THE nation's pet rabbits are suffering badly in the recession with many being abandoned as the realities of vet bills and upkeep costs strike home.

"I have taken in about 50 since the crisis started including 10 last week from a refuge in Wigan that has had to close because of costs," said Jane Fry of Carrot Tops Rabbit Rescue Centre in Ruspidge.

"Often it's because people have lost their jobs and can no longer afford to keep a pet," she said.

"But there's always the problem of children having rabbits when they are cute fluffy little babies then losing interest when they grow into adult animals."

A couple of the animals that Jane has taken in are in a really bad state of neglect and she is rearing them back to health. One has been so badly infected with mites that it has lost all its fur.

"Luckily I know someone who knits doll's clothing and she very kindly knitted a little jumper for the rabbit," said Jane.

Rehoming is fortunately proving quite successful...the animals are all neutered and Jane will only release them in pairs so that they have company.