meet some of the many abandoned, unwanted and neglected bunnies all desperately seeking a second chance in a loving new home.

The charity is also increasing its efforts to educate children about rabbit care through its new educational programme which is offered free of charge to all Scottish primary schools.

In 2009 the Scottish SPCA rehomed 505 rabbits and it expects to take in even more in 2010, with over 350 rabbits cared for in the first six months of the year.

Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre Manager, Diane Stewart, said: "Lots of people are aware that the Scottish SPCA rescues and cares for cats and dogs, but far less people know that we look after a huge number of small pets, and bunnies in particular.

"Rabbits are often given to children as gifts. They can be great fun at first but when the novelty of a new pet wears off the parents are often left to clean up and care for the rabbit, which can live for over eight years.

"This leads to rabbits becoming unwanted and many are handed in to our centres, abandoned outdoors or cruelly neglected.

"We are inviting anyone who is considering getting a rabbit to come along and meet some of the bunnies in our care.

"People are also very welcome to ask our staff any questions they might have about how to provide for their rabbit's needs.

"There are so many homeless rabbits in this country that deserve a second chance.

"Buying a new pet from a shop or a breeder isn't the only way to give a bunny a home."

editorial@journalandgazette.co.uk