FLOSSY the rabbit, from Watford, is just one of the floppy-eared furries to become a "forgotten pet", the RSPCA warned Watford.

The RSPCA issued a "rabbit alert", as rabbits like Flossy endure squalor, solitude and even starvation in sub-standard hutches.

The group will visit Charter Place, Watford on Wednesday, August 21, as part of a region-wide campaign, launched on Monday, August 19.

Flossy was forced to live in eight centimetres of her own droppings and became emaciated, dropping to 40 per cent of her expected weight.

The owner of the lop-eared rabbit could not remember the last time she cleaned out the hutch and said she only fed Flossy two or three times a week.

RSPCA Inspector Mr Nigel Shelton found Flossy with no food or water in a hutch in a Watford back garden.

Inspector Shelton said: "The droppings in the hutch were so deep that I initially thought the rabbit was bedded on peat.

"Clearly, this rabbit endured a terrible ordeal she was hungry and dirty and was lucky not to fall ill as a result of the atrocious conditions she was living in."

The recovered rabbit was then re-homed following RSPCA care and her owner received a written caution.

Although it was a happy ending for Flossy, the RSPCA roadshow highlighted the plight of neglected bunnies and promoted rabbit welfare.

East central regional superintendent, Mr Martyn Hubbard, said: "While there are so many caring and responsible rabbit owners in the region, there are too many people who do not understand the time, commitment and money required to provide proper care."

The society has drawn up guidelines to help owners care properly for their rabbits.

For leaflets and booklets on rabbit care, telephone the RSPCA enquiries line on 0870 3335 999.

August 19, 2002 17:00