Jollyes, the nationwide pet superstore, has issued a warning against buying a bunny just because Sunday, 22 January, marked the start of the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Rabbit. 

As millions of people around the world prepare to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit, Jollyes is urging people to think twice about buying a pet bunny on impulse. 

Instead, it wants them to think hard about why they want a pet and to think about what they will need to make a pet comfortable and how much time they can devote to it. 

It follows Jollyes’ move in previous years to stop selling rabbits over Easter and prevent the risk of unwanted bunnies being abandoned. 

Jollyes’ Phil Turner-Naylor said: “Rabbits are one of the country’s most popular pets, but people should be prepared to look after them for life and shouldn’t be tempted to get one just because they’re in the news. 

“They make wonderful pets, but they can live for more than a decade, so would-be owners should read up on what’s involved and be prepared for the commitment of looking after them.” 

Jollyes top tips for looking after rabbits include: 

• They need room to hop, stretch, play and exercise 
• Feed them a healthy diet and make sure they have fresh, clean water 
• Rabbits are sociable animals and need the right kind of company 
• Check their bedding every day and clean regularly 
• Give them something safe to nibble on to keep their teeth healthy. 
• In each Jollyes’ store that has rabbits for sale, colleagues spend time each morning giving each of them a bunny cuddle ahead of opening.