Don't just Hop to the shop!

UK’s third most popular pet needs help to stem tide of movie pet trends

31.08.11

We’ve teamed up with Universal Pictures, distributors behind the animated film HOP, to remind people to think carefully before buying a rabbit, following the films release.

HOP, which was released on Blu-ray™ and DVD on Monday, 29 August, is the story of E.B, a fluffy bunny with attitude.

The film features a star studded cast with the voices of Russell Brand, Hugh Laurie, Hank Azaria and The Hoff himself, making this laugh out loud family comedy a must-see.

Take a look behind the scenes in the short clip below:

Films spark demand for unusual pets

Popular films have always sparked demand for unusual pets – when the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle films were released in the 1990s this led to a craze for buying terrapins. Since the release of the Harry Potter films in the 2000s, we have received many enquiries from parents looking to rehome owls.

Dr James Yeates, from our companion animals department, said:

Sadly many owners who buy animals on impulse after seeing a film or TV show often lose interest in these animals, or feel unable to look after them anymore. So they end up dumped into the wild or at animal centres.

Anyone thinking of getting a rabbit should first carefully decide whether they have the time, money and space to look after that animal properly for the whole of its life. They are not easy pets, as they have very complex needs in order to live happy, healthy lives.

Raising the standards for rabbit welfare

We’re campaigning to raise awareness and increase understanding about rabbits’ welfare needs.

Although rabbits are the UK’s third most popular pet, thousands come through our doors every year after being abandoned, rescued by inspectors or brought in by owners who can no longer look after them.

Nick Alder, brand manager at Universal Pictures, said:

Looking after E.B in the film HOP was hard enough but he’s an animated rabbit. Owning a real pet rabbit is a big commitment.

In real life, rabbits are no less complex or interesting and although they are often thought as an ideal ‘starter’ pet for children, this is simply not the case.

Read more about our journey to improve rabbit welfare and find out how you can get involved in our pet rabbits campaign.

 

Adopting a rabbit

Nick Alder continued:

If parents do want to buy a rabbit, then why not HOP along to a rescue centre and give a bunny a home that really needs one!

To view the rabbits available for rehoming at our animal centres visit our pet search.

Think first...

Please remember that pet ownership takes time, money, commitment and patience - owning a pet is likely to change your life completely.