EL_JF17 ONline

Animal services
Abandoned rabbits – a cruel fate
Do not release domestic rabbits into the wild!
If you become bored of your rabbit and think the answer
would be to release your cuddly pet into the freedom of
the wild – think again. The reality is that you would be
sending your pet to a cruel death. It is actually an offence
to abandon a rabbit, for very good reasons:
• Domestic rabbits are often a variety of colours, including
white. Wild rabbits have an agouti coat that provides
camouflage from predators.
• Wild rabbits forage and create warrens as a family group
for safety. A single, abandoned rabbit rarely strays far
from where it has been left and is easy prey for dogs,
cats and a multitude of wild predators.
• Domesticated rabbits have no idea what plants are safe
to eat or where water can be found to drink.
• Wild rabbits are wary of busy roads. Domesticated
rabbits have no such instinct.
If you are thinking of releasing a domestic rabbit into the
wild – please think again. It deserves better treatment.
Chubby pets – weigh too much!
Our four legged friends are just as
prone as we are to adding a few
extra pounds over Christmas. Treats
and leftovers are too much to resist!
Unfortunately, a few inches on the
waistline can dramatically increase the
number of health problems for cats
and dogs.
Nicky, vet nurse from the Vet Centre
at Maids Moreton, says, “Many of the
dogs that are overweight develop
arthritis at a much earlier age, making
walking uncomfortable and really
impacting on their quality of life. We can
manage the pain once they have it but
we would prefer owners to avoid letting
their pets getting into this situation.”
Overweight pets are also prone
to many other conditions such as
diabetes, respiratory problems and
urinary issues. David, vet from the Vet
Centre, says, “Treats have a very high
calorie count (that’s why they’re so
tasty!) and are one of the main culprits
for causing weight gain. It is so hard
to resist those big eyes pleading for
a treat! A good solution is to either
use low-fat treats or to measure
out all their food for the day in the
morning. Take a few biscuits from their
measured portions to use as treats.
They still get the reward of having a
treat but none of the extra calories.”
The other great way to help shed
a few pounds is to increase exercise
levels. For dogs this means longer
walks and retrieving. Just think of the
benefits that the extra walking can
bring for you too!
It can be a bit more challenging for
cats but playing games with them can
help – Good luck for 2017!
Contact The Vet Centre Cherry Lane Garden Centre, Potterspury, NN12 7QN
01280 812057 or 01908 542155 visit www.thevetcentre.ltd.uk for more information.
10
Please mention Essentially Local when responding to adverts