A member of staff from Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre in Somerset raised £500 for two rabbit welfare charities last Saturday by penning herself into an indoor dog crate.

Rosa Nation, Pet Advisor at the Monkton Heathfield garden centre, shut herself in the crate for nine hours in aid of the Rabbit Welfare Association and Heaven’s Gate Rehoming Centre.

The 23-year-old said: “The fundraiser was a huge success, thank you to everyone who supported me. I’m delighted to have raised £501.18 for two very worthy causes.

“Rabbits are one of the most neglected animals in the UK and I wanted to experience what life is really like for a neglected rabbit.

“I was very stiff after being cooped up for nine hours but I hope I’ve made people realise it is a very serious animal welfare issue.”

Rosa also featured on BBC Radio 2 last Friday to raise awareness of neglected rabbits.

The Rabbit Welfare Association works to improve the lives of domestic rabbits across the UK through education and communication.

Heaven’s Gate Rehoming Centre cares for and re-homes animals, including rabbits, which are unwanted or looking for a new home for other reasons.

Rosa, who is from Taunton, added: “Rabbits often live in small hutches with little or no exercise and they can also become unwanted and forgotten about.

“It’s important that people take responsibility for all kinds of pets, not just rabbits, and should consider whether or not they can care for an animal for more than 10 years.

“Many people believe a simple three foot hutch is an ideal home for a rabbit, but the animals need a run to enable them to get extra exercise. The Pet & Reptile Centre currently stocks larger hutches, which are ideal for pet rabbits.

“Staff at The Pet & Reptile Centre are able to offer expert advice on looking after animals and selecting the right pet for you.”