The RSPCA has revealed it dealt with 65 incidents involving small furry pets - including rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters - in Oxfordshire last year.

The charity fears the rise of lockdown 'starter pets' could lead to an increase in neglect due to their complex needs.

Nationally, figures for people searching on Google for small pets to buy during lockdown soared compared to the year before, with searches for ‘rabbits for sale’ more than tripling from 18,000 in July 2019 to 65, 0000 in July 2020.

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The RSPCA rescue teams also took nearly 240 rabbits into its care during lockdown (23 March- 31 August) due to cruelty, neglect and abandonment.

Dr Jane Tyson, from the RSPCA’s Companion Animals Department, said: “Small furries can be fantastic pets to have, however they have a reputation as a good ‘starter pet’ for children as there is a misconception that they are easy to look after, but they actually have quite complex needs."

She added: “While we believe many people buy a rabbit, guinea pig, hamster or other small furry with good intentions, and many will also do their research, there is a risk that not enough research is being done and we are concerned that this could lead to an increase in neglect of small furries in the months to come."