An RSPCA animal centre is appealing for new homes for an influx of unwanted bunnies.

Southridge Animal Centre in Potters Bar is currently caring for 22 domestic rabbits which have been abandoned or handed back after owners realised they were unable to care for them.

One group of 11 – including two mums and seven babies - were picked up by an inspector from an address in Edgware last Tuesday.

The owner was struggling to cope after the rabbits, who had not been neutered, had been left to roam inside the home and began to breed.

The centre also has a pair of Angora rabbits, called Rosie and Jim, who were found living in a tiny cupboard without any natural light or food.

Animal care assistant Kerry Barnes said: “We are full to the brim with rabbits at the moment and desperate for people to come forward and take care of them. It is hard to know why exactly, but spring and pregnancies could be a reason.

“People do not always realise how difficult rabbits can be to care for, which is why we see so many of them come to us for care.

“They need a very specific diet, can get very stressed in very noisy households and are social animals which need to be rehomed in pairs.”

To give a bunny a new home call Southridge Animal Centre on 0300 123 0704.