Sales of pet rabbits increase dramatically at the start of the summer holidays and the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) is asking parents to think carefully before choosing them as pets.

RWAF CEO Rae Todd said: "Rabbits are seen as an easy way to keep kids occupied but the reality is that when the weather turns cold and wet, cleaning out and caring for the animals becomes less attractive and it's the rabbits that pay the price, either through neglect or abandonment.

"We ask that parents look carefully at what's involved before committing to rabbits as pets, and bear in mind that they can live for 10 years or more."

And the figures back up the RWAF's claims. Two hundred rabbits go into rescue in the UK every day, and many thousands more lead solitary lives of misery, all but ignored at the bottom of the garden.

But what about those who have looked into everything that's involved and feel they have the time and commitment to give a pair of rabbits a good home? According to the RWAF, rescue shelters are the place to go.

The charity says it's inundated with calls to its helpline from people who have ended up with more than they bargained for because petshop-bought bunnies have been mis-sexed.

Owners can end up with a litter of eight or more, with another litter on the way by the time they realise. This is not only adding to the number of unwanted rabbits and the pressure on rescues, but it's an awful situation for the owners themselves to deal with. This can be avoided as Emma Boyd, trustee of RWAF and founder member of Buddies Bunny Rescue in Midlothian, points out: "Rescue rabbits are already neutered and vaccinated so it's a no-brainer for the owner, and of course by taking on rescue rabbits they'll be freeing up much needed space in the shelter."

"Are rabbits for me?" – chapter 1 of the RWAF's comprehensive care guide "Hop To It"  – is compulsory reading for anyone considering rabbits as pets. It's free to download at www.rwaf.org.uk/hoptoit