THEY are cute, they are cuddly and they can make great pets.

But not every Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail ends up in a luxury hutch.

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RSPCA volunteers in Bolton are currently facing their busiest time of the year as they struggle to cope with an influx of abandoned pets.

A survey released this month by the animal charity revealed that rabbits are the most abused domestic pets in England and Wales with 35,000 abandoned every year.

Animal welfare volunteer Lindsay Atherton, has spent the past 14 years caring for rabbits.

Mrs Atherton, aged 31, of Plodder Lane, Farnworth, has fostered more than 2,000 rabbits which have been abandoned, have strayed or have been cruelly treated.

She said: "Our busiest time of the year is usually November or December and we stay busy until spring.

"We start getting a lot more calls after the clocks go back, from people who don't want to go out in the wet and cold to look after their rabbits.

"People also tend to have a clear out just before Christmas to make way for all their new presents.

"The most rabbits I've fostered at any one time is about 40.

"We put in extra cages and do the best we can. The alternative would be to have them put to sleep and I just couldn't let that happen.

"We try to get them rehomed as soon as possible - unfortunately there are fewer homes at this time of year."

One of the latest guests at her home was eight-week-old Sweep, who was found abandoned on a street in Farnworth.

Sweep was rescued by an RSPCA volunteer but had been attacked by another animal and had a large wound on its back which required an operation.

It is hoped Sweep will be rehomed soon.

Mrs Atherton's reputation as the rabbit lady of Bolton means she is often contacted at all hours of the day and night by members of the public; local vets and animal collection officers who have a rabbit that needs rehoming.

She said: "Rabbits can make fantastic pets but they are a commitment because they do need a lot of care and space to exercise.

"You can't keep them hutched 24 hours a day and it's best to keep them in pairs, preferably a neutered male and female."

To contact Bolton RSPCA call 01204 521160